Pulled pork is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish with sides. This Instant Pot version speeds up the cooking process while still delivering the tender, flavorful meat you’d expect from hours of slow cooking. Whether you prefer it with BBQ sauce or just seasoned to perfection, this recipe offers flexibility to suit your taste. The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection, making it easy to shred and enjoy in various dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork:
- Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks to fit into the Instant Pot.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks.
- Sauté:
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the pork chunks in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove the pork and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pressure Cook:
- Pour in the chicken broth or water and deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the pork to the Instant Pot.
- Cancel the sauté mode. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.
- Natural Release:
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before carefully quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Pork:
- Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. If desired, mix the shredded pork with BBQ sauce or serve it as is.
- Serve:
- Serve the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.
Tips
- BBQ Sauce: If using BBQ sauce, you can either mix it into the pulled pork after shredding or serve it on the side.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Ideas: Pulled pork is versatile and can be served in sandwiches, tacos, or over a bed of rice or salad.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender pulled pork in no time, thanks to the Instant Pot!
