Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon that’s saved dinner more. I have seen more times than I can count.Instant Pot Pulled Pork: What are some ofIf you love the rich, smoky flavor of slow-cooked BBQ but don’t have all day (or the energy! ), why? If you babysit a smoker, this recipe is about to become your best friend. What is pulled pork like? What is fraction of time? Is it easier to cook a steak than to grill it? What is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you crave comfort food but are short on time? My family practically inhales this stuff. Can you eat it on buns, over rice, or even straight out of the bowl? What is the best BBQ recipe you have ever heard?
What is Instant Pot Pulled Pork?
Essentially, Instant Pot Pulled Pork: What are some ofIs a quicker, easier way to achieve the same incredible results as traditional slow-cooked pulled pork? Think of it as taking all the best parts of BBQ – the smoky flavor, the tender, shreddable texture, and the flavor of bacon. How do you pack saucy goodness into a streamlined process? Instead of cooking in a slow cooker or smoker, the Instant Pot uses pressure to tenderize the meat. How can you cook pork in a fraction of the time? The name comes from how the pork shoulder, a tough cut of meat, becomes so tender that it can be eaten. How do you easily “pull” apart with a fork after cooking? What is an Instant Pot dish? Is it possible to have a weeknight dinner? Is it a shortcut to BBQ heaven?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways!flavorWhat is smoky, slightly sweet, and savory all at the same time? The pork melts in your mouth, and the BBQ sauce clings to every strand. Secondly, the pork is delicious.simplicity is just unbeatable. You literally throw everything into the Instant Pot, set it, and forget it. No constant monitoring, no temperature adjustments, just pure set-it-and-forget-it bliss. And the best part? It’s incredibly cost-efficientWhat is the best cut of pork shoulder?versatileCan you serve it on buns as classic pulled pork sandwiches, pile it onto nachos, stuff it into taco sauce, etc.? Can you use it as a topping for pizza? I use it to make pulled pork stuffed sweet potatoes! What I love most about this is that even though it’s so easy, it tastes like you spent hours slaving on a computer. Is it safe to be away in the kitchen? Is it that kind of recipe that makes you look like a rockstar without any of the actual Rockstars?
How do I make Instant Pot Pulled Pork?
Quick Overview
Making Instant Pot Pulled Pork: What are some of is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by searing the pork shoulder to develop a rich, flavorful crust. Then, you’ll create a flavorful braising liquid with BBQ sauce, broth, and spices. After that, it all goes into the Instant Pot for a pressure-cooking session that transforms the tough pork into tender, shreddable perfection. Once it’s cooked, you’ll shred the pork, toss it with more BBQ sauce, and you’re ready to serve! The beauty of this method is that it intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat incredibly quickly. It’s truly the easiest way to get that slow-cooked BBQ taste without the slow-cooked time commitment.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
• 3-4 lb Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), excess fat trimmed. I always go for bone-in; • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for searing. • 1 teaspoon Salt • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper • 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (this is the key for that). ) • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
For the Braising Liquid:
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (use your favorite – I usually opt for a sweet and tangy one)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (you can use beef broth for a richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (adds a nice tang)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (for umami depth)
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (balances the tang with a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (optional, but highly recommended for that authentic smoky taste)
How do I follow
Step 1: Sear the Pork
How do you sauté olive oil in an Instant Pot? While the oil is heating, mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion. In a small bowl, mix all the powders and salt in Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and then generously rub the spice mixture all over it. Once the oil is hot, place the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot and sear it on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. What are some good ways to cook pork?
Step 2: Add Braising Liquid
Turn off the Sauté function. Pour the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce over the top. How do you put smoke in an Instant Pot? Stir to combine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this adds even more flavor. What is the flavor of braising liquid?
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Place the seared pork shoulder into the braising liquid. Make sure it’s mostly submerged. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. ” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 75 minutes for a 3-4 hour period. lb pork shoulder. For a larger roast, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. I always err on the side of caution, you can always cook it longer if it’s not tender enough.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 15 minutes. How do you continue to cook pork in braising liquid? After 15 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the pressure. What is valve to “Venting “Be careful of the steam!
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred pork into bite-sized pieces. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily. If you used bone-in pork shoulder, discard the bone.
Step 6: Toss with Sauce
In an instant pot, toss pork with the remaining braising liquid. Set aside. If you want extra saucy pulled pork, you can add more BBQ sauce at this point. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to my food. I like it!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Instant Pot Pulled Pork: What are some ofOn buns with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and onions. What are some good ways to serve it over rice, tacos, or as a topping for nacho’s? What are the possibilities? I love to serve mine with a side of cornbread and baked beans for bbq feast.
What should I serve it with?
Instant Pot Pulled Pork: What are some goodIs incredibly versatile, so the serving options are truly endless! How do I enjoy life?
What is a classic BBQ sandwich?On a toasted bun, top the pulled pork with coleslaw, crispy fried onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately. What is your favorite BBQ sauce? Is it a good idea to have dill pickle spear on your side?
What is Taco Fiesta?Can I use pulled pork as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado? Is lime crema a bad thing? Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans.
What is Nacho Extravaganza?What are some good tortilla chips to serve with pulled pork, cheese, black beans, corn, jalapeos, and your favorite toppings? What are nacho topping Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is a loaded baked potato?Top a baked potato with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits. What is the ultimate comfort food?
My family loves when I make pulled pork sliders for game day. What are some of the best crowd pleasers?Instant Pot Pulled Pork: What are some ofIs sure to be a hit!
How do you cook pork in an Instant Pot?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe even better. Here are my top tips:
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork shoulder before pressure cooking is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. It creates a beautiful crust that adds a ton of complexity to the final dish.
Use a Bone-In Pork Shoulder: The bone adds extra flavor and helps to keep the pork moist during cooking. It’s definitely worth the extra effort to find a bone-in roast.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or try a combination of different sauces to create your own signature flavor. I often mix a sweet and tangy sauce with a spicy one for the perfect balance.
Add Liquid Smoke for Extra Smokiness: If you want to achieve a truly authentic smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the braising liquid. Just be careful not to overdo it, as it can be quite potent.
Adjust the Cooking Time Based on the Size of the Roast: A larger pork shoulder will require a longer cooking time. As a general rule, cook for 20-25 minutes per pound. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Let the Pressure Release Naturally: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 15 minutes helps the pork to continue to tenderize and absorb the flavors of the braising liquid. It’s worth the wait!
I’ve even tried adding a splash of bourbon to the braising liquid for a deeper, richer flavor. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Instant Pot Pulled Pork is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully! Here are my tips for keeping it fresh:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving the pulled pork at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to store it properly as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled down completely before refrigerating it. I like to store it in individual portions for easy reheating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. For the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed through. On the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and heat over medium heat until warmed through. In the oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the pulled pork, I recommend adding the BBQ sauce after reheating it. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming watery or separating during the freezing and thawing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a total game-changer. It’s so easy, so flavorful, and so versatile, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make restaurant-quality BBQ at home, this is the recipe for you. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to traditional slow-cooked pulled pork again! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Instant Pot recipes, like my Instant Pot Ribs or my Instant Pot Chicken Tacos. They’re just as easy and delicious! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Pork Shoulder
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 0.5 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place pork shoulder in the Instant Pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture over the pork shoulder.
- Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Shred pork with two forks.
