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Tender Dairy-Free Keto Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Whole30 Pulled Pork for Beginners

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A tender, dairy-free, keto-friendly pulled pork recipe that is Whole30-compliant, easy to prepare, and perfect for beginners. Slow braised to juicy perfection with a flavorful spice rub.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), well-marbled
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or water (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) – optional

Instructions

  1. Trim and pat dry the pork shoulder, removing any thick fat caps but leaving some marbling for flavor. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to get a nice sear. (Time: 5 minutes)
  2. Mix the spice rub by combining smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Drizzle the pork shoulder with olive oil, then massage the spice rub thoroughly all over the meat, coating every nook and cranny. Let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes if time allows.
  4. Preheat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the pork shoulder in and sear on all sides until a deep golden-brown crust forms, about 3–4 minutes per side. Use tongs to turn the meat.
  5. Remove the pork temporarily. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the pork to the pot. If using, tuck in fresh herbs around the meat.
  6. Cover and braise on low heat for about 3–4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid, adding water or broth if it looks dry. The pork is done when fork-tender and pulls apart easily. (If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6–8 hours.)
  7. Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large chunks of fat. Return the shredded pork to the cooking juices for extra moisture and flavor.
  8. Taste the pulled pork and add extra salt or a splash more apple cider vinegar if desired.

Notes

Do not skip searing to lock in juices and build flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of about 195°F (90°C) for perfect shredding. Rest the meat before shredding to retain moisture. If pork seems dry after shredding, stir in a few tablespoons of braising liquid or a drizzle of olive oil. Slow cooker and Instant Pot adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/tender-dairy-free-keto-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-whole30-pulled-pork-for-beginners/