Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) boneless pork shoulder (butt roast), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) chili powder
  • 1 tsp (5ml) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (5ml) onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Worcestershire sauce (check for added sugar)
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) liquid smoke (optional)
  • 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) Sugar free brown sugar sweetener
  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (Optional Garnishes)
  • Sugar-free BBQ sauce (Optional Garnishes)

Instructions:

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large chunks.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides until browned (this adds flavour!).
  3. In the same skillet (or directly in the crockpot if not searing), sauté chopped onion until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  5. Place the seared pork (or unseared pork if skipping searing) in the crockpot. Sprinkle with the spice mixture. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, liquid smoke (if using) and sweetener.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
  8. Remove the pork from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot with the cooking liquid. Stir to coat.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve hot with your favourite low-carb sides.