Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (Gluten Free + Low Carb)
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that practically cooks itself, this Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is about to become a family favorite. With just a simple homemade dry rub, a pork shoulder, and a slow cooker, you’ll end up with incredibly tender, juicy pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, salads, tacos, meal prep, and more.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. My family loves piling it onto gluten-free buns with barbecue sauce and coleslaw, while I often enjoy mine low carb over a salad or in lettuce wraps. Since the barbecue sauce is served on the side, everyone can customize their own meal.
The best part? The slow cooker does almost all the work!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally gluten free
- Low carb and keto-friendly without the brown sugar
- Only 7 simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Freezer friendly
- Juicy, tender pulled pork every time
- Great for sandwiches, bowls, salads, tacos, and wraps
Ingredients
- 2–3 pound pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
Ingredient Notes
Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder has plenty of marbling, making it the perfect cut for slow cooking. The fat slowly melts while cooking, creating incredibly tender pulled pork.
Brown Sugar
The brown sugar helps balance the spices and creates a beautiful bark on the outside of the pork. If you’re following a strict low-carb or keto diet, simply omit the brown sugar.
Smoked Paprika
This adds an amazing smoky flavor without needing a smoker.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Step 1
Spray your slow cooker with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
Mix well.
Step 3
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
Rub the seasoning mixture over every side of the pork, pressing it into the meat.
Step 4
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder inside.
Step 5
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 8–10 hours (recommended)
- HIGH: 5–6 hours
The pork is finished when it easily shreds with two forks.
Step 6
Remove the pork from the slow cooker.
Transfer it to a large cutting board or baking sheet and shred using two forks.
Discard any large pieces of fat.
Step 7
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the cooking juices to keep it moist.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This pulled pork is incredibly versatile.
Serve it:
- On gluten free hamburger buns or Schar ciabatta rolls with barbecue sauce
- Over cauliflower rice
- In lettuce wraps
- On baked sweet potatoes
- Over mashed potatoes
- In tacos
- In quesadillas
- On nachos
- Over salads
- In rice bowls
Keep It Low Carb
Skip the bun and enjoy your pulled pork:
- Over a chopped salad
- In lettuce wraps
- Stuffed into bell peppers
- With roasted vegetables
- On cauliflower mash
Gluten Free Tips
This recipe itself is naturally gluten free.
If serving as sandwiches:
- Use your favorite gluten free buns.
- Double-check that your barbecue sauce is certified gluten free.
- Be mindful of cross-contamination if serving guests with celiac disease.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Pulled pork freezes beautifully.
Allow it to cool completely before placing it into freezer-safe bags or containers with a little of the cooking liquid.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the juiciest leftovers:
- Microwave with a splash of the cooking juices.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Warm in a slow cooker on LOW until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork loin instead?
You can, but pork shoulder stays much juicier because of its higher fat content.
Do I need to sear the pork first?
No. This recipe is designed to be as easy as possible. The slow cooker develops plenty of flavor on its own.
Can I add barbecue sauce while it cooks?
I recommend waiting until serving. Keeping the pork neutral makes it much more versatile for meal prep and allows everyone to add as much or as little barbecue sauce as they like.
Why add water?
The water helps create steam during cooking, keeping the pork moist while also creating flavorful juices to mix back into the shredded meat.
Jess’s Tips
- Cook on LOW whenever possible for the most tender pork.
- Let the meat rest for about 10 minutes before shredding.
- Mix the shredded pork back into the cooking juices so every bite stays moist.
- Toast your gluten-free buns before serving for the best texture.
- Serve with coleslaw and your favorite gluten-free barbecue sauce for the ultimate pulled pork sandwich.
Pairs Well With…
Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (Gluten Free + Low Carb)
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound pork shoulder
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
- olive or avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with olive or avocado oil spray.
- Combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the seasoning mixture over all sides.
- Pour the water into the slow cooker and place the pork inside.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.
- Remove the pork and shred with two forks.
- Return the meat to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking juices.
- Serve on gluten free buns with barbecue sauce or enjoy low carb in lettuce wraps or over salads.
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