Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy and flavorful pulled pork sandwich, and what’s great is that it’s super easy to make in your own kitchen with an Instant Pot. This popular pressure cooker has been a game changer for many home cooks, allowing them to whip up tasty meals in record time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making pulled pork in your Instant Pot, so you can enjoy tender and succulent pulled pork in just a few hours.

Pulled pork can be made using various cooking methods, but using an Instant Pot makes the process super quick and easy. This magical appliance is ideal for busy days when you don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen, but still want a delicious and satisfying meal. With this method, you’ll end up with tender and juicy pork that falls apart effortlessly, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and even on top of pizza! So, let’s dive into the steps to make this yummy pulled pork in your Instant Pot.

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

When it comes to making pulled pork in an Instant Pot, choosing the right cut of pork is crucial. You want a cut that is both fatty and flavorful, but not too lean. The most popular cut of pork for pulled pork is the pork shoulder or Boston butt, which is marbled with fat throughout the meat. This makes the end result tender and juicy. If you can’t find a Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt, you can make use of pork loin or tenderloin. However, the result will come out dryer than you expected.

Prepping the Pork

Once you’ve selected your pork shoulder or Boston butt, it’s time to start prepping. Trim off any excess fat from the pork shoulder, and then slice the meat into large chunks (about 2-3 inches). Generously season the pork with a dry rub made of your favorite spices and give it a quick massage to ensure it is well coated. Let the pork sit aside for about 30 minutes to marinate.

Sautéing the Pork

Before cooking the pork in the Instant Pot, it’s best to sauté it first. Sautéing the pork will help give it a nice crust and brown color. Start by heating up your Instant Pot, setting it to sauté mode. Add some oil to the Instant Pot and place the pork cubes in a single layer, leaving enough space in between each piece to ensure even cooking. Sauté the pork for about 4-5 minutes per side or until it develops a dark brown color.

Adding the Liquid

Once the pork has been sautéed, it’s time to add some liquid to the Instant Pot. The liquid will help with the cooking process and give the pulled pork its signature flavor. Add about 1 cup of chicken or beef broth, or even water, to the Instant Pot. Deglaze the Instant Pot to loosen any browned bits on the bottom with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Adding the Flavor

Now that you’ve added your liquid, it’s time to add the flavor. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce into the Instant Pot; you can also add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, or any other flavor-enhancer you prefer. Mix the flavor until it is evenly incorporated.

Setting the Instant Pot

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “sealed” position. Cook the pork on high pressure for 50-60 minutes, or depending on the weight of the pork. For a pork shoulder weighing about 4-5 pounds, set the Instant Pot timer to 60 minutes. After the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.

Shredding the Pork

After the pressure has been released, open the Instant Pot and carefully remove the pork from the pot. Use a pair of tongs to shred the pork. It should be very easy to do so as the pork is falling apart that makes the shredded pork so tender.

Reducing the Cooking Liquid

With the pork removed from the Instant Pot, set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and let the cooking liquid boil and reduce. Keep stirring until the liquid has reduced by half to give you a thick sauce.

Adding the Sauce

Once the cooking liquid has reduced, mix in the shredded pork and stir until it is completely coated in the thick sauce. You can serve the pulled pork immediately, or if you prefer a smokier flavor, you can quickly grill or broil the pork for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork can be served in countless ways. Serve it on a bun with coleslaw and pickles for a traditional sandwich, or on top of a baked potato, fries or mac and cheese. You can also put it on tacos, pizza, or slider buns to create a perfect party snack! Lightly toasted brioche buns make an excellent choice for the base of your pulled pork sandwich.

10 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Pulled Pork Using your Instant Pot

If you are a meat lover, you probably know how satisfying it is to indulge in a plate of tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork. Did you know that with your trusty Instant Pot, you can make this classic dish in less than two hours? In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process of how to make tender pulled pork in an Instant Pot.

1. Choose Your Ingredients
To make the perfect pulled pork, you need to start with the right ingredients. A pork shoulder or butt is the best cut of meat to use for pulled pork, and you will need a few spices, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

2. Trim The Pork
It is essential to trim the fat from the pork before cooking. Cut off any large chunks of fat to make sure that the meat will cook evenly.

3. Season The Meat
Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, and mix well. Rub the spice mixture all over the meat, making sure to cover every inch of the pork.

4. Sear The Meat
Preheat your Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add a tablespoon of oil and wait for it to heat up. Once it is hot, add the pork to the Instant Pot and brown it on all sides until it is nicely seared.

5. Add The Liquid
Add a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce, a cup of beef broth, and a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to the Instant Pot. Mix the liquid ingredients and make sure that the pork is fully submerged.

6. Cook The Pork
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.

7. Remove The Meat
Using a pair of tongs, carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a cutting board.

8. Shred The Pork
Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces. Make sure to discard any remaining fat.

9. Sauce
While the meat is shredding, set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and let the sauce reduce to your desired consistency.

10. Serve
Once the sauce has reduced and the pork is fully shredded, add the pork back into the Instant Pot, and mix it together with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

In conclusion, making a delicious pulled pork in an Instant Pot is easier than you think! Follow these ten easy steps and enjoy a mouthwatering pulled pork in less than two hours. Keep experimenting with different seasonings and ingredients to make your own crave-worthy pulled pork recipe.

The Process: How to Make Pulled Pork in Instant Pot

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process. Making pulled pork in an instant pot is quite easy and can be done in just a few simple steps.

1. Searing the Meat: Before you start cooking the pork, you need to sear it well to get that beautiful golden color. This will also help to lock in the juices and flavors. So, turn on the instant pot on the sauté setting, add some oil and sear the pork on all sides for about 2-3 minutes each. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Pork: In the same pot, add the broth, apple cider vinegar, onions, garlic, and barbecue sauce. Mix well and then add the seared pork. Close the lid and set the instant pot to high pressure for 80-90 minutes.
3. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the instant pot to release the pressure naturally. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Once the pressure has been released, open the lid and remove the pork from the pot.
4. Shredding the Pork: Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces. The meat should be so tender that it falls apart easily. This is what we want for a perfect pulled pork recipe.
5. Reducing the Sauce: To make the sauce thicker and more concentrated in flavor, turn on the sauté function on the instant pot and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Once the sauce thickens, turn off the instant pot and add the shredded pork back to the pot. Mix everything together, and your pulled pork is ready to be served!

And voila, you have just made the perfect pulled pork in an instant pot. It’s so easy and hassle-free, yet the taste is absolutely amazing. Serve the pulled pork warm with some coleslaw and a side of cornbread, and your meal is complete.

Now that you know how to make pulled pork in an instant pot, you can easily prepare this dish for your family and friends. It’s a great meal to serve for a party or get-together, and everyone will love it. Give it a try and let us know how your pulled pork turned out!

Time to Dig In and Enjoy!

Well, there you have it – the perfect recipe for juicy, flavorful pulled pork made right in your Instant Pot. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, a game-day get-together, or a backyard BBQ with friends and family. Remember, the key is to give it plenty of time to cook and allow the flavors to meld together. We hope you enjoyed this recipe and can’t wait to see you back here again for more great cooking tips and tricks. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to bookmark our page for future reference!