
This delicious low-carb pulled pork recipe takes only 10 minutes to put together. After that, you’re free to do something else while your slow cooker transforms it into a nearly effortless melt-in-your-mouth dish your family will love.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, throwing together a quick weeknight dinner, or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is a total win. The pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection, infused with a dreamy mix of spices (and a secret ingredient you probably weren’t expecting), then nestled into crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite.
For even tastier results, allow pork to sit in its yummy juices once you’ve pulled it apart. This will allow it to absorb even more of that great flavor.
Also Read: 21 Light & Fresh Lettuce Wrap Recipes
How To Make These Lettuce Wraps
Nothing too fancy here—just a flavorful mix of pantry staples and fresh lettuce to wrap it all up.
Ingredients For The Lettuce Wraps
2 lbs. pork shoulder – This cut gets so tender and juicy in the slow cooker, it practically shreds itself.
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried rosemary – Adds a hint of earthy flavor.
2 tsp smoked paprika – For that rich, smoky taste.
½ tsp cayenne pepper – Just enough to give it a kick (feel free to add more if you like it hot!).
1 tsp ground fennel seeds – This gives the pork a subtle, sausage-y flavor that’s chef’s kiss.
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder – Yep, you read that right. Cocoa brings depth and richness—trust the process.
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup organic sugar-free chicken broth – Keeps everything moist and flavorful as it cooks.
8 iceberg or butter lettuce leaves – Your crunchy little edible cups of goodness. Butter lettuce is my personal fave, but use whatever you love.
Step-By-Step Guide

1. Spice It Up
In a small bowl, mix all the dry spices and cocoa powder together. Don’t forget to season it with a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper—don’t be shy here! Rub that spice blend alllll over your pork shoulder. Seriously, give it a good massage. This is where the magic starts.
2. Into the Slow Cooker
Place your seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth—this helps keep things juicy and adds extra flavor while it simmers.
Pop the lid on and cook:
- On high for 4 hours, or
- On low for 6 hours
Your kitchen is going to smell amazing during this part, so fair warning—you’ll probably be counting down the minutes.
3. Shred It
Once the pork is tender and falling apart (and trust me, it will be), use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Let the shredded pork hang out in all those juices for 20-30 more minutes on the “warm” setting. It soaks up even more flavor and becomes ultra-moist.
4. Wrap It Up
Now comes the fun part: building your lettuce wraps! Take a lettuce leaf, fill it with some crunchy broccoli slaw (optional, but highly recommended), and pile on that juicy pulled pork. Eat with your hands, napkins close by, and maybe a side of sweet potato fries if you’re feeling extra.
Why You’ll Love These Lettuce Wraps:
- Low-carb & gluten-free – But still totally satisfying.
- Meal prep-friendly – Make the pork ahead of time and use it throughout the week.
- Customizable – Add avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, a splash of hot sauce, or whatever you’re craving.
- Super easy – Minimal effort, major flavor. Your slow cooker does most of the work!
These Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps are the ultimate combo of bold flavor and feel-good ingredients. Whether you’re trying to cut back on carbs, eat a little cleaner, or just want something ridiculously tasty, this recipe’s got you covered.
Give it a try and let me know how you dressed yours up—did you add slaw, avocado, pickled onions? The options are endless, and I wanna hear all about it!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps
Course: Appetizers, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes500
kcalIngredients
2 lbs. pork shoulder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried rosemary
2 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground fennel seeds
2 tsp cocoa powder
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup organic sugar-free chicken broth
8 iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
Directions
- Combine all spices and the cocoa in a small bowl and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder and transfer to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker crock.
- Add the chicken broth to the crock and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6.
- Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to pull the pork apart while it is still in the slow cooker crock.
- Allow the pulled pork to remain in the juices with the slow cooker set to “warm” for 20-30 minutes to absorb more flavor.
- To serve, fill each lettuce leaf with crunchy broccoli slaw and top with some pulled pork. Enjoy!
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