Experience the ultimate convenience and flavor with this incredible Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe! Transform a humble pork butt or pork shoulder into unbelievably juicy, tender, and intensely flavorful pulled pork in under an hour, all thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker. This recipe is not just simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner, but also robust enough to be the star of your next weekend barbecue. Prepare to impress with minimal effort!
This versatile pulled pork is perfect for crafting the most delicious sandwiches, but its uses extend far beyond! Enjoy it on its own, pile it high into a fluffy baked potato, or serve it as irresistible sliders for a party. Get ready for a dish that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pulled Pork
- Step-by-Step Instant Pot Pulled Pork Instructions
- Creative Ways to Serve Pulled Pork
- Pro Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Pork Shoulder vs. Pork Butt: What’s the Difference?
- Storage and Reheating Your Pulled Pork
- Delicious Sides to Serve with Pulled Pork
- More Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes
Growing up in Oklahoma, pulled pork sandwiches were a constant in my life. Weekends often featured my Grandpa or Dad meticulously smoking a pork shoulder, filling our home with an irresistible aroma. Even during the week, local BBQ joints were our go-to for quick and delicious pulled pork fixes. This deep-rooted appreciation for authentic, smoky BBQ led me on a mission to recreate that beloved flavor and texture right in my kitchen.
While my famous Smoked Pulled Pork recipe holds a special place in my heart, I understand that not everyone has the luxury of a backyard smoker. That’s precisely why I dedicated myself to perfecting an Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe that delivers the same smoky, peppery depth and succulent, tender texture of traditionally smoked pork. The goal was to make truly exceptional pulled pork accessible to everyone, regardless of their equipment.
The Instant Pot, or any pressure cooker, is a marvel when it comes to transforming large, often tougher cuts of meat into fall-apart tender masterpieces in a fraction of the time. This incredible efficiency and ability to infuse deep flavors quickly is why I adore my Instant Pot! Dishes like a rich Beef Ragu or incredibly juicy pulled pork can be ready in under an hour, a feat simply not possible with conventional cooking methods. It’s truly a game-changer for elevating everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: This pulled pork is unbelievably juicy, succulent, and bursting with flavor. Every bite promises to be a delightful experience, practically melting in your mouth and leaving you craving more.
- Effortlessly Simple: Say goodbye to complicated cooking! With just a few hands-on steps, your Instant Pot takes over, handling the bulk of the cooking with minimal supervision. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers gourmet results.
- Unbeatably Fast: Forget the long hours associated with slow cooking or smoking pulled pork. This Instant Pot version requires only about 15 minutes of active prep time and a quick hour in the pressure cooker, making it ready in a fraction of the time, perfect for even the busiest schedules.
- Incredible Versatility: Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or even stuffing baked potatoes, this pulled pork adapts beautifully to a myriad of dishes, making meal planning a breeze.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The rich, savory flavor of this pulled pork appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit at any family dinner or gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pulled Pork
Crafting the best Instant Pot pulled pork starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, savory flavor and incredibly tender texture.
- Boneless Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder: For this recipe, a 3-pound boneless pork butt or pork shoulder is ideal. While both cuts work, a pork butt (also known as Boston butt) is generally preferred due to its higher fat content and marbling, which renders down beautifully, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful final product. Make sure to trim any excessively thick layers of fat, but a good amount of fat is crucial for tenderness and flavor. Important: Avoid lean cuts like pork loin or pork tenderloin, as they lack the necessary fat to create truly flavorful and tender pulled pork.
- Pulled Pork Rub: The rub is where the magic truly begins! My Texas-style rub, which made my smoked pulled pork recipe famous, is a simple yet powerful blend. It features a generous amount of coarse black pepper for that authentic Texas kick, coarse salt to penetrate the meat, smoked paprika for a hint of delicious smokiness, and a flavorful combination of onion powder and garlic powder. This blend creates an incredible bark and deep flavor that permeates every strand of pork.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the pork before pressure cooking. Searing creates a beautiful browned crust and locks in moisture, adding another layer of complex flavor to the meat. Any neutral-flavored oil can be substituted.
- Beef Broth: While chicken broth can be used, beef broth adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor that complements the peppery, smoky notes of the pork perfectly. It’s essential for creating the flavorful liquid that cooks and tenderizes the pork in the Instant Pot.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just one tablespoon of this powerhouse ingredient delivers a rich umami punch, enhancing the overall savory profile of the pulled pork and adding a subtle tang.
- Apple Juice: This ingredient provides a delicate hint of sweetness and helps keep the pork incredibly moist during the cooking process. When I smoke pork, I frequently spritz it with apple juice, and this recipe incorporates that same principle. If you prefer a sugar-free option, simply omit the apple juice and replace it with an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth.
