Keto BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Style)

There’s something oddly comforting about a messy, saucy BBQ sandwich. It’s not the most graceful thing to eat, but man, is it worth every napkin. If you’ve been keeping things low carb and thought pulled pork sandwiches were off the menu, hang tight. This Keto BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe brings the flavor, skips the bread carbs, and tastes like it came straight out of a backyard Texas BBQ joint.

This isn’t just some fancy keto tweak. It’s slow-cooked, smoky, tender pork goodness. And it works whether you’re doing keto, Whole 30, or just want to eat clean but still enjoy your food. We’re going to use the slow cooker, because honestly, who has time to babysit pork for eight hours?

Now, if you’re the kind of person who likes prepping once and eating three different ways, I got you. This BBQ recipe doesn’t stop at pulled pork sandwiches. We’re throwing in tips to turn it into Whole 30 shredded chicken, gluten free pulled chicken, and even Boston pork butts in the crock pot. Whether you’re looking for easy pulled pork crock pot recipes or Whole 30 shredded chicken recipes, this recipe sits right in the middle of it all.

Why You’ll Actually Want to Make This

You don’t need a smokehouse. You don’t need a smoker. You don’t even need to know what wood chips do.

All you need is a slow cooker and about 10 minutes to dump everything in.

This is low-effort cooking that tastes like you’ve been working the pit all day. You’ll get a tangy, slightly sweet, savory pulled pork with crispy edges if you want them and a pile of meat that’s begging to be stuffed into keto buns, over cauliflower mash, or just eaten straight with a fork like a caveman.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down:

For the pork:

• 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt, Boston butt—yes, same thing)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use coconut aminos if you’re on Whole 30)

For the keto BBQ sauce (skip if using store-bought):

• 1 cup sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1–2 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (or none if Whole 30)

To serve:

• Keto buns or lettuce wraps
• Pickles or coleslaw (optional but do it)

How to Make Keto BBQ Pulled Pork in a Crockpot

This is straight-up set it and forget it.

Step 1: Rub It Down

Mix the dry spices and rub them all over your pork shoulder. Get messy. This step makes the crust, and that’s where the magic happens.

Step 2: Add Liquids

Pour in your apple cider vinegar, broth, and Worcestershire sauce right into the slow cooker. Drop the pork in. Done.

Step 3: Slow Cook That Beast

Set your slow cooker to low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours. You want the meat to fall apart with zero effort.

This is also the exact same method for Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipes, Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork, and even Recipe Pulled Pork Slow Cooker. Swap in chicken if you’re going for Whole 30 shredded chicken recipes.

Step 4: Shred and Sauce

Once it’s done, pull the pork out and shred it with two forks. Drain most of the liquid from the slow cooker but save about ½ cup. Toss the meat back in with your BBQ sauce and that ½ cup liquid to keep it juicy.

If you want crispy edges, throw the shredded pork on a sheet pan and broil it for 5–10 minutes.

Homemade Keto BBQ Sauce (Optional But Recommended)

If you’re not using a store-bought sugar-free sauce, this homemade version is legit. It’s smoky, tangy, with a tiny bit of heat and sweetness—without any real sugar.

What you need:

• 1 cup sugar-free ketchup (like Primal Kitchen or G Hughes)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp monk fruit or erythritol (or skip this if you’re Whole 30)

How to make it:

• Toss everything into a saucepan.
• Turn the heat to medium-low and stir it until it starts bubbling a bit.
• Simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring often.
• Let it cool before pouring it over your pulled pork.

If you’re doing Whole 30, skip the sweetener and make sure your ketchup has no sugar or weird additives. You can swap in tomato paste + a bit of vinegar if you’re going super clean.

How to Make a Pulled Pork Sandwich (Keto-Style)

 

Once your pork is shredded and sauced, here’s how to make a no-regrets sandwich:

You’ll need:

• Keto buns (store-bought or homemade)
• A big scoop of your pulled pork
• Pickles or pickled onions (for crunch and acid)
• Keto coleslaw (if you like creamy toppings)
• Optional: drizzle of extra BBQ sauce

Steps:

1. Toast your keto bun. Seriously, do not skip this. It makes everything taste better.
2. Pile on a heaping scoop of the BBQ pulled pork.
3. Add pickles or a spoon of slaw on top.
4. Press the top bun down gently and pause. Look at what you’ve created.
5. Grab a stack of napkins. It’s about to get messy—in a good way.

