Slow-Cooked Herb-Infused Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Broccoli

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A high-protein, low-carb keto dinner featuring tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with aromatic herbs, served atop crispy caramelized broccoli for a satisfying meal. This american-inspired slow cooker (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder butt, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 kg pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter until fully coated.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork in a 6L slow cooker, pour 150 g sugar-free BBQ sauce over top, and nestle 3 sprigs fresh rosemary and 2 sprigs fresh thyme into the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Cook on LOW for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, toss 200 g broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: After pork is done, shred the meat with two forks, discarding bones and excess fat. Roast broccoli in a preheated 200°C (400°F) oven for 15 minutes until edges are golden and crisp, stirring once halfway through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Herb-Infused Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Herb-Infused Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Broccoli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder butt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Herb-Infused Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Broccoli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Herb-Infused Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Broccoli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Slow-Cooked Herb-Infused Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Broccoli low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, high-protein, keto-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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