When it comes to meals that are as comforting as they are effortless, slow-cooker maple mustard pulled pork is a standout option. With tender, fall-apart pork infused with the sweetness of maple syrup and the tanginess of mustard, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep solution.
Full of flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Recipe
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples and a slow cooker to create a meal that feels like it took hours of effort.
The combination of maple syrup and whole-grain mustard creates a sweet and tangy sauce that soaks into the pork as it cooks, resulting in a dish that’s flavorful, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
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Using a slow cooker means minimal hands-on work and cleanup, making this recipe ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Just prep the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a dish that feels like a labor of love with none of the stress.
A Healthier Comfort Food
Traditional pulled pork recipes can be heavy, but this version keeps things lighter without compromising on taste. The recipe uses pure maple syrup and whole-grain mustard, avoiding overly processed ingredients found in many store-bought sauces.
Pork shoulder is a lean cut of meat when trimmed properly, offering a rich source of protein to keep you full and energized. Paired with your choice of sides—whether it’s mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad—this recipe is as balanced as it is satisfying.
You can also adjust the ingredients to suit dietary needs. For example, you can use a low-sodium broth or seasoning to further reduce salt content, making it even more heart-healthy.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it based on your preferences:
- For a lower-carb option: Serve the pulled pork over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
- Add extra veggies: Toss in carrots, celery, or sweet potatoes into the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Vegan alternative: Use jackfruit instead of pork to create a plant-based version.
These small adjustments ensure that the recipe works for a variety of diets and tastes.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best parts of slow-cooker maple mustard pulled pork is how well it fits into meal prep routines. Cook a batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have flavorful, ready-to-go meals for days.
The shredded pork can be used in countless ways:
- Layer it in tacos or wraps.
- Add it to grain bowls with quinoa or rice.
- Use it as a topping for baked sweet potatoes.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat it quickly, and you’ve got a delicious meal with zero hassle.
The slow-cooker maple mustard pulled pork brings everyone to the table with its rich aroma and satisfying flavor. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy, making it a win-win for any occasion.
Healthy Slow-Cooker Maple Mustard Pulled Pork Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Forks for shredding
Ingredients
For the Pork Shoulder:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4½ pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup whole-grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Season the Pork: Mix the oregano, ground mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Trim the excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor, and rub the spice mixture generously over the meat. Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, then scatter the diced onion and minced garlic around it.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the maple syrup, whole-grain mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth. Pour half of the sauce over the pork, making sure it’s evenly coated. Save the remaining sauce for later use.
- Cook the Pork: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and cook the pork on the low setting for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the meat becomes tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
- Shred and Combine: Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into small pieces. Scoop out some of the onions from the slow cooker along with the cooking liquid and mix them into the shredded pork. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the shredded pork and stir to coat evenly.
Notes
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator, then warm in a 250°F oven for about 30 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot.
- For serving, try pairing with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or use it as a sandwich filling.
- To reduce fat content, trim the pork shoulder thoroughly or substitute it with a leaner cut like pork loin.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
Nutrition
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.