- BBQ Sauce (Optional): This is entirely up to personal preference! If you enjoy your pulled pork sauced, toss it with your favorite barbecue sauce after it’s cooked and shredded. The beauty of adding sauce at the end is that everyone can customize their serving – those who love sauce (like me!) can add it, while those who prefer it unadorned (like my husband) can enjoy the pure, rich flavor of the pork itself.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Pulled Pork Instructions
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful pulled pork in your Instant Pot is easier than you think. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for more. For precise measurements and a printable recipe card, please refer to the bottom of this post.
- Prepare and Season the Pork: Begin by cutting your pork shoulder or pork butt into large, manageable chunks – typically 2-3 inch pieces work best for even searing and cooking. Place these chunks into a large mixing bowl. Generously sprinkle the pulled pork rub over all the pork pieces. Using your hands or sturdy tongs, toss and massage the rub into the pork, ensuring every surface is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial for building a deep, flavorful crust.
- Sear the Pork for Flavor: Press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Once the pot is hot, add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, carefully add half of the seasoned pork chunks to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd it. Sear the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Remove the seared pork pieces and place them on a clean cutting board. Repeat this process with the remaining half of the pork. After the second batch is seared and removed, add ¼ cup of beef broth to the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this crucial step, called deglazing, prevents a “burn” error and adds immense flavor to your liquid. Press the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button to turn off the sauté function.
- Load the Instant Pot with Pork and Liquids: Carefully return all the seasoned and seared pork pieces to the Instant Pot. Pour in the remaining cup of beef broth, the Worcestershire sauce, and the apple juice. Ensure the liquid covers at least the bottom third of the pork, providing ample moisture for pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure it’s properly sealed. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button (depending on your model) and set the cooking time to 40 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
- Natural Release and Shredding: Once the 40-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes. This natural release period is crucial for ensuring the pork remains moist and tender. After 10 minutes, carefully move the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to quick-release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, you can safely remove the lid. Use sturdy tongs to transfer the cooked pork pieces from the Instant Pot to a large cutting board.
- Shred the Pork: The pork will be incredibly tender and should practically fall apart. You can use two forks, specialized meat claws, or even just your tongs to easily pull the pork into desired shreds. Many find it so tender that it practically shreds itself as it’s lifted from the pot!
After shredding, the pulled pork can be returned to the flavorful cooking liquid in the Instant Pot to keep warm until serving. Alternatively, toss it immediately with your favorite BBQ sauce for a saucy delight, or serve it plain to let the rich pork flavor shine through. It’s ready to be the star of your meal!
Creative Ways to Serve Pulled Pork
While we often can’t resist a forkful (or even a finger-full!) straight from the cutting board, Instant Pot pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some fantastic ideas for incorporating it into your meals, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining:
- Classic Sandwiches: This is arguably the most popular way to enjoy pulled pork. Pile generous amounts of the tender pork onto a toasted brioche bun, topping it with fresh coleslaw and crisp pickles for a delightful crunch and tangy contrast. My Mom prefers hers simply tossed in BBQ sauce and served on a toasted bun without extra toppings – both ways are absolutely delicious! For a unique twist, try tossing the pork with a creamy White BBQ Sauce or a zesty Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce instead of traditional red sauce.
- Party Sliders: Perfect for game days or gatherings, pulled pork sliders are always a crowd-pleaser. Toss the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce, then load it onto toasted Hawaiian rolls. You can add mini coleslaw or pickles for garnish, or keep them simple for easy snacking.
- Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Transform a simple baked potato into a hearty meal. Use my air fryer baked potato recipe for a perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior. Fill it generously with warm pulled pork, top with grated sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of diced green onions for a fresh finish.
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Inspired by the legendary “hot mess” from Pecan Lodge in Texas, this version is a must-try. Prepare sweet potatoes following my guide on how to cook sweet potatoes (oven, air fryer, or microwave). Fill the cooked sweet potatoes with Instant Pot pulled pork, shredded cheddar jack cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions. Finish with a drizzle of spicy chipotle cream sauce for an explosion of flavor.
- Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: A beloved comfort food combination, especially popular in the Midwest and South. Whenever I have leftover pulled pork, I love to substitute it for chicken in this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, or simply stir it into a classic, creamy Mac and Cheese for a hearty upgrade.
- Ultimate Pulled Pork Nachos: Elevate your nacho game! Layer tortilla chips with copious amounts of pulled pork, melted cheese, black beans, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho toppings. Perfect for sharing and a fantastic way to use up leftovers.
- Savory Tacos: Serve the tender pork in warm flour or corn tortillas. Top with a crunchy slaw or a vibrant roasted corn salsa. A drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce takes these tacos to an entirely new level of deliciousness!
