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Healthy Slow-Cooker Maple Mustard Pulled Pork Recipe

This healthy food recipe for maple mustard pulled pork pairs the rich sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of mustard, creating a flavorful and tender meal.
It's an easy, hands-off slow-cooker dish perfect for cozy evenings or hearty family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

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

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 36gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 349mgSugar: 9g
Keyword Easy slow-cooker pork recipe, Family-friendly slow-cooker dinner, Healthy comfort food, healthy food recipes, Healthy pulled pork recipe, Maple mustard pork
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