Tomato and Maple: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tenderloin
A lighter slow cooker pulled pork tenderloin recipe with hints of sweetness and spice. It makes for a great meal prep meal! Naturally Paleo, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free.
This maple pulled pork recipe is one of our favorite slow cooker pork recipes because it comes together so easily and the flavors are so good. There’s a bit of sweetness from the tomatoes and maple syrup and spice from the paprika, and chili powder. It tastes great with a side of greek yogurt mashed potatoes and lemon asparagus.
What makes this recipe great
- It makes itself in the slow cooker. Put everything into a slow cooker and 6-8 hours later, it is ready to be shredded!
- It is great protein for dinner, lunch or meal prep.
- It is great for those following a dairy-free, gluten-free or Paleo diet.
Recipe ingredients
- Pork tenderloin– we like how light pork tenderloin is but you can also use pork shoulder.
- Onion or shallot– we like using shallots better but both work great here.
- Garlic powder, Thyme, Paprika, Chili powder, Turmeric powder– these season the sauce the pork cooks in.
- Strained tomatoes– these can come from a can or carton.
- Maple syrup– this adds sweetness to balance the tomato and spices.
- Blackstrap molasses– it is one of those “paleo friendly” ingredients that many have adopted into their diets because of the strong nutritional value of it. Check out this article by The Paleo Mom where she talks more about it.
- Tomato paste– this adds nice flavor to the pork.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step by step instructions:
Step 1
Step 1: Put all the ingredients into a slow cooker.
Step 2
Step 2: Shred the pork and mix into the sauce.
Expert tips
- You can use pork tenderloin or shoulder based on your preference in what you like for pulled pork. Loin is less fatty, which we like.
- If your pork tenderloin isn’t 3-3.5 pounds, then buy a few smaller ones and put them all into the slow cooker.
- To store: store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Prep 10 minutesCook 8 hoursTotal 8 hours 10 minutesMakes 6
Ingredients
- 3-3.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 cup strained tomatoes, from a can or carton
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses
Method
- Put the diced onions into the slow cooker. Then add the pork loin on top.
- Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, chili powder, turmeric powder, strained tomatoes, maple syrup, tomato paste and molasses on top of the pork. Mix the seasoning into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 6 hours.
- Remove pork loin/shoulder and shred on a separate surface. Shred with two forks. Put back into the sauce in the slow cooker
Notes
- You can use pork tenderloin or shoulder based on your preference in what you like for pulled pork. Loin is less fatty, which we like.
- If your pork tenderloin isn’t 3-3.5 pounds, then buy a few smaller ones and put them all into the slow cooker.
- To store: store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
