If you’re craving juicy, tender pulled pork but don’t have all day to slow-cook it, this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is the answer! With the magic of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork in just a few hours. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a party, this recipe is simple, quick, and totally delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is a total game-changer. The pork cooks quickly and effortlessly in the Instant Pot, turning out juicy and perfectly seasoned. With a mix of savory spices, a touch of sweetness, and a tangy BBQ sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. The best part? It’s super versatile! You can serve it on buns for pulled pork sandwiches, over rice, in tacos, or just on its own with a side of coleslaw. It’s a perfect recipe to keep on hand for busy nights, game days, or just when you want a hearty meal that doesn’t require hours of work.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick list of the ingredients for this easy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork. The full ingredient list can be found below.
- Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- Onion (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chicken broth or water
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
This combination of ingredients creates the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite of pulled pork.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Pork
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but don’t remove it all. A little bit of fat helps keep the meat juicy and tender while it cooks. Cut the pork into large chunks, about 3-4 pieces, so it cooks more evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add a little bit of oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This step helps build a deep, rich flavor base for the pulled pork.
Step 3: Season the Pork
While the onions and garlic are cooking, season the pork with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, and brown sugar. Massage the spices into the meat to ensure it’s well-coated with the seasoning.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Pork
Add the seasoned pork pieces to the Instant Pot, along with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth (or water). These liquids help create steam and provide flavor as the pork cooks. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 60-70 minutes on high pressure. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before quick-releasing the rest of the pressure.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Once the pork is done cooking, carefully remove the pork chunks from the Instant Pot and place them on a large cutting board or plate. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. You’ll notice how tender and juicy the pork is—it should practically fall apart!
Step 6: Mix in BBQ Sauce
Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot, along with any juices from the pot. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, mixing it in thoroughly until the pork is well-coated with the sauce. You can adjust the amount of sauce depending on how saucy you like your pulled pork.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the BBQ pulled pork immediately. You can pile it onto sandwich buns for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables. It’s also fantastic in tacos, on top of nachos, or served over rice for a satisfying meal.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use pork shoulder: Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is the best cut for pulled pork because it’s tender, flavorful, and has the right amount of fat to keep the meat juicy. Avoid using leaner cuts of pork, as they can dry out in the Instant Pot.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the pork well before cooking. This allows the spices to really infuse into the meat, creating rich, deep flavors.
- Don’t skip the natural release: Letting the pressure release naturally for a few minutes helps the meat retain its juices and become even more tender.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce: You can make the BBQ pulled pork as sweet, tangy, or smoky as you like by adjusting the amount of BBQ sauce or adding extra seasonings like hot sauce or vinegar to balance the flavors.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy pulled pork: If you like heat, add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the seasoning mix before cooking.
- Different meats: While pork shoulder is the traditional choice for pulled pork, you can also try using beef chuck roast or chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Homemade BBQ sauce: For a more personal touch, you can make your own BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like mustard powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it on soft sandwich buns for a classic pulled pork sandwich with a side of tangy coleslaw and pickles.
- Top it with cheese and serve it over mashed potatoes for a comfort food twist.
- Try it in tacos or wraps with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of lime juice for a zesty bite.
- For a low-carb option, serve the pulled pork over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice with grilled vegetables on the side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Pulled pork freezes well! Place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight, then reheat in a pan or the microwave.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pulled pork in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little extra BBQ sauce or liquid to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.
4 FAQs
Can I use frozen pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to 75-80 minutes if using frozen pork, and allow for a longer natural pressure release after cooking.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can slow cook the pulled pork in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Alternatively, you can cook it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
What should I do if the pulled pork is dry?
If the pulled pork turns out dry, try adding extra BBQ sauce or a splash of broth and stirring it into the meat. The sauce will help moisten it and bring back some of the flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicier version. You can also serve the pulled pork with spicy toppings, like pickled jalapeños.
Conclusion
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can make. The pork turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with minimal effort on your part. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, tacos, or just as a hearty main dish, this pulled pork will be a hit at any table. Plus, it’s quick enough to make on busy weeknights or special enough for a weekend gathering. Give it a try and enjoy the smoky, tangy goodness of BBQ pulled pork in no time!
Print
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, BBQ, Comfort Food
- Method: Pressure Cooking (Instant Pot)
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. With just a few hours in the Instant Pot, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork with a perfect balance of savory spices, sweetness, and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just on its own!
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 large Onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork:
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat for juiciness. Cut into 3-4 large chunks.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a little oil and sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the Pork:
- Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar. Massage the spices into the meat.
- Pressure Cook the Pork:
- Add the seasoned pork, sautéed onions, and garlic to the Instant Pot. Pour in apple cider vinegar and chicken broth. Close the lid and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 60-70 minutes on high pressure.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before quick-releasing the rest of the pressure.
- Shred the Pork:
- Remove the pork chunks and place them on a cutting board. Shred using two forks.
- Mix in BBQ Sauce:
- Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot with any remaining juices. Pour in the BBQ sauce and mix until well-coated.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately on buns for sandwiches, over rice, in tacos, or with a side of coleslaw.
Notes
- Pork Choice: Pork shoulder is the ideal cut for pulled pork. It’s fatty, tender, and flavorful.
- Flavor Adjustments: Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce depending on how saucy you like your pulled pork.
- Make Ahead: You can make this ahead and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the recipe
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg