Oct 07, 2024
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
This recipe is ridiculously easy and yields the most tender pork I’ve ever had. It’s the easy pressure cooker pulled pork recipe of my dreams! It is utterly delicious, succulent, and brimming with bright flavors. Need more reasons to love it? Here you go:
The sealed environment traps flavors, ensuring that the spices and seasonings deeply penetrate the pork for a rich taste. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, making pulled pork in the Instant Pot is a hassle-free cooking experience. Instant Pot pulled pork stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Here’s What You Need
Round up these flavor-deepening ingredients and kitchen tools to make your pork recipe:
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Ingredients
These ingredients are classic pork partners. Round them up and get cooking:
Pork shoulder or pork butt: You can use bone-in pork roast or boneless pork butt or shoulder for this recipe. See note below on the difference. Smoked paprika: Gives the pork the color it needs, plus a little smokiness. Garlic powder: Infuses the pork with a warm, savory flavor without needing fresh garlic. Easy peasy. Onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the seasoning mix. Chicken broth: Acts as the liquid base in the Instant Pot, adding flavor and moisture to help tenderize the pork during pressure cooking. You could also use beef broth. Apple cider vinegar: The vinegar helps tenderize the meat while adding brightness. Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel-like notes. So yummy! Optional: BBQ sauce to make pulled pork sandwiches.
Variations and Substitutions
You can play around with this recipe to change it up a bit or a lot. Pork butt (also called Boston butt) is higher on the foreleg, closer to the pig’s back. It’s well-marbled with fat, making it great for slow-cooking or smoking, like for pulled pork. It tends to be a bit more tender and flavorful due to the fat content. Pork shoulder (sometimes called picnic shoulder) is lower on the foreleg, closer to the pig’s front hoof. It’s a tougher cut because it has more muscle, but it’s still great for slow cooking. It often comes with the skin on and may have more connective tissue. Both cuts are ideal for low-and-slow cooking methods, but pork butt is more popular for pulled pork because it has more fat, which adds flavor and tenderness. For recipes like stews, pulled pork, or slow roasts, they work just fine as substitutes.
Spicy pulled pork: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick. You can also mix some hot sauce or spicy barbecue sauce into the cooking liquid towards the end. Hawaiian pulled pork: Add pineapple juice or diced pineapple into the broth for a sweet and tangy flavor. Serve with teriyaki sauce. Chipotle pulled pork: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the seasoning mix for a smoky, spicy flavor. This pairs well with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
5 Common Mistakes When Making A Pressure Cooker Pork Butt Recipe
Here are five common mistakes to avoid when making Instant Pot pulled pork:
Prep the pork
In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the pork pieces.
Sear the pork
Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil. Sear each pork piece for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Deglaze the pot
Add chicken broth and vinegar to the pot. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
Pressure cook
Return the pork to the pot, sprinkle with brown sugar, close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
Natural release
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then switch to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Shred the pork
Remove the pork and shred it with two forks, discarding any excess fat if desired.
Mix with sauce
Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir into the cooking liquid. Add BBQ sauce for extra sauciness if desired.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the spice rub and store it in an airtight container. For the pulled pork, you can marinate the pork with the rub and refrigerate it overnight for enhanced flavor. Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat pulled pork gently by adding a little broth or water to a pan and warming it over low heat, or use the microwave with a splash of liquid to retain moisture. You can also reheat it in the Instant Pot using the sauté function with extra sauce or broth.
Final Notes, Pro Tips + Science-Based Secrets
Steal these pro tips for the juiciest, most flavorful pulled pork you’ve ever locked lips with: Create mouthwatering pork sandwiches, layering them with crunchy pickles and a slather of mustard for a flavor-packed bite. Don’t forget the coleslaw! Toss the pork with smoky BBQ sauce and serve up on soft buns to make irresistible pulled pork sliders. Layer tortilla chips with melted cheese, tender pork, and all your favorite fixings for a loaded nacho feast. Try adding them to my sweet potato nachos recipe (or try one of these stellar game day nachos recipes!) Stuff cheese quesadillas with savory pork and melted cheese, grilling them to a golden, crispy perfection.
Pork’s secret to tenderness: With its rich fat and connective tissue, pork butt and shoulder become melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked under pressure. Pressure cooking boosts tenderness: The Instant Pot’s high pressure accelerates collagen breakdown, transforming tough connective tissue into gelatin much faster than traditional methods. Moisture stays locked in: The sealed environment traps steam, keeping the pork from drying out, leading to juicier results compared to dry heat cooking. Natural pressure release is key: Allowing the pressure to release naturally helps retain moisture. Quick release can cause the meat fibers to tense up, resulting in drier pork. Let it rest: Resting the pork before shredding allows the juices to settle and redistribute, ensuring your pulled pork stays juicy and tender.
Just whizzing through this recipe post? Here are a few highlights:
Other Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love
There’s nothing quite like an easy-going Instant Pot recipe to make midweek life easier.
Instant Pot Ham Fall apart, utterly tender Instant Pot steak sound good? I know, right? I love this aromatic tasty Mexican rice as a jazzed-up rice side. Instant Pot chicken chili is a cheerful and sunny recipe for an easy way to cook chicken. This Beef and barley soup is loaded with savory flavors and warming veggies. Want to cook chicken frozen in your instant pot? Here’s how.
