Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Tender, Juicy, and Quick To Make!
For the longest time, I avoided making pulled pork. I always thought was one of those recipes that needed hours of slow cooking to turn out just right, so I settled with only enjoying it whenever we would go to our favorite BBQ place.
But then I realized I could make it in my Instant Pot. And once I tried it, I never looked back! Now I can have tender, juicy, fall-apart pulled pork in a fraction of the time, with just as much rich, smoky flavor as the low-and-slow version.
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork is seasoned to perfection, pressure-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, and coated in a delicious, tangy sauce.
It’s perfect for piling onto sandwiches, stuffing into tacos, or serving alongside coleslaw for a hearty meal.
This means I can have delicious, mouthwateringly good pulled pork whenever I want — even when I’m meal prepping for a busy week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and efficient: Fall-apart tender meat in under two hours — no all-day slow cooking required.
- Incredible flavor: A balanced blend of smokiness, sweetness, and spice in every bite
- Versatile uses: Can be served in sandwiches, tacos, over rice, or even on a baked potato
- Meal prep- and freezer-friendly: Perfect for leftovers, packed lunches, or freezing for later
- Great for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 4 lbs. pork butt/pork shoulder, cut into 4 cubes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Prep, Cook & Serve Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Release Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 80 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Season the pork. Cut the pork butt into four pieces, pat dry, and generously coat it with the spice mixture on all sides.
- Brown the pork. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté,” then add the olive oil and let it heat up. Sear 2 cubed pork shoulder pieces until they brown (about 3 minutes on each side). Repeat the step for the 2 other pieces.
- Deglaze the pot. Once browned, remove the pork from the Instant Pot, then turn it off. Add in your chicken broth to deglaze the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits off the bottom.
- Pressure cook the pork. Add the pork pieces back in with 1 cup BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Seal the lid, set the valve to “Sealing”, and pressure cook on high for 40 minutes.
- Release. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Shred the pork. Transfer to a large bowl and shred using two forks. Return to the pot and mix with the remaining BBQ sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Pulled Pork
- Let the meat rest before shredding. This will allow the meat to absorb its own juices and enhance its flavor.
- Try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a fresh-off-the-grill taste.
- For an extra layer of smoky char, briefly grill the shredded pork after cooking.
- Don’t skip searing! This step ensures depth and richness of flavor.
- You can also add soda (like Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola) to tenderize the meat and add sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 10g |
| Sugar | 5g |
FAQs About Instant Pot Pulled Pork
What can I serve with pulled pork?
I love serving mine with rolls, coleslaw, and baked sweet potato fries. You can also stuff it into buns for sandwiches, scoop it up into tacos or burritos, or serve alongside cornbread, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
What’s the best way to shred pulled pork?
Shredding the pork by hand using two forks is my go-to method, but using a stand mixer on low speed can help quickly shred your meat.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months; for the latter, make sure it’s vacuum-packed to ensure it locks in as much moisture as possible.
How do I reheat pulled pork without drying it out?
Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of broth or barbecue sauce over low heat, or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep it moist.
Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful Pulled Pork Made Fast!
With the Instant Pot, making delicious, fall-apart tender pulled pork is faster and easier than ever. Whether you’re having a last-minute gathering or recipe is sure to be a hit every time!
