Craving tender, juicy pulled pork but don’t have hours to spare? Say hello to your new favorite recipe, This Instant Pot Pulled Pork is your savor, no-fuss method that delivers fall-apart pork in just over an hour, with all the smoky, savory flavors you love. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls, this pulled pork is a game-changer for busy weeknights or weekend feasts. Let’s dive in and make magic happen in your pressure cooker! 🍴
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
This recipe is all about saving time without sacrificing flavor. By using a pressure cooker, you’ll achieve that slow-cooked tenderness in a fraction of the time. Plus, the homemade spice rub and barbecue sauce combo will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this pulled pork is a winner. 🏆
📊 Time Comparison (via USDA Food Safety):
| Method | Total Time |
|---|---|
| Oven | 8-10 hours |
| Slow Cooker | 6-8 hours |
| Instant Pot | 1 hour |
Ingredients & Tools 🛒
What You’ll Need For this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
🐖 3.5-5 lb pork shoulder (bone-in for best flavor)
🧂 Spice Rub:
✨ 1 Tbsp brown sugar
✨ 1.5 tsp garlic powder
✨ 1 tsp onion powder
✨ 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
✨ 1 tsp salt + pepper
✨ ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
🍯 Cooking Additions:
✨ 2 Tbsp olive oil
✨ 1 cup chicken broth
✨ 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
✨ 1 cup BBQ sauce
⚙️ Essential Tools:
- 6-qt+ Instant Pot (Buy On Amazon)
- Meat claws for easy shredding (Buy On Amazon)
- Fat separator (optional) (Buy On Amazon)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prep the Pork (15 Minutes)
- Trim excess fat → Leave ¼” layer for moisture
- Cut into 3” chunks → Fist-sized pieces
- Mix spice rub → Combine all dry ingredients
- Coat pork → Massage rub into all surfaces
💡 Pro Tip: Refrigerate rubbed pork overnight for deeper flavor penetration!
2. Sear the Meat (10 Minutes)
- Heat 2 Tbsp oil on Sauté mode
- Sear pork in batches → 2-3 mins/side
- Deglaze pot → Add 1 cup broth, scrape browned bits
⚠️ Critical: Don’t skip searing – creates a Maillard reaction for complex flavor!
3. Pressure Cook (40 Minutes)
- Return pork to pot
- Add 2 Tbsp vinegar + 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Seal lid → High Pressure 40 mins
- Natural release 15 mins → Quick release
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour (includes prep + cooking)
4. Shred & Serve (Continued)
🍴 Mix with Juices: Ladle ½-1 cup cooking liquid over shredded pork for extra moisture
🌶️ BBQ Boost: Toss with ½ cup extra sauce for bold flavor
More Instant Pot Recipes
Looking for more easy and delicious Instant Pot recipes? Try these:
Serving Ideas & Crowd-Pleasing Combos 🍔
👉 Classic Sandwich:
- Brioche buns
- Quick-pickled onions
- Creamy coleslaw
👉 Meal Prep Heroes:
🌮 Taco Tuesday: + Pineapple salsa & cotija cheese
🍕 Pizza Night: Substitute pepperoni with pulled pork
🍝 Pasta Twist: Mix into mac & cheese
👉 Party Hits:
- Slider bar with assorted sauces
- Loaded nachos with guacamole
- Stuffed baked potatoes
Storage & Reheating Guide 🧊
Refrigeration
✅ 5 days in an airtight container
🚫 Avoid: Storing with sauce (add fresh when reheating)
Freezing
❄️ Portion: Use souper cubes for 1-cup servings
❄️ 3 months in freezer bags → Thaw overnight in fridge
Reheating
🔥 Stovetop: Medium heat + 2 Tbsp broth (5 mins)
🔥 Microwave: 1-minute bursts + stir
FAQs Answered by a Pro Chef ❓
Q: Can I use boneless pork shoulder?
A: Yes – but bone-in adds richer flavor during pressure cooking.
Q: Why apple cider vinegar?
A: Tenderizes meat + balances BBQ sweetness.
Q: My pork isn’t shredding easily!
A: Cook 10 more mins under pressure – collagen needs more time to break down.
Q: Can I make it keto-friendly?
A: Swap BBQ sauce for a sugar-free version.
Conclusion
This PInstant Pot Pulled Pork is a lifesaver for busy cooks who still want to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, they’ll thank you for it!