Pro Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Ideal Pork Size: For optimal results, I highly recommend using a 3-4 pound pork shoulder or pork butt for this recipe. Anything larger than 4 pounds might be challenging to fit comfortably in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot, which is the model I typically use.
- Shredding Options: While I prefer shredding the pork on a large cutting board for easier handling and less mess, you can absolutely shred it directly in the Instant Pot. Simply use two forks or meat claws to pull the tender pork apart in the pot. For smaller batches (2 pounds or less), a hand mixer can also be used directly in the pot, but be cautious to avoid splashing hot broth.
- Cooking Frozen Pork: Yes, you can cook frozen pork in the Instant Pot! If you plan to use frozen pork, ensure you cut it into large chunks *before* freezing. This allows you to still sear the exterior for enhanced flavor. When cooking from frozen, increase the pressure cook time from 40 minutes to 45-50 minutes to ensure it reaches perfect tenderness.
- Yield Estimation: A good rule of thumb is that one pound of boneless pork yields approximately 2 cups of shredded pulled pork. Therefore, a 3-pound boneless pork shoulder will give you roughly 6 cups of delicious pulled pork. If you use about 3/4 cup of pulled pork per sandwich, this recipe will make approximately 8 generous sandwiches.
- Boosting Smoky Flavor: To impart an even deeper smoky essence, reminiscent of traditional smoked pork, consider adding 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the Instant Pot along with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. This small addition can make a big difference in achieving that desired BBQ aroma.
- Deglazing is Key: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pot after searing the pork. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot are packed with flavor, and scraping them up ensures they become part of your delicious cooking liquid, preventing a “BURN” error message.
Pork Shoulder vs. Pork Butt: What’s the Difference?
The names can be a bit confusing, as “pork butt” doesn’t actually come from the rear end of the pig! Both pork butt and pork shoulder are cuts from the shoulder of the pig, and while they can often be used interchangeably in recipes like this one, there are subtle differences that make a boneless pork butt generally the superior choice for this Instant Pot Pulled Pork.
- Pork Butt (Boston Butt): This cut comes from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder, closer to the neck. It boasts more fat marbling throughout the meat, which is essential for yielding an incredibly juicy and flavorful pulled pork. As the fat renders during cooking, it bastes the meat from within, contributing significantly to its tenderness and rich taste. This cut is also typically sold without the skin.
- Pork Shoulder (Picnic Shoulder/Picnic Roast): This cut comes from the lower part of the pig’s shoulder, closer to the leg. It tends to be leaner than a pork butt and might sometimes be sold with the skin still on. While it will still produce delicious pulled pork, it might not be quite as succulent due to less internal marbling. If you opt for a pork shoulder, ensure you remove any skin before cooking.
When shopping for your pork: Look for a cut with a good, even fat cap on one side and plenty of marbling throughout the meat. Always ensure there is no skin on the pork. You can find both bone-in and boneless pork butt, but for ease of preparation and shredding in this recipe, I highly recommend purchasing a boneless pork butt whenever possible.
Storage and Reheating Your Pulled Pork
One of the best things about making a batch of Instant Pot pulled pork is the delicious leftovers! Knowing how to properly store and reheat it ensures you can enjoy its amazing flavor for days to come.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Cooked pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, store it along with a little bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 6 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Leftover Pulled Pork (from refrigerator):
- Microwave: Place your desired portion of pulled pork on a plate and cover it with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. The damp paper towel helps create steam, keeping the pork moist and preventing it from drying out.
- Oven: For larger quantities or a slightly crisper texture, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish with a splash of apple juice, water, or chicken broth to add moisture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pulled pork along with a small amount of apple juice, water, or chicken broth. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. This method is great for achieving a slight char on the edges if desired.
Reheating Frozen Pulled Pork:
- First, thaw the frozen pulled pork in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated pork above.
Delicious Sides to Serve with Pulled Pork
Hosting an epic BBQ is easy when you pair this mouthwatering Instant Pot Pulled Pork with these fantastic side dishes. Each complements the rich, savory flavors of the pork beautifully!
- Red White and Blue Cheese Potato Salad: A creamy, tangy potato salad with a punchy blue cheese flavor, perfect for cutting through the richness of the pork.
- Bacon Tomato Avocado Pasta Salad: A fresh and vibrant pasta salad loaded with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, offering delightful textures and flavors.
- Watermelon Salad: A refreshing and light salad, perfect for summer, offering a sweet and cooling contrast to the savory pulled pork.
- Grilled Zucchini: Simple, healthy, and full of smoky flavor, grilled zucchini provides a tender and slightly charred vegetable side.
- Cheesy Grilled Potatoes: Hearty and comforting, these cheesy grilled potatoes are a satisfying accompaniment that pairs well with any BBQ spread.
