Ultimate Tender Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Juicy, Flavorful & Effortlessly Delicious
Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this incredible **Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe**. Beginning with a perfectly balanced seasoning rub and finishing with a generous dousing of a rich, flavorful sauce, this recipe guarantees a juicy, mouth-watering meal made entirely in your pressure cooker. Forget long hours slaving over a smoker or oven; the Instant Pot delivers fall-apart tender pork in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd without the fuss.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the best cut of pork to achieving that irresistible shredded texture and serving it up in various delicious ways. Get ready to experience the convenience and fantastic results of pressure-cooked pulled pork that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day!
Why This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe Works So Well
There’s nothing quite like the savory aroma of pulled pork filling your kitchen, and with this Instant Pot method, you’ll experience that delight with incredible ease and speed. When you cook a pork roast in the pressure cooker, you’re not just saving time; you’re also ensuring an incredibly juicy, tender slab of meat that’s practically begging to be shredded and devoured. Pile it high on a toasted bun, because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a gloriously messy, hearty meal? These sandwiches truly evoke the comforting feeling of a classic sloppy joe, but with a gourmet touch.
Pulled pork is a beloved dish for countless reasons, and its preparation in an Instant Pot highlights many of its best qualities. One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its forgiving nature – it’s genuinely hard to “overcook” pork in a pressure cooker in the traditional sense. The longer it cooks under pressure, within reason, the more tender it becomes. While you shouldn’t cook it indefinitely, the Instant Pot creates an environment where the meat breaks down beautifully without drying out, resulting in that signature fall-apart texture. This makes it an incredibly foolproof recipe, even for the most novice cooks who might be intimidated by traditional roasting methods. The pressure cooker infuses the pork with flavor from the seasoning and sauce, creating a deeply savory and moist result every single time.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot pulled pork starts with a selection of quality ingredients. While the full list of measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post, here’s a breakdown of the core components that make this dish so outstanding. Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, so don’t skimp on flavor where it counts!
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions
Understanding your ingredients and their roles is key to successful cooking. Here’s a closer look at what goes into our Instant Pot Pulled Pork and how you can adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand.
PORK – For this recipe, we highly recommend using **pork shoulder**, also widely known as Boston butt or pork butt. This cut is ideal for pulled pork because of its generous marbling (streaks of fat) and connective tissue, which break down beautifully under pressure, resulting in an incredibly moist and tender final product. You may substitute with other cuts like pork roast or pork loin, but be aware that these are leaner and may require a slight adjustment to cooking time or additional liquid to prevent drying out. While we prefer boneless pork shoulder for easier handling and shredding, a bone-in cut will work just as well and often adds even more flavor; just ensure it fits comfortably in your Instant Pot.
SEASONING RUB – The dry rub is the foundation of flavor for our pulled pork. It typically includes:
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes and aids in caramelization during searing.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Provide aromatic depth without the need for chopping fresh ingredients.
- Paprika: Offers a mild, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor, along with a vibrant color. You can use smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking. For a spicier kick, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
SAUCE – Our flavorful cooking liquid and finishing sauce is a rich blend designed to infuse the pork with a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy profile. It’s made with:
- Beef Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for pressure cooking and helps deglaze the pot. Chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
- Sriracha: Adds a pleasant heat and a touch of garlic and vinegar. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder version.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a deep, umami richness and savory complexity.
- BBQ Sauce: This is where you can truly personalize your pulled pork! We recommend using your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether you prefer a sweet and smoky Kansas City style, a tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauce, or a spicy Texas variety, choose what you love. You can even mix different types to create a unique flavor profile.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to make this recipe uniquely yours!
How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Pulled Pork Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe effortlessly. For the complete printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and a comprehensive list of instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Pork: Begin by carefully trimming any excessive large pieces of fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is good for flavor and moisture, too much can make the final dish greasy. Cut the pork shoulder into approximately quarter-pound (about 4-6 ounce) chunks. This ensures that the pork cooks more evenly and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Apply the Seasoning Rub: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create your aromatic seasoning rub. Generously rub this spice mixture onto all sides of each pork chunk, ensuring an even and complete coating. This rub is crucial for building a deep flavor profile.
- Sear the Pork: Add the olive oil to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” mode and set it for 15 minutes. Once the oil is hot, work in batches to sear the seasoned pork chunks on all sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, adds immense depth of flavor that cannot be achieved through boiling alone. Remove the seared meat and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pork is searing, or immediately after, combine 1 cup of beef broth, Sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, and your chosen BBQ sauce in a separate bowl. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well blended. This will be the flavorful liquid that tenderizes the pork and becomes part of the delicious sauce.
- Deglaze the Instant Pot: With all the seared meat removed from the Instant Pot, pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, prevents the “burn” warning and incorporates all those delicious caramelized flavors into your sauce.
- Pressure Cook the Pork: Return the seared meat back to the Instant Pot. Pour the combined wet ingredients evenly over the meat. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Cook on “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) on High pressure for 50 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes. This natural release is important as it allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb juices, resulting in more tender and moist pork. After 20 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Shred and Serve: Carefully remove the incredibly tender pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork until it reaches your desired consistency. You’ll find it practically falls apart with minimal effort. Return the shredded pork to the flavorful sauce remaining in the Instant Pot, stirring to ensure it’s thoroughly coated. This step ensures maximum juiciness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot significantly speeds up the process, you can certainly make delicious pulled pork in a slow cooker. I actually have a separate, dedicated post for slow cooker pulled pork that you might want to check out, though the recipe isn’t exactly the same. However, you can definitely use the ingredients and flavor profile from this Instant Pot recipe as a backbone for your crockpot version. For a 5-6 lb pork roast, you’ll typically cook it on high for around 5-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until it is undeniably pull-apart tender. Searing the meat in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker will also enhance the flavor, just like in the Instant Pot method.
