If you have been dreaming of a juicy, tender, and flavor-packed pulled pork dinner that comes together with ease, your search ends here with this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe. This dish turns a classic slow-cooked favorite into a weeknight hero by harnessing the magic of the Instant Pot. With a simple homemade spice rub and a few pantry staples, you’ll have smoky, succulent pork ready in just over an hour, perfect for cozy family meals or crowd-pleasing gatherings. Get ready to savor every bite of melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s bursting with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is in its simplicity, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that work hard to deliver rich taste and tender texture. Each one adds its own magic — from smoky spices to tangy vinegar — creating a perfectly balanced and inviting dish.
- 4 lbs. pork shoulder roast: The ideal cut for pulled pork, with enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful after cooking.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Infuses the pork with a deep, smoky aroma that’s quintessential to pulled pork flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and encourages beautiful caramelization on the meat.
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone that complements the smoky paprika perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pork evenly and enhancing overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness and smokiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to brown the pork and build a rich base of flavor in the Instant Pot.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Provides tanginess that tenderizes the meat and cuts through its richness; feel free to substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- 1/2 cup water: Ensures enough moisture for pressure cooking without diluting flavors.
- Barbecue sauce (optional): Your favorite brand or homemade sauce to toss the pulled pork in for an extra layer of deliciousness.
How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork
Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder and cutting it into four large pieces for even cooking. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and black pepper to form a fragrant spice rub. Generously coat all sides of the pork pieces with this rub, making sure every bit is covered for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 2: Brown the Pork
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the pork pieces in batches, allowing them to brown for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. This browning step is crucial as it locks in flavor and adds a beautiful caramelized crust. Once browned, transfer the pork out of the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Deglaze the Instant Pot
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and water, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those lovely browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step is essential to avoid getting a burn notice later and also adds a tangy depth of flavor to the cooking liquid.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Pork
Return the pork pieces to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the liquid. Secure the lid and set the cooker to High Pressure for 1 hour. Keep in mind that it will take about 15 minutes for the pressure to build up before cooking begins. When time’s up, choose quick release or natural release, depending on your schedule; if the pork isn’t tender enough to shred easily, add 15 to 30 more minutes of cooking time at high pressure.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Carefully remove the pork from the pot using a slotted spoon and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat. Transfer the shredded pork to a bowl and toss with warm barbecue sauce if you like, or enjoy it straight up to fully appreciate the spices and tender texture.
How to Serve Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the pulled pork to introduce a fresh and vibrant contrast. A squeeze of lime or a dash of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors beautifully, adding brightness or a touch of heat to this comforting dish.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe shines served alongside classic coleslaw for a crunchy counterpoint, creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bite of sauce, or simple cornbread for a sweet and crumbly complement. Pick sides that offer textural balance and enhance the main star without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your pulled pork into mouthwatering sandwiches on toasted buns layered with pickles and slaw, or pile it atop baked sweet potatoes for a hearty twist. Another fun idea is to serve it as a filling for soft tacos or quesadillas with fresh salsa and avocado slices for a flavor-packed fiesta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer any leftover pulled pork to an airtight container and refrigerate. The pork stays delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second-day dinners packed with flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe on hand for longer, freeze it in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers. This pulled pork freezes beautifully for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, or warm in the microwave with a damp paper towel cover to prevent drying out. Toss with extra barbecue sauce after reheating to revive that freshly made taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder is the best choice for tenderness and fat content, you can use pork butt or even pork picnic roast. Just keep in mind these cuts might need slight adjustments in cooking time due to differences in fat and connective tissue.
Is it possible to make this recipe without barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! The spice rub and apple cider vinegar create tons of flavor on their own, so the pulled pork is delightful just as it is. However, adding barbecue sauce gives it a classic tangy and sweet finish that many love.
How do I avoid the Instant Pot burn warning when cooking pork?
Deglazing the pot thoroughly with the vinegar and water after browning the meat helps prevent burn notices. Make sure to scrape all browned bits off the bottom so nothing sticks during pressure cooking.
Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
It depends on the size of your Instant Pot. For larger models, you can double the ingredients but be careful not to overfill. The liquid amount may need adjusting to ensure proper pressure cooking.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or fresh lemon juice are great alternatives. Each provides the necessary acidity to tenderize the meat and add brightness to the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals without the fuss or hours of slow cooking. It transforms a humble pork shoulder into a juicy, tender masterpiece that’s perfect for so many occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite—get ready to enjoy pulled pork night any night of the week!
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Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork shoulder cooked to perfection in just over an hour. Using a simple spice rub and a quick browning step, the pork is pressure cooked for an incredibly juicy and shreddable texture, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or your favorite BBQ dishes. The recipe is easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, and results in delicious, smoky, and sweet pulled pork every time.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 lbs. pork shoulder roast (cut into 4 large pieces and trimmed of excess fat)
Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Liquid & Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (see notes for substitutions)
- 1/2 cup water
- Barbecue sauce or your favorite sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Season Pork: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork pieces to ensure they are well-seasoned.
- Brown Pork: Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the pork pieces and brown them on each side for 1-2 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove the browned pork and set aside.
- Add Liquid and Deglaze: Pour the apple cider vinegar and water into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift all the flavorful browned bits.
- Cook Pork Under Pressure: Return the pork to the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and set the pressure cooker to High Pressure for 1 hour. It will take approximately 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. After cooking, perform a quick pressure release and open the lid when safe. If the pork is not tender enough to shred easily, cook under pressure for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and place on a cutting board. Using forks, shred the meat, discarding any excess fat. Toss the shredded pork with your desired amount of heated barbecue sauce before serving.
Notes
- To substitute apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice, but apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tang that complements the pork well.
- For a lower sugar option, substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar as suggested.
- If you prefer a more natural release of pressure for even more tender pork, you can allow the pressure to release naturally instead of quick releasing after cooking.
- Make sure to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder to avoid greasy pulled pork.
