21 Day Fix Pulled Pork with Homemade Maple BBQ Sauce: Instant Pot & Crock Pot Perfection
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this incredible 21 Day Fix Pulled Pork, featuring a luscious homemade Maple BBQ Sauce that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make! Whether you prefer the lightning-fast convenience of your Instant Pot or the comforting, slow-cooked tenderness from your Crock Pot, this recipe delivers perfectly shredded pork infused with a sweet and tangy, clean-eating BBQ sauce. It’s truly a game-changer for healthy, hearty meals! This post contains affiliate links for products I am obsessed with, ensuring you get the best tools for your culinary adventures.
The Quest for the Perfect Healthy BBQ Sauce
Let’s be honest, we all have our guilty pleasures. For me, it’s always been BBQ sauce. And not just any BBQ sauce – I’m talking about the super processed, sugar-laden kind you find in every grocery store aisle. Yes, I’ll confess: I’ve been known to eat Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce by the spoonful. I know, I know. My husband thinks it’s a bit odd to eat it without the BBQ, but what can I say? It’s just so undeniably good, despite knowing how loaded it is with unhealthy ingredients.
My Sweet Baby Ray’s Confession
There’s something about the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky that a good BBQ sauce brings to any dish. However, for those of us trying to stick to clean eating plans like the 21 Day Fix, store-bought BBQ sauces are usually a no-go. They’re typically packed with high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and preservatives that derail even the best intentions. This awareness fueled my mission: I needed a healthy, homemade alternative that could stand up to my beloved (but unhealthy) bottled versions.
The Frustrating Search for a Clean Alternative
My journey to a fix-approved homemade BBQ sauce was a bumpy one. Around Father’s Day last year, I was determined to create a healthy version so all the dads at our cookout could enjoy truly clean pulled pork. I spent countless hours in the kitchen, mixing, simmering, and tasting. Four, maybe even five, failed attempts later, I threw in the towel. Nothing tasted quite right; it lacked that essential “oomph” I craved. Defeated and more than a little sad, I resigned myself to buying a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s, knowing it wasn’t ideal for my clean eating goals.
A Game-Changing Discovery: The Maple BBQ Sauce
Just when I thought all hope was lost, a fellow food lover in my challenge group mentioned that the BBQ sauce from the Core De Force recipe book was absolutely amazing. This was a woman who shared my passion for delicious food, so I knew her recommendation carried weight. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. I made a few small tweaks, primarily to ensure it was completely gluten-free and to simmer it a bit longer to achieve my preferred thick consistency. The result? OMG, you guys. Freaking delicious. It was 8 billion times better than anything I had concocted last summer. This homemade Maple BBQ sauce is a revelation – perfectly sweet, tangy, and smoky, without any of the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This 21 Day Fix Pulled Pork
This Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce isn’t just another recipe; it’s a cornerstone for healthy eating that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your 21 Day Fix plan while satisfying those comfort food cravings. The combination of tender, juicy pork and that incredible homemade sauce is simply irresistible.
Flavorful & Healthy
We’re using lean pork shoulder or tenderloin, seasoned perfectly and slow-cooked or pressure-cooked to tender perfection. The star, of course, is the Maple BBQ Sauce – a clean, refined sugar-free sauce that uses pure maple syrup and coconut aminos to deliver that signature BBQ flavor without any junk. It’s a sauce you can feel good about, whether you’re pouring it over your pork or, dare I say, eating it by the spoonful!
Incredible Versatility
Pulled pork is one of the most versatile proteins you can make. It’s fantastic on its own, but also shines in a variety of dishes. Think healthy pulled pork sandwiches (on whole-wheat buns or lettuce wraps), pulled pork bowls with quinoa and roasted veggies, or even as a topping for sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless, making it a staple for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
Meal Prep Champion
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how well it works for meal prep. You can make a large batch on the weekend, and have delicious, healthy meals ready to go for days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delightful. It’s perfect for those who want to eat clean but have limited time for cooking during the week.
Cooking Methods: Instant Pot vs. Crock Pot Pulled Pork
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to choose your preferred cooking method based on your schedule and kitchen tools. Both the Instant Pot and Crock Pot yield exceptionally tender, flavorful pulled pork, but they do so in different ways.
Instant Pot: Speed and Convenience
If you’re anything like me, some days just get away from you. That’s where the Instant Pot becomes your best friend. I recently made this pulled pork in my Instant Pot, and it was SO fast. I was able to have delicious pulled pork on the table in around an hour from start to finish. The pressure cooking method significantly reduces cook time while ensuring the pork is incredibly tender and easy to shred. This is perfect for those last-minute dinner decisions or when you forget to plan ahead.
When using the Instant Pot, browning the pork first adds an extra layer of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Don’t skip this step if you have the time! It helps develop a rich, savory crust that translates into a more complex final dish. The sealed environment of the Instant Pot also means all the flavors and moisture are locked in, resulting in super juicy pork.