There are a few popular and effective ways to shred pork, depending on your preference for texture and how much effort you want to put in.
- Two Forks (Manual Method): This is the most common and classic method. Simply place the cooked pork on a sturdy cutting board. Hold one fork firmly in the meat and use the other fork to pull and separate the meat fibers. Work with the grain of the meat to achieve long, tender strands.
- Food Processor: For a faster, more finely shredded result, you can use a food processor fitted with a slicer blade (or even the standard S-blade). Work in small batches to avoid overloading the processor, pulsing briefly until the pork is shredded to your liking. Be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with a paste!
- Stand Mixer: Believe it or not, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment can shred pork in seconds! Place large chunks of cooked pork into the mixer bowl and turn it on low speed. The paddle will quickly break down the meat into perfect shreds. This method is fantastic for large quantities.
Storing leftover pulled pork is simple, and it makes for fantastic meal prep! Place any cooled leftover pulled pork, along with its sauce, into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, pulled pork freezes exceptionally well. Divide it into freezer-safe bags or containers (ensuring it’s covered in its sauce for moisture) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
If your pulled pork turns out tough, it almost always means it hasn’t cooked long enough. Pulled pork requires patience and sufficient cooking time for the connective tissues in the pork shoulder to break down and convert into gelatin, which makes the meat incredibly tender. The Instant Pot significantly speeds this up, but it still needs its full cook time. If your pork is tough after the initial cooking, simply place it back into the Instant Pot, add a little more liquid if necessary, and cook it on manual High pressure for an additional 10-15 minutes, followed by another natural release. It will eventually become pull-apart tender – promise!
Absolutely! The beauty of homemade pulled pork is being able to tailor it to your taste. If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Sriracha in the sauce. For a spicier kick, you can increase the Sriracha, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry rub, or even mix in some red pepper flakes with the sauce. Always taste your sauce before pouring it over the meat and adjust as needed.
The “Burn” warning typically occurs when food is stuck to the bottom of the pot, preventing proper pressure buildup. This is why the deglazing step (Step 5) is so important! Ensure you thoroughly scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot after searing the meat to remove all browned bits. If you still encounter a “Burn” warning, release the pressure, open the pot, scrape the bottom again, add a little more liquid if it looks dry, and restart the cooking cycle.
Creative & Delicious Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Pulled Pork
There are countless delightful ways to enjoy your perfectly tender Instant Pot pulled pork. It’s not just a fulfilling meal on its own, but it also shines as a crowd-pleasing dish for parties and gatherings. Plus, it makes for incredible leftovers that can be repurposed into entirely new meals throughout the week. Below, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic ideas to inspire you on how to make the most of this versatile pulled pork recipe:
- Classic Sandwiches: Pile the warm pulled pork high on soft brioche buns or kaiser rolls, often topped with a creamy, crunchy coleslaw for the ultimate BBQ experience.
- Pulled Pork Tacos: A must-try! Spoon the shredded pork into warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cabbage, pickled onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime crema for a zesty twist.
- Homemade Pizza Topping: Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on your pizza dough, add cheese, then sprinkle pulled pork over it before baking for a savory, smoky pizza.
- Quesadillas with a Kick: Layer the pulled pork with plenty of shredded cheese between two tortillas and grill until golden and gooey. Add some jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Mini Sliders: For parties or appetizers, turn them into individual sliders on dinner rolls. Perfect for easy handling!
- Comforting Bowls: Serve the rich pulled pork on top of fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or steamed rice for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Protein-Packed Salads: Toss chilled pulled pork into a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for a satisfying and flavorful protein boost.
- Pasta Perfection: Mix the pulled pork into a rich tomato or creamy sauce and serve over your favorite cooked pasta noodles for a unique and delicious pasta dish.
- Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, healthier option, wrap the flavorful pork in crunchy lettuce leaves, adding a fresh texture contrast.
- Simple Platter: Serve it as is with a side of roasted vegetables like corn on the cob or green beans, and a slice of warm cornbread for a complete meal.
Discover More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and incredible results of cooking with your Instant Pot for this pulled pork recipe, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen powerhouse that can simplify countless dishes. Explore some of our other favorite pressure cooker recipes to continue making delicious, easy meals:
- Instant Pot Lasagna
- Instant Pot Sloppy Joe
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Beef Ribs
- Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
- Instant Pot Ribs
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Instant Pot Pulled Pork
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 5 lb pork shoulder 5-6 lbs, cut into 1/4 lb chunks
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ cup beef broth or chicken
- 1 Tbsp Sriracha
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for topping
Things You’ll Need
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6 qt Instant Pot Duo
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- You can store your leftover pulled pork in an air tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Instructions
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Trim any excess fat off of the pork shoulder and cut into quarter pound chunks.
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Combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Rub onto the meat covering on all sides.
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Add the olive oil to the instant pot. Turn the instant pot onto saute mode for 15 minutes. Working in batches, sear the meat on all sides.
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In a bowl combine the 1 cup of the beef broth, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ.
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With all the meat removed from the instant pot, use 1/2 cup of beef broth to deglaze the instant pot.
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Add the seared meat back to the instant pot and pour the wet ingredients over the meat. Cook on manual High pressure for 50 minutes and allow to naturally release for 20 minutes. Quick release the rest of the pressure. Shred with forks on a cutting board and return to sauce.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.