Name: The Best Ever Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lb pork shoulder (1.9 kg); 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (30ml); 1/4 cup brown sugar (35 gm); 2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (360ml); 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (30ml); 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (5ml); 1 cup barbecue sauce

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Every home cook has their version, but this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is my personal favorite. It's that one go-to meal that I know I can't mess up. When I say foolproof, I mean it. This pork shreds into tender pieces and is ideal for so many different recipes on my menu. It's a hit with everyone and is added to the menu at least once a month in our house.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

When you need something delicious, easy, and versatile for dinner, this is the recipe to reach for on your menu. Pulled pork is a great way to tenderize a tough cut of meat and is ideal for making the flavor really pop on what can sometimes be dry meat. This recipe is one my family really enjoys and is easy to customize for heat level for your family.

If you are looking for more Instant Pot recipes, check out this huge list of over 30 unique Instant Pot comfort food meals. Tons of great options that are sure to please everyone at your dinner table. You might also want to try out this great recipe for tender oven-baked ribs. These are a great addition to a BBQ meal.

What is the Best Cut of Meat to Use for Pulled Pork?

I am personally fond of the pork shoulder, but you can use any number of different cuts available to you. The pork shoulder has good marbling throughout which results in better flavor and more tender results. Other popular options include a picnic, Boston butt, blade roast, and even sometimes pork steaks. Just look for a cut that has nice marbling if you want that tender juicy result.

What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

The best part of this recipe is that you get to choose the sauce you use. It cooks down with a great blend of spices and the liquid in the pot can become a gravy of sorts that is nicely seasoned. If you want to add more sauce though, reach for the bottle in your pantry or refrigerator that you like the best.

Some popular BBQ sauces we have enjoyed include Sweet Baby Ray's, G.Hughes (sugar-free), Stubb's, and Sticky Fingers. There are truly thousands of options out there and you can, of course, make your own homemade sauce.

What Can I Use Leftover Pulled Pork For?

As I mentioned before, I love that you can use leftover pork for so many different dishes. It's not just made for sandwiches! Below are a few of the things we use this pulled pork for that you will love adding to your menu.

Stuffed baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
Quesadillas with red onions and cheese
Topping ramen
Sauteed in oil to crisp and served with corn tortillas and fixings for tacos
Mixed into macaroni and cheese

Can You Overcook Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?

In my opinion, you really can't overcook pork in the Instant Pot for pulled pork. The secret is that under pressure, it naturally will tenderize. Overcooked pork can get pretty dry, but in this instance, you are cooking it in a way that will keep it in the juice from the rendered fats and will keep it moist.

Do I Quick Release or Naturally Release Pulled Pork?

As with most meats in the Instant Pot, you will naturally release the pulled pork. By letting the pressure release slowly, you make sure the pork has the full cooking time needed, and you prefer it from being tough. For this particular recipe, you will naturally release for 20 minutes after the cooking time ends. Then manually release any remaining pressure.

Ingredients

Pork shoulder
Brown sugar
Salt
Ground mustard
Black pepper
Onion powder
Paprika
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
Chicken broth
Worcestershire sauce
Liquid smoke
Olive oil
Barbecue sauce

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How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper then set aside.

Cut the pork shoulder into manageable pieces that will be easy to saute. Usually 2-4 pieces.

Dredge the pork pieces in the seasoning blend to coat all sides well.

Turn the Instant Pot to saute and adjust to medium heat, then add the olive oil.

Once the pot is hot, place the pork pieces in a single layer into the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes per side to brown and seal in flavor. Depending upon the size of pork pieces, this may need to be done in two batches. Once browned on all sides, remove and set aside.

Into the hot pot, pour the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape any food bits off the bottom of the pot to make sure it doesn't give a burn notice.

Place the browned pork into the liquid and place the lid to seal. Make sure the vent is set to seal.

Turn the pot to high pressure and set for 1 hour cooking time.

Once the cooking cycle ends, let it naturally release pressure for 20-minutes. After 20-minutes, manually remove any remaining pressure.

Pull the meat out of the Instant Pot and shred with forks or meat shredder.

Add sauce or put back into cooking liquid.

Serve on buns, bread, or rolls for sandwiches.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork

Not sure what to serve with this recipe? Don't fret! I have some great ideas here that pair wonderfully with pulled pork. The sweet and spicy barbecue is a great choice to go alongside some of my favorite side dishes of all time. Below are a few to bookmark or pin for later to use when you make pulled pork.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6