Looking for a mouthwatering recipe that’s loaded with flavor and comes together with next-to-no effort? Meet your new favorite dish—Instant Pot pulled pork. This tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned pulled pork is a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, prepping for game day, or whipping up a weeknight dinner. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its amazing taste but also in the convenience of the Instant Pot.
Unlike traditional pulled pork recipes that can take hours to barbecue or slow-cook, the Instant Pot delivers fall-apart pork in a fraction of the time—without sacrificing flavor. The pressure cooking locks in moisture and intensifies the spices for a truly unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Skip the hours of low-and-slow cooking!
- Versatile: Serve it over buns, in tacos, on nachos, or even alongside your favorite veggies.
- Minimal Effort: With simple prep and the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have a show-stopping meal on the table in no time.
Now, let's get to cooking!
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt (boneless works best for easy shredding)
- 2 tsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your flavor preferences—add a pinch of cayenne for heat or a touch of brown sugar for sweetness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pork
- Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt. You don’t need to get it all—just the thicker bits.
- Cut the pork into 3-4 large chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mix all over the pork, coating it well.
2. Sear the Meat
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork chunks for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Remove the pork and set it aside.
3. Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is called deglazing). Those little bits are packed with flavor!
4. Cook Under Pressure
- Return the pork to the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce.
- Lock the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
5. Shred the Pork
- Use tongs to transfer the pork to a large bowl. It will be fork-tender and easy to shred. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into thin, juicy pieces.
- Pour some of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork for added flavor and moisture, or mix in extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some favorite ways to serve it:
- On Sandwiches: Pile the pork onto toasted buns, top with coleslaw, and serve with a pickle on the side.
- Taco Night: Load it into tortillas with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Over Rice: Serve it over steamed white or brown rice with a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
- Pulled Pork Nachos: Spread it over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.
You can even enjoy it keto-style by pairing it with roasted veggies or spooning it into lettuce wraps!
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem!
- Fridge: Store the pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This recipe freezes beautifully! Place the pork in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Pro tip: Pour some cooking liquid or extra barbecue sauce over the pork before storing to keep it moist.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for heat lovers.
- Sweet & Tangy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the barbecue sauce for subtle sweetness.
- Carnitas Style: After shredding, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes for crispy edges.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
With this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe, you’ll have a meal that feels like it took all day, but in reality, your Instant Pot did all the work. It's flavorful, tender, and irresistible—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a beginner, this recipe is a foolproof way to win over everyone at the table. Enjoy!
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