• Main Dishes
  • Instant Pot Pulled Pork

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    Cook up a batch of delicious BBQ pulled pork in a fraction of the time in your Instant Pot. Perfect seasoned and so effortless to make, this shredded pork recipe is a keeper!

    homemade pulled pork made in the instant pot and served on a bun

    I love pulled pork, but I hardly ever have time to make it, but that’s no longer the case thanks to our trusty Instant Pot!

    Cooking the pork takes only a fraction of the time in an electric pressure cooker and the results are amazing! The pork is so tender and perfectly juicy. Smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce, this homemade pulled pork is perfect to pile into burgers and serve with your favorite toppings and sides. Be sure to try it in tacos too!

    If you love this easy recipe for pulled pork, be sure to try my Mediterranean Pork and Rosemary Peach Pork Tenderloin too!

    bbq pulled pork served on a bun

    Why you will love this recipe!

    • Easy: This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is so effortless and requires minimal prep. Just season the meat, pop it in the Instant Pot then shred and serve.
    • Make ahead: This pulled pork is great for meal prep and is freezer friendly too!
    • So much quicker! It can take up to 5 hours to make pulled pork in the oven, this is ready in just one hour, so you don’t have to plan ahead too much.

    Ingredients

    To make pulled pork in the Instant Pot, you will need the following ingredients

    • For the pulled pork spice rub: Brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
    • Pork: You can use boneless pork roast, Boston butt, pork shoulder, or pork butt for this recipe. Trim off any excess fat with a sharp knife before cooking.
    • Oil: For cooking. I use olive oil, but any other oil you prefer will work well.
    • Stock: I like to use chicken stock for extra flavor. You can use vegetable stock or just use water.
    • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand. I use Stub’s Original BBQ sauce.
    • Apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce: For a nice tangy flavor.
    • Liquid smoke: To get that perfect smoky BBQ flavor. You can omit it, if you don’t have any but I highly recommend it.
    ingredients for pulled pork in pressure cooker

    How to make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

    • In a small bowl, stir together all spice rub ingredients until well combined.
    • Rub the pork on all sides with the spice rub.
    • Pour olive oil into the Instant Pot inner pot and turn it on SAUTE mode. When the pot is hot, place the pork in the Instant Pot and brown on all sides. You may need to do this in two batches. Transfer the browned pork to a clean plate.
    • Pour about half of the chicken stock into the pot and use a rubber spatula to scrape up any browned bits off of the bottom of the pot. Add the rest of the broth, 1 cup barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir to combine.
    • Return the pork to the Instant Pot. Close the lid. Turn the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook at high pressure for 60 minutes.
    • When the cook time is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes (just leave the Instant Pot alone). Then, quick release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the venting position.
    • Transfer pork to a large bowl and use two forks to shred the pork. Stir it back into the sauce. Add more BBQ sauce if necessary.
    • Serve pork on burger buns topped with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
    how to make pulled pork in the instant pot

    Best Meat for Pulled Pork

    I prefer to use Boston Butt in this pressure cooker pulled pork recipe but of course, you can also use pork butt or pork shoulder. Make sure you trim any excess fat before cooking.

    How long do you cook pulled pork for in the Instant Pot?

    Allow your piece of pork to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes per pound. My cut was 3lbs and took 60 minutes. Adjust the cooking time according to the weight of your meat. Be sure to naturally release the pressure for 20 minutes before opening the pot, don’t be tempted to naturally release it or some parts may not be cooked through.

    homemade pressure cooker pulled pork

    How long does it keep?

    This Instant Pot BBQ pulled pork is great for your weekly meal prep. Once it is fully cooled, place it into an airtight container and it will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat the shredded pork in a pot on the stovetop til warmed through to serve.

    Can you freeze it?

    Ye! This Instant Pot Boston Butt is so great for freezer meals. Store it in portions in ziplock bags, with as much air removed as possible. It will keep well frozen for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

    instant pot pulled pork served on a bun

    TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

    Recipe Notes and Tips for Instant Pot Pulled Pork

    • One of the reasons this pulled pork is so good is the spice rub! Be sure to rub it in really well with your hands and on all sides.
    • If you are using 3lbs or a larger piece of meat, cut it into 3 or 4 pieces so it easily fits in your pressure cooker.
    • Don’t skip searing the pork. This helps it to get that deep rich flavor we all love.
    • Depending on the size of the Boston Butt, adjust the cooking time accordingly by using 20 minutes per pound.

    More Instant Pot Recipes

    If you loved this pulled pork Instant Pot recipe, I am sure you will love my other Instant Pot recipes here:

    Instant Pot Pulled Pork

    Cook up a batch of delicious BBQ pulled pork in a fraction of the time in your Instant Pot. Perfect seasoned and so effortless to make, this shredded pork recipe is a keeper!
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour
    Natural release 20 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 427kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    Spice Rub Ingredients

    Pulled Pork ingredients

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • In a small bowl, stir together all spice rub ingredients until well combined.
    • Rub the pork on all sides with the spice rub.
    • Pour olive oil into the Instant Pot inner pot and turn it on SAUTE mode. When the pot is hot, place the pork in the Instant Pot and brown on all sides. You may need to do this in two batches. Transfer the browned pork to a clean plate.
    • Pour about half of the chicken stock into the pot and use a rubber spatula to scrape up any browned bits off of the bottom of the pot. Add the rest of the broth, 1 cup barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir to combine.
    • Return the pork to the Instant Pot. Close the lid. