Picture this: tender, juicy pulled pork that practically melts in your mouth, made in under two hours. Whether you’re craving BBQ sandwiches, tacos, or just a hearty protein to serve alongside your favorite sides, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork is here to save the day. It’s bold in flavor, ridiculously easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd—or just stocking up on leftovers for the week ahead!
If You’re Looking for Fall-Apart Tender Pork, This Recipe Has You Covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick compared to traditional pulled pork recipes—thanks, Instant Pot!
- You only need a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual gatherings.
- Endlessly versatile: use it in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or bowls.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- Pork Shoulder (or Boston Butt): This cut is ideal for pulled pork due to its marbling and tender outcome. Trim any excess fat if you’d like, but leave a bit for flavor.
- Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These spices bring bold, smoky flavor with minimal effort.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and smoky spices.
- Chicken Stock or Broth: Helps build flavor and prevents the pork from drying out during pressure cooking.
- BBQ Sauce of Your Choice: For mixing in after cooking, adding that sticky, glossy finish we all adore.
Pro Tips
- Substitute Alert: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, but consider adding a dash of liquid smoke for extra smokiness.
- Dietary Adjustments: Swap out chicken stock for vegetable stock if needed, or use a sugar-free BBQ sauce for a low-carb option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Pork: Cut your pork shoulder into large chunks for even cooking. Rub it all over with a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Sear for Flavor: Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add a drizzle of oil. Sear the pork pieces on all sides until golden brown. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor!
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Those bits = flavor gold!
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and seal the vent. Cook on “High Pressure” for 60 minutes, followed by a natural release for 15 minutes. (Patience, my friend—it’s worth it!)
- Shred and Sauce: Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Toss with your favorite BBQ sauce for that perfect saucy finish.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the pressure to release naturally helps the meat absorb more of those juicy cooking liquids.
- Shred Like a Pro: If you prefer a shortcut, toss the cooked pork chunks in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and let it shred itself (trust me, game changer).
- Extra Sauce on the Side: Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or drizzling—because there’s no such thing as too much sauce.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to your spice rub or mix in a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Carnitas Twist: Before serving, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes to get those crispy, caramelized edges.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or pickles—or pile it onto a soft bun with a scoop of creamy slaw for the ultimate pulled pork sandwich.
FAQs
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat!
- Can I make this in advance?
- Absolutely! Make it the day before, store in the fridge, and reheat in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
- Can I use a different cut of pork?
- Pork loin works in a pinch, but it’s leaner and won’t shred quite as easily. If you go this route, reduce the cooking time to avoid drying it out.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe Card
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes (plus 15 minutes natural release) | Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Season the pork with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the pork pieces in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Pour chicken stock into the pot, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom.
- Return pork to the pot, seal the lid, and pressure cook on “High” for 60 minutes. Let naturally release for 15 minutes.
- Shred the pork, toss with BBQ sauce, and serve as desired.
There you have it—a pulled pork recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-versatile. I can’t wait to see your creations! Share your photos and tag me at #TheKitchensAid so we can celebrate the deliciousness together.
