Although it requires a lot of patience, pulled pork doesn’t actually require a great deal of time in the kitchen. First, cure it overnight in the fridge, then cook it slowly for 5 hours – and you have a seriously juicy, melt-in-the-mouth cut of meat.

The tricky part is getting the balance of flavours right, but you just can’t beat the classic smoky BBQ. The dry rub is packed with complex flavours, whilst the apple BBQ sauce is the perfect complement – and sugar-free to boot!

This recipe is perfect for a weekend meal when you have a bit more time to spend on cooking. The result is a tender and flavourful pulled pork that pairs perfectly with the tangy apple BBQ sauce. It's a dish that will impress your family and friends while staying true to your Paleo lifestyle.

Smoky Pulled Pork with Sugar Free Apple BBQ Sauce paleo recipe-min
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5 from 1 vote

Recipe: Smoky Pulled Pork with Sugar Free Apple BBQ Sauce

This Smoky Pulled Pork with Sugar-Free Apple BBQ Sauce is a tender and flavourful dish perfect for Paleo enthusiasts. Additionally, the combination of a smoky dry rub and a tangy apple BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that's worth the wait.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Paleo
Keyword: Healthy BBQ, Paleo Pulled Pork, Slow Cooked Pork, Smoky Pulled Pork, Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
Servings: 6
Calories: 400kcal
Cost: 30

Equipment

  • Mortar and pestle
  • Roasting Dish
  • Saucepan

Ingredients

Smoky Pulled Pork Ingredients

  • 1 pork shoulder approx. 2kg
  • 50 ml Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Sea Salt

For the marinade

  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp chipotle paste
  • 2 fat garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 heaped tbsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp blackstrap molasses

For the Apple BBQ Sauce

  • 250 ml tomato passata
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 heaped tbsp unsweetened applesauce
  • 50 ml apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  • To prepare your pork the night before cooking, start by removing the skin and placing it in a large food bag. Add vinegar and sprinkle sea salt over it. Seal the bag tightly and shake it well before refrigerating overnight.
  • The following day, create your marinade by crushing coriander, fennel, black peppercorns, and cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle. Incorporate the remaining ingredients into the mixture, ensuring they blend into a smooth paste. Set this aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 220°C / 425°F. Rub the prepared marinade thoroughly over the pork, ensuring it permeates every part. Place the pork in a roasting dish lined with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 140°C / 275°F, cover loosely with foil, and continue roasting for 5 hours.
  • Thirty minutes before serving, begin preparing the BBQ sauce by heating the passata in a saucepan until it simmers. Stir in the remaining ingredients, ensuring they mix well. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 10 minutes until it reduces by half.
  • Finally, remove the pork from the oven and shred it using a fork to achieve pulled pork consistency. Serve with a generous serving of the prepared BBQ sauce.
Smoky Pulled Pork with Sugar Free Apple BBQ Sauce paleo recipe-min

Creating this Smoky Pulled Pork with Sugar-Free Apple BBQ Sauce allows you to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal while aligning with your Paleo lifestyle. Additionally, combination of smoky spices and tangy apple BBQ sauce provides a delightful balance of flavours that will make your dinner special. Furthermore, this dish is perfect for those looking to maintain a grain-free and dairy-free diet while still enjoying delicious and hearty meals.

Moreover, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. It’s an excellent option for family dinners or gatherings with friends, ensuring everyone can enjoy a nutritious and flavourful meal.

For more delicious Paleo recipes, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and then follow us on social media! Please let us know how you enjoyed this Smoky Pulled Pork with Sugar-Free Apple BBQ Sauce in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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