If you’re craving something hearty, tender, and packed with flavor, this BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a must-try! Pulled pork is a classic American comfort food that is perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or a satisfying meal on a weeknight. What makes this recipe even better? It’s completely gluten-free! Whether served on a gluten-free bun, as a topping for a salad, or paired with your favorite gluten-free side dish, this BBQ pulled pork is versatile, easy to make, and full of smoky, tangy goodness.
Slow-cooked until tender and shredded to perfection, this dish is ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciously juicy, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ pulled pork!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pulled Pork
- Naturally Gluten-Free: With simple ingredients and no gluten-containing additives, this recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Tender & Flavorful: The pork is slow-cooked until it’s so tender, it practically falls apart, soaking up all the rich, tangy BBQ flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a family dinner, or preparing for a meal prep week, this pulled pork is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: You can enjoy this pulled pork on gluten-free buns, in tacos, or served with sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a flavorful BBQ pulled pork—just a few simple seasonings and pork shoulder.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless) | 3-4 lbs |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 2 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| BBQ sauce (gluten-free) | 1 cup |
| Honey (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
- Prep the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the pork, then season it with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Be sure to coat the pork evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Sear the Pork (Optional): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil and sear the pork on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s browned. This step helps to lock in the flavors, but you can skip it if you prefer.
- Slow-Cook the Pork: Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar and water to the slow cooker, and cover with the lid. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and lemon juice. Adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you prefer the sauce.
- Toss with BBQ Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, pour the BBQ sauce over the meat, and toss to coat evenly. Let the pork sit in the sauce on warm for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the BBQ pulled pork on gluten-free buns, in tacos, or with your favorite sides. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or slaw. Enjoy!
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-350 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30 grams |
| Total Fat | 18-22 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 6-8 grams |
| Cholesterol | 80-100 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8-12 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2 grams |
| Sugar | 6-8 grams |
| Vitamin A | 2% of the daily value |
| Vitamin C | 5% of the daily value |
| Calcium | 4% of the daily value |
| Iron | 10% of the daily value |
| Potassium | 400-500 mg |
This BBQ Pulled Pork is a mouth-watering, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender, flavorful, and gluten-free, this recipe is sure to please your whole family. It’s versatile, easy to make, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether served on gluten-free buns or in tacos, it’s the perfect dish for any BBQ or casual dinner.
So fire up your slow cooker and enjoy a comforting, gluten-free meal that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make!