If you don’t want bread, wrap it all up in big lettuce leaves or even stuff it in grilled zucchini boats. Same flavors, different vibes.

Easy Keto Buns Recipe (No Weird Ingredients)

What you need:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Optional: sesame seeds for topping

How to make them:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, mix all the dry stuff: almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and vinegar.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until it forms a thick dough.
• Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the coconut flour absorbs moisture.
• Divide the dough into 6–8 portions and form bun shapes. Flatten slightly so they don’t bake into domes.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool before slicing.

These buns are low carb, gluten free, and Whole 30-friendly if you skip the dairy (use full-fat coconut cream instead of sour cream).

Making It Whole 30 or Gluten Free?

This same recipe, minus the sweetener and store-bought BBQ sauce, works great for Whole 30. Just swap Worcestershire for coconut aminos, skip sweeteners, and serve with lettuce wraps or roasted veggies.

For Whole 30 shredded chicken recipes, switch the pork out with boneless skinless chicken thighs and cook 4–6 hours on low. It shreds beautifully, still gets juicy, and works well for salads, bowls, or tacos.

If you’re looking for Gluten Free Pulled Chicken Crock Pot, you’re already there—this recipe is naturally gluten free as long as your sauce ingredients are safe.

How to Serve Keto BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

 

Here’s where you can mix it up:

• Keto buns – There are some solid store options now or make your own with almond flour.
• Cloud bread – Soft, fluffy, eggy, and low carb. Surprisingly good.
• Lettuce wraps – Basic but crunchy and fresh.
• Cauliflower mash or roasted cauliflower steaks – Fancy dinner vibes.
• Zoodles – Pork noodle bowls are wildly underrated.

For a proper Pulled Pork Sandwich, top your pork with tangy slaw and pickles. Thank me later.

Freezer & Meal Prep Game

Here’s where this recipe becomes magic for busy folks.

This pork freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer bags, press flat, and freeze. Pull one out whenever you’re too tired to think. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water.

And don’t sleep on the chicken version. Whole 30 Shredded Chicken works perfectly for meal prep bowls with veggies or lettuce tacos.

Leftover Ideas That Aren’t Boring

So you’ve made the Best Ever Pulled Pork Slow Cooker recipe. You’ve had your sandwich. Now what?

• Pulled pork stuffed sweet potatoes – If you’re not strict keto, these are killer.
• Pulled pork omelets – Sounds weird. Tastes right.
• BBQ pork lettuce tacos – Add avocado, onions, cilantro.
• Low carb BBQ pizza – Use cauliflower crust or portobello mushrooms.
• Crispy pork hash – Toss leftovers in a skillet with diced zucchini and onions.

Other Ways to Cook It (If You Hate the Crockpot)

If you’re not a fan of slow cookers, this recipe works in the Instant Pot too.

Pressure cook for about 60–70 minutes on high with natural release. Same flavors, faster results. Or roast it in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 3–4 hours covered, then uncovered for the last hour to crisp it up.

But honestly, if you’re into Crockpot Pulled Pork, this one’s tough to beat. The flavor builds all day, the house smells like BBQ heaven, and dinner basically cooks itself.

A Few Notes From My Kitchen

I’ve made this with all kinds of cuts—boneless, bone-in, fatty, lean. The best results always come from pork shoulder with a little marbling. It’s what gives you that juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If you’re shopping, look for Boston Pork Butts in the Crock Pot section at the store. Same thing. Don’t let the name throw you.

And if you’re looking to batch cook for the week? Make one batch pork, one batch chicken. Both work great with the same spice rub and basic ingredients. That’s how I get meals done ahead without having to think too hard.

Why People Go Nuts Over This Recipe

Because it works. Every time. Whether you’re into Whole 30 shredded chicken, need a BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe for the weekend, or just want to try one of those Easy Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipes you keep seeing on Pinterest—it hits.

The flavor? Ridiculous. The prep? Stupid easy. The cleanup? One pot.

And let’s be real—there’s something about BBQ sauce that just feels like summer, even if it’s snowing outside. This is the kind of meal that makes people ask for seconds and thirds, and still think about it later.

You don’t need to overthink dinner. This is one of those recipes that just works. Whether you’re throwing it on keto buns or tucking it into lettuce like a taco, it’s low-stress and high-reward.

Perfect for meal preppers, Whole 30 folks, gluten-free eaters, and anyone who just wants a no-drama way to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

Make it once, and it’s going on your regular rotation. Trust me.

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