Once you try this macro-friendly bowl of BBQ heaven, complete with a crunchy, creamy southern style coleslaw you will wonder how you could ever think that meal prep is hard! This protein bowl is super easy to eat.
This delicious and healthy bowl is like your favorite pulled pork sandwich platter without the bun. Who says you can't eat healthily and have all the flavor that you want!
If you know me, you know that my pet peeve is healthy food that leaves you feeling like you are totally missing out. How disappointing is that?
That's is when I started to create my Beast Bowl line-up of recipes. I have a million of them. Beast bowls are healthy meal prep bowls that are so flavorful that you'll completely forget you eating something "good-for-you."
What you'll love about this recipe
- Easy: This bbq pork bowl features a rich meaty pulled pork that's super easy to prepare in your slow cooker. You seriously can't mess it up. Simply rub the pork shoulder with the BBQ spice mix and then put it in the crockpot. No water – nothing. Just set it on 'cook' and go.
- Healthy: The problem when you stop in for a BBQ meal at a restaurant is that there are usually a ton of high-carb sides. Not the best options if you are trying to stay lean.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Pulled pork, bbq sauce, and coleslaw all keep really well in the fridge and are make delicious leftovers. Fill a huge bowl with veggies and then top if off with everything else.
Recipe Notes
This pulled pork recipe is an easy version of barbecue. To make this protein bowl approachable I decided to make the pulled pork in a slow cooker. I also include the BBQ rub, BBQ sauce, and Southern Coleslaw Recipes. If you're short on time it's okay to substitute in the premade versions.
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder: Use a 3 or 4-pound pork should for this recipe.
- BBQ Rub: I make my own. You can buy a premade one for simplicity's sake. Or try the one in this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce: Again, I always make my BBQ Sauce homemade. I use my Tangy BBQ Sauce Recipe. It's a family recipe that we have been using for years.
- Cole Slaw: I use my Southern Cole Slaw Recipe for this bowl. For all the deets check out the post.
- Fixins: Fixins are what I like to call the base of every meal prep bow that I put together. A few handful of greens, I like spinach. Maybe some shredded carrots or other crunchy veggies.
BBQ Rub Recipe
Making your own BBQ rub couldn't be easier. You will have leftovers. Make sure you store them in an airtight container to use later.
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ¼ cup paprika, I like using smoked paprika
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic granules
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- 2 tsp dry oregano leaves
- 2 tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Tangy BBQ Sauce Recipe
If you want to try your hand at making homemade bbq sauce this recipe is easy to follow. I'm including it in the recipe card. If you are in a rush, then use your favorite BBQ sauce. I try to find brands with low sugar.
This BBQ sauce recipe is a keeper! It's adapted from a recipe that my mom had from a family friend. I added some jalapeño to make sure it had a little kick. I like a little spice in my life.
The sauce is a little bit chunky. If you prefer a smoother sauce hit it with an immersion blender.
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Coleslaw really makes this meal prep bowl, in my opinion. This slaw is crunchy, a little bit sweet, and a little bit creamy.
I highly recommend making it as part of this meal prep bowl. You can see the full detailed recipe here! I have included the recipe in the recipe card in this post as well.
Step-by Step Instructions
- Make the pulled pork.
- Make the BBQ Sauce
- Make the Coleslaw
- Pick your fixins
FAQs and Expert Tips
Add a few handfuls of greens. Top with 4 to 6 ounces of pulled pork. Add coleslaw and BBQ sauce. Garnish with green onions.
For this meal prep bowl, store the individual components separately. The coleslaw may wilt the greens if stored together. I like to warm up the pulled pork before I build my bowl.
Other Healthy Meal Prep Bowls — Try them all!
- Healthy burger bowl
- Buffalo chicken meal prep bowl
- Paleo meatloaf meal prep
- Mediterranean meal prep bowl
- Thai chicken meatball meal prep bowl
- Greek lamb burger bowl
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Pulled Pork Meal Prep Bowl
Equipment
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 lb pork shoulder
- 4 tbsp BBQ Rub
Spicy Tangy Barbecue Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup sweet onion diced
- ¼ cup carrot finely diced
- ½ cup celery finely diced
- 1 jalapeño finely diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worchestshire sauce
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 cup catsup
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- salt to taste
Southern Slaw
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 4 cups cabbage finely shredded
Slaw Dressing
- 2 tbsp onion grated
- ½ cup avocado mayo
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp celery seed
- ½ tsp celery salt
Fixin's
- romaine
- spinach
- green onions
- roasted sweet potatoes roast with BBQ seasoning
Instructions
Pulled Pork
- Rub: Rub the pork shoulder with BBQ rub.
- Slow cook: Put in the slow cooker. Leave on High if you will be home. Cook until the meat is tender and falling apart. Leave on Low if you will be out all day.
- Shred: Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker, let it rest for about 20 minutes. Shred the pork shoulder using two forks.
Spicy Tangy Barbecue Sauce
- Sauté: Add the butter, onion, carrots, celery, and jalapeño to a medium saucepan. Sauté on medium-high until vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Sugar: Add the sugar and let it dissolve and get slightly bubbly.
- Cook: Add the remainder of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Then simmer for about 20 minutes.
- PRO-TIP: For a smoother barbecue sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it after it has cooled.
Southern Style Coleslaw
- Shred: Shred the carrots and cabbage. Place in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, mix up ingredients for the dressing.
- Add about ½ cup of dressing. (You will have dressing leftover.)
- Toss: Toss and let set in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
Meal Prep Bowl Assembly
- Chose your fixin's. Add to a large bowl.
- Top with meat, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw.
- Enjoy.
Laura's Tips + Notes
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ¼ cup paprika. I like to use smoked paprika
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- 2 tsp dry oregano leaves
- 2 tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
I'm so glad I found this recipe! I have leftover pulled pork in the fridge and I have a cabbage in my garden that's ready to pick! Yummy!