Crock Pot: “Set It and Forget It” Flavor
For those days when you prefer a hands-off approach and love the aroma of a meal cooking all day, the Crock Pot is the way to go. Slow cooking allows the pork to gently simmer in its juices and seasonings for hours, resulting in fall-apart tender meat and a deeply developed flavor. While it takes longer, the effort is minimal – simply assemble and let your slow cooker do all the work.
Pre-searing the pork in a separate pan before adding it to the Crock Pot is an optional but highly recommended step if you have a few extra minutes. It creates a beautiful crust and adds depth to the overall flavor. However, if time is truly of the essence, you can certainly skip this step and still achieve delicious results. The slow, moist heat of the Crock Pot ensures the pork remains incredibly succulent.
Choosing Your Method
Ultimately, the choice between Instant Pot and Crock Pot comes down to personal preference and your daily schedule. Both methods are effective for creating this flavorful 21 Day Fix Pulled Pork. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for a crowd or for meal prepping throughout the week. And it’s the perfect vessel for that delicious and clean BBQ sauce, so you know, you don’t have to eat it with a spoon… unless you want to! It’s totally cool by me.
Crafting Your Homemade Maple BBQ Sauce
The Maple BBQ Sauce is not just an accompaniment; it’s a star in its own right. Its clean ingredients make it a fantastic choice for anyone following the 21 Day Fix or simply looking to reduce processed sugars in their diet.
Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavor
This sauce achieves its incredible depth of flavor with surprisingly simple, wholesome ingredients. Tomato paste forms the rich base, while pure maple syrup provides natural sweetness without any refined sugars. Coconut aminos offer a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy element, acting as a fantastic soy sauce alternative and contributing to the overall umami. Apple cider vinegar brings the necessary tang, and a blend of garlic and onion powder rounds out the flavor profile with aromatic notes. The result is a vibrant, balanced sauce that rivals any store-bought option.
Adjusting to Your Taste
One of the best things about making your own BBQ sauce is the ability to customize it to your liking. Prefer it a bit sweeter? Add a touch more maple syrup. Crave more tang? A splash more apple cider vinegar will do the trick. Want to spice things up? A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the heat. Simmering the sauce on low heat allows the flavors to meld and develop, and you can cook it down to your desired thickness. This control ensures your pulled pork is always topped with *your* perfect BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
Once your 21 Day Fix Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce is ready, the fun really begins! This versatile dish can be served in countless delicious and healthy ways.
Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches
For a traditional experience, serve the pulled pork on whole-wheat buns or, for a low-carb and 21 Day Fix-friendly option, use large lettuce wraps (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts). Top with some clean coleslaw or thinly sliced red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
Delicious Pulled Pork Bowls
Create a satisfying and balanced meal by serving the pulled pork over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for an even lighter option. Add a colorful array of roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, or bell peppers. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions adds a vibrant finish.
Creative Uses
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Use corn tortillas or lettuce cups, topped with a fresh salsa or avocado.
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Bake a sweet potato until tender, then split it open and fill with the pulled pork. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chives would be delicious.
- Pulled Pork Salad: Add a generous scoop of the pork to a bed of mixed greens with your favorite healthy veggies and a light vinaigrette.
This 21 Day Fix Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce is not just a meal; it’s a versatile, healthy, and incredibly flavorful experience that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite!
Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder or roast fat trimmed (or sub 2 -3 pound pork tenderloin)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 sliced onion optional
- Sea or Himalayan salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken or veggie stock
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Sprinkle sea or Himalayan salt and black pepper
Instructions
Instant Pot
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Cut your pork into smaller sections to make cook time faster. Make slits into pork slices and stuff with minced garlic. Sprinkle spices over both sides of the meat and set your IP to saute.
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Add olive oil to the bottom of your pot. When heated, add pieces of the pork, browning on both sides. Do this in small batches so you don’t overcrowd your pot.
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Once you are finished, add the pork back into the pot and add onions if using. Pour stock over top. Set to manual for 60 minutes. When cook time is up, switch to natural release.
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Drain and shred pork and mix in BBQ sauce. Adjust seasonings as desired.
Slow Cooker
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Make slits into pork roast and stuff with minced garlic. Rub olive oil over meat and season well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. **If you have time, sear each side of the pork in a large pot. If you don’t have time, it’s totally fine to skip this step.
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Place roast in crock with onions, if using, and stock. Cook for 8 hours on low. Drain and shred pork and mix in BBQ sauce. Adjust seasonings as desired.
BBQ Sauce
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Combine all ingredients into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat until desired thickness. Adjust seasonings as desired.
Notes
WW: 9 points (per serving with sauce) [Calculated using 6 servings and 3lb pork tenderloin]
Nutrition