- 10 Minute Broccoli Salad: A quick and easy classic, this crunchy broccoli salad with a creamy dressing is a refreshing and wholesome addition.
- Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing: A lighter, tangy pasta salad that’s both flavorful and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
More Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes
Harness the power of your Instant Pot with these other fantastic and easy-to-make recipes!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Instant Pot Beef Ragu
Instant Pot Chicken Stroganoff
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Ribs
Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
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Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Make the most delicious Instant Pot Pulled Pork with this simple recipe! Using a pressure cooker makes it so easy to turn a pork butt, or pork shoulder, into juicy, tender, flavorful pulled pork in under an hour. This recipe is easy enough to make for weeknight dinners, but also perfect for a weekend bbq. The pulled pork makes the most delicious sandwiches, but is also great on it’s own, stuffed in a baked potato or served as sliders at a party!
Servings:
8
people
8
people
Prep Time:
15 minutes
15 minutes
Cook Time:
1 hour
1 hour
Total Time:
1 hour
15 minutes
1 hour
15 minutes
Author:
Whitney Bond
Whitney Bond
Course:
Main Course
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
American
Ingredients
-
3
pound
pork shoulder or pork butt,
cut into large pieces, fat trimmed -
3
tablespoons
pulled pork rub,
recipe link for Texas-style rub -
2
tablespoons
olive oil -
1 ¼
cups
beef broth,
divided -
1
tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce -
½
cup
apple juice,
omit for sugar-free, add ½ cup beef broth instead -
1
cup
BBQ sauce,
optional, for serving
Instructions
-
Cut the pork shoulder or pork butt into large, 2-3 inch pieces, ensuring any thick fat layers are trimmed.
-
Place the pork pieces in a large bowl and generously sprinkle the pulled pork rub over them.
-
Using your hands or tongs, toss the pork with the rub until all pieces are thoroughly covered, then set aside.
-
Add the olive oil to your Instant Pot and press the “Saute” button. Allow the pot to heat until the oil shimmers.
-
Once hot, add half of the pork pieces to the Instant Pot. Sear on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned.
-
Remove the seared pork and transfer it to a large cutting board.
-
Add the remaining half of the pork pieces and sear on all sides for another 2-3 minutes.
-
Remove the second batch of seared pork and place it on the cutting board with the rest of the pork.
-
Pour ¼ cup of beef broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (deglazing). This adds flavor and prevents a “BURN” error.
-
Press the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button to turn off the sauté function.
-
Place all the seared pork pieces back into the Instant Pot.
-
Add the remaining cup of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple juice (or substitute with beef broth for sugar-free).
-
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to “Sealing”.
-
Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cook time to 40 minutes on high pressure.
-
Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes. Then, quick-release any remaining pressure by moving the valve to “Venting” and remove the lid carefully.
-
Use tongs to remove the pork from the Instant Pot, transfer it to a cutting board, and shred it with two forks or meat claws.
-
Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot with the flavorful liquid to keep warm until serving, or toss it directly with BBQ sauce (if desired) and serve immediately. Enjoy it sauced or unsauced!
-
Serve this versatile pulled pork as sandwiches, sliders, tacos, or as a hearty filling for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. Refer to the detailed blog post above for additional delicious serving suggestions.
Notes
- Nutritional Information: The provided nutritional data does not include the optional BBQ sauce. One serving is approximately 3/4 cup of cooked pulled pork.
- Pork Cut Recommendation: I always recommend a 3-4 pound pork shoulder or pork butt. Cuts larger than 4 pounds may not fit well in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Yield: One pound of boneless pork yields about 2 cups of pulled pork. A 3-pound pork shoulder will produce approximately 6 cups, enough for about 8 sandwiches (at 3/4 cup per sandwich).
- Cooking Frozen Pork: To cook frozen pork, cut it into large pieces before freezing. Increase the cook time from 40 to 45-50 minutes to ensure tenderness.
- Storage: Cooked pulled pork lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat leftover pulled pork (thawed if frozen) in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel), oven (covered with foil and a splash of liquid at 325°F for 20-30 mins), or stovetop (with a splash of liquid, stirring occasionally for 4-5 mins).
Nutrition Facts
Calories
274
kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
4
g
(1%)
Protein
33
g
(66%)
Fat
13
g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
4
g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
7
g
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Cholesterol
102
mg
(34%)
Sodium
1216
mg
(51%)
Potassium
667
mg
(19%)
Fiber
1
g
(4%)
Sugar
2
g
(2%)
Vitamin A
148
mg
(3%)
Vitamin C
1
mg
(1%)
Calcium
41
mg
(4%)
Iron
3
mg
(17%)
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