Healthier Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches (2024)

FAQs

Are pulled pork sandwiches healthy? ›

Yes, pulled pork can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy way. It is a good source of protein and certain vitamins, but it is also high in fat and calories. It's important to choose lean cuts of pork and limit added sugars and sodium in BBQ sauces.

Don't Trim the Fat

"The cooker will be nearly filled with fat and liquid after hours of cooking. I always retain this fat/liquid and reincorporate some of it back into the meat once it's been pulled," he says.

A typical pulled pork sandwich with a standard serving of meat, sauce, and a soft bun can range from 400 to 800 calories. Keep in mind that adding additional toppings such as cheese, coleslaw, or pickles will increase the calorie count.

Slow cooking the meat means it never has the chance to toughen up and will be extra silky and tender. Pressure cooking is faster, though you may lose a little bit of the tenderness. If you're going for the pressure cook method, be sure to get a pork shoulder or pork butt, as opposed to a pork loin.

Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork is a perfect easy, filling weeknight dinner. It's low in fat, packed with protein, and paleo / Whole30 approved!

Pulled chicken is the healthier choice

A three-ounce portion of homemade pulled chicken contains 184 calories, while pulled pork includes a whopping 283 calories. That's a hefty 99-calorie difference!

For an all-American classic, I use a mix of ketchup, grainy mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Coca-Cola. Your liquid should not cover your pork in the slow cooker: it should only come up about a quarter of the way up the sides.

The Crock Pot is great for pulled pork because you need to cook it low and slow for several hours. I usually cook 4 lbs of pork shoulder for 7 hours on low. Be aware though, pulled pork will dry out if overcooked.

Put a cover on it and place it into the fridge. Once it gets cold the fat will turn solid at the top and leave the tasty juices at the bottom. Remove and discard the solid fat with a spoon. You are left with a jelly like substance that is very tasty and can be added back into the meat once it is pulled to juice it up.

One pound of pulled pork will make between 3-5 sandwiches, depending on how thick you like your sandwiches. This pulled pork sandwich recipe calls for 8 pounds of pulled pork and will make somewhere between 24 – 40 sandwiches. It's a fantastic way to feed a large crowd!

How many calories are in a 6 inch pulled pork sandwich? ›

There are 460 calories in 1 serving (208 g) of Subway Subway 6-Inch BBQ Pulled Pork.

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

Set the cooker to low; the high setting will boil the meat instead of braise it, so it's only a quicker trip to an undesirable outcome. Pork shoulder self-bastes and stays moist, and is nearly impossible to overcook. After the meat is done, the fat can be skimmed off the braising liquid.

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer. We recommend a temperature of 195-200 °F / 90-93 °C for tender, juicy pork which pulls apart easily.

Eating more pork may be helpful for those working to reduce their weight. A study of 164 overweight adults found those who increased the number of servings of pork weekly lost weight, reduced their waist circumference and % body fat, compared to those who ate more chicken and beef.

Pork shoulder isn't considered a lean cut of pork, because it's somewhat high in fat and saturated fat. A 100-gram portion contains 12 grams total fat, which is 19 percent of the daily value (DV) recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.

Nutritionally, pork possesses a wide range of essential nutrients like energizing B vitamins, choline for developing babies, and iron for healthy red blood cells. A 3-ounce serving of lean pork is loaded with protein and low in fat. Eating lean pork daily can be a part of a well-balanced, high-nutrient diet.

Pork is naturally rich in protein. Protein contributes to the maintenance and growth in muscle mass and is needed for normal growth and development of children's bones. Pork is a source of zinc, selenium and vitamins B12 and B6, these help the immune system to work normally.