Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (No Sugar)
This pulled pork tenderloin recipe is leaner than traditional pulled pork but still comes out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. And it’s just as good piled on a bun with slaw as it is served over rice or tucked into tacos. The slow cooker does all the work, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
It’s not just for sandwiches either. It works for tacos, bowls, salads, and even breakfast hash if you’re feeling creative.
If you like this recipe, check out my Slow Cooker Kalua Pork, Mexican Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas, or Slow Cooked Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce. They’re all weeknight-friendly and totally stress-free.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it. Ten minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest.
- Big flavor, low effort. The spice rub and tangy sauce give this tender pork a burst of flavor.
- Great leftovers. The leftovers keep well and tastes just as good the next day.
Ingredients
This is a list of the ingredients that you need to make your grocery shopping easier. You can find the full list of the ingredients and amounts needed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pork tenderloins – These are lean, tender, and shred beautifully.
- Smoked paprika – This adds a smoky flavor that makes it seem like you cooked the pork on the smoker.
- Onion powder – It adds a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.
- Garlic powder – Because garlic is always a good idea, and it adds that familiar punch of flavor.
- Ground cumin – Cumin gives the pork a slightly citrusy flavor.
- Chili powder – Adds depth, color, and just a hint of heat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – This keeps the pork moist while cooking and forms a delicious base for the juices.
- Apple cider vinegar – A splash of this brightens up the whole dish and adds a little tang.
- Tomato paste – Just a tablespoon adds richness and some extra body to your sauce.
- Liquid smoke (optional) – This will increase the tasty smoke flavor, if you want more.
How to Make Pulled Pork Tenderloin
This is a quick overview of the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe. You can find the complete list of instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Mix up your spice blend in a small bowl.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then coat all sides with the spice mix.
- Whisk together the broth, vinegar, tomato paste, and liquid smoke.
- Add the pork to your slow cooker.
- Pour the liquid over the pork tenderloin, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred it with two forks and stir it back into the juices. Serve warm.
What To Serve With This Dish
Serve this slow cooker pulled pork tenderloin over a bed of no drain mashed potatoes, or with a side of pineapple coleslaw for a delicious meal that your whole family will enjoy.
Substitutions and Additions
- Pork: I used pork tenderloin because it yields the most tender meat. However, you can use a pork butt or shoulder as well.
- Sweetener: I wanted to keep this recipe sugar-free, so I didn’t add any sweetener. If you want a little sweetness, you can use maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener of your choice.
- Hot sauce: Add a dash or two of hot sauce for some additional spice. A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dry rub would also work.
- BBQ Sauce: Top your pork with your favorite low-carb BBQ sauce.
How To Store
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Pulled pork freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the dish juicy.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding to help it retain moisture.
- If you’re short on time, prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge, then add it to slow cooker in the morning before you leave for work.
- Save some of the shredded pork for breakfast tacos or toss it into a grain bowl with roasted veggies.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this crock pot pulled pork tenderloin recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Yes, pork loin will also work for this recipe.
Not at all! It just adds a subtle smoky vibe. Totally optional.
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Low and slow will give you most tender results.
Other Delicious Pork Recipes You May Enjoy
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins about 2–2.5 lbs total
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional) for added smoky flavor
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
- With paper towels, pat the pork tenderloins dry. Coat them all over with the prepared spice mix.
- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and optional liquid smoke, then pour over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until the pork easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, then return it to the juices. Stir to combine and serve warm.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
