Juicy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe – Ready in a Flash

My latest Instant Pot BBQ pulled pork adventure transformed a tough cut of meat into mouthwatering, tender perfection.

Juicy pork shoulder melts right off the bone with minimal effort.

Weekend cooking becomes effortless when you harness the magic of pressure cooking.

A simple blend of smoky spices creates depth that makes every bite memorable.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without hours of traditional slow roasting.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering, and watch everyone request seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour.

Sandwich and Snack Ideas for Pulled Pork

• Perfect Pairing Picks for BBQ Pulled Pork
• Tangy Coleslaw Complement: Prepare a zesty vinegar-based coleslaw that cuts through the rich, fatty pulled pork. Crisp cabbage and carrots with a sharp dressing balance the meat's smoky sweetness.
• Southern-Style Sidekick: Serve creamy mac and cheese alongside the pulled pork. The smooth, cheesy pasta provides a comforting contrast to the bold barbecue flavors, creating a classic Southern comfort food combo.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to enhance the meal. The beer's bitterness and carbonation help cleanse the palate between savory bites of pulled pork, while its robust flavor stands up to the intense barbecue sauce.
• Pickle Punch: Add a side of quick-pickled vegetables or traditional dill pickles. Their bright, acidic crunch provides a refreshing counterpoint to the tender, rich pulled pork, creating a delightful flavor and texture contrast.

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Easy Versions

• Gluten-Free BBQ Pulled Pork: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Carolina-Style Variation: Replace standard BBQ sauce with a vinegar-based hot sauce and add red pepper flakes for an intense, tangy flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Swap Instant Pot method by cooking pork in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours, achieving similar tender results with less hands-on time.
• Lean Protein Adaptation: Substitute pork shoulder with turkey or chicken thighs, adjusting cooking time to ensure meat remains moist and flavorful.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork butt or pork roast as alternatives. They have similar fat content and will yield tender, shreddable meat.

• Do I need to add liquid when pressure cooking?

Yes, the 1 cup of water is essential to create steam and prevent burning. The pork will release its own juices during cooking.

• Is it necessary to sear the meat before pressure cooking?

Searing is optional but recommended. It adds depth of flavor and creates a nice golden-brown crust on the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the pulled pork.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the dry rub or add some hot sauce when mixing in the BBQ sauce. You can also choose a spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the heat.

BBQ Pulled Pork That’s Sweet, Smoky, and Easy in the Instant Pot

• Speed-Craft Savior: Whip up tender, mouthwatering pulled pork in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time, making this Instant Pot recipe a game-changer for busy home cooks.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of homemade dry rub and BBQ sauce creates a deeply seasoned, rich taste that transforms an ordinary pork shoulder into a restaurant-quality meal everyone will crave.
• Versatile Meal Maker: Perfect for meal prepping, game day gatherings, family dinners, or casual weekend lunches, this pulled pork recipe adapts effortlessly to sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or standalone protein.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Using an Instant Pot eliminates complex cooking techniques, ensuring consistently tender meat with zero guesswork, making it ideal for novice and experienced home chefs alike.

Pulled Pork (BBQ Instant Pot) Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder: The star of the dish, delivers rich, tender meat perfect for pulling and absorbing flavors. Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum juiciness.

• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Blend creates a robust, complex flavor profile that enhances the pork's natural taste. Fresh, high-quality spices make a significant difference.

• Water: Helps create steam and prevents burning during pressure cooking. Allows meat to cook evenly and stay moist.
• Olive Oil: Provides a light coating for searing, helping develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on the meat.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet, tangy, and smoky elements to the pulled pork. Choose a sauce that complements the dry rub's flavor profile. Opt for homemade or store-bought varieties based on personal preference.

Pulled Pork Instant Pot Instructions

Step 1: Trim and Season the Pork

Inspect the pork shoulder and remove any excessive fat.

Cut the meat into chunks that will cook evenly.

• Smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Chili powder

Massage the spices thoroughly into every surface of the pork pieces.

Step 2: Fire Up the Instant Pot

Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté mode.

Drizzle a layer of cooking oil across the bottom of the pot.

Brown the seasoned pork chunks on all sides until they develop a deep golden exterior.

This step locks in incredible flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth or water into the pot.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

These crusty pieces are flavor gold and will enhance the overall taste of the pulled pork.

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Lock the Instant Pot lid into place.

Set the cooking mode to high pressure.

Cook the pork for approximately 60 minutes.

The extended cooking time ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and pulls apart effortlessly.

Step 5: Release and Rest

Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes.

This resting period helps the meat continue breaking down and becoming supremely juicy.

Carefully open the lid once pressure has completely dissipated.

Step 6: Shred and Sauce

Transfer the cooked pork to a large mixing bowl.

Using two forks, pull the meat apart into delicate strands.

Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce, coating every morsel with tangy, sweet goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the saucy pulled pork onto soft buns, crisp lettuce wraps, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.

Top with extra sauce, coleslaw, or pickles for a complete meal that will make mouths water.

Slow Cooker Tips for BBQ Pulled Pork

• Brown the pork pieces before pressure cooking to develop deeper, richer taste and create a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in incredible flavor.
• Slice the pork shoulder into uniform 8-piece portions to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the meat.
• Adjust the dry rub ingredients based on personal heat preferences by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper for a milder or spicier result.
• Remove cooking liquid after shredding to prevent watery pulled pork and ensure the BBQ sauce coats the meat perfectly without dilution.
• Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the spice rub or make your own homemade sauce for a personalized flavor profile.

BBQ Pulled Pork Storage Advice

• Store pulled pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Seal pulled pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays good for up to 3 months when properly stored.
• Warm pulled pork in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until evenly warmed.

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort straight from your kitchen. Tender, juicy meat drenched in tangy sauce promises a crowd-pleasing feast you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3.4 kilograms (7.5 pounds) boneless pork shoulder

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Liquid and Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Inspect the pork shoulder, thoroughly cleansing and drying the meat. Divide into uniform chunks, placing them in a spacious preparation vessel.
2. Craft a robust seasoning blend combining smoky, pungent, and aromatic spices. Generously massage the spice mixture into each meat segment, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Activate the Instant Pot’s searing function. Introduce a light coating of olive oil to the cooking surface. Methodically brown the meat segments, developing a rich, caramelized exterior. Extract the pieces once golden and set aside.
4. Deglaze the pot’s interior by introducing water, meticulously scraping accumulated flavor remnants from the bottom surface. Neutralize the searing mode.
5. Carefully reintroduce the meat segments into the pot. Secure the lid, configuring the pressure cooking mechanism to high intensity for precisely one hour. Confirm the venting mechanism remains sealed.
6. After the cooking cycle completes, permit a gradual pressure descent lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Cautiously manage the remaining steam release.
7. Delicately transfer the cooked meat to a separate surface. Utilize two forks to dismantle the protein into tender, succulent strands, removing any residual fatty tissues.
8. Purge excess cooking liquid from the pot. Reintegrate the shredded meat, thoroughly coating with tangy barbecue sauce until each strand is luxuriously dressed.

Notes

• Use a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor, allowing the fat to break down during slow cooking and create incredibly juicy meat.
• Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and promote perfect browning during searing.
• Consider reducing cayenne pepper for a milder version or adding extra for spice lovers who enjoy a kick of heat in their pulled pork.
• For a low-carb alternative, serve the pulled pork over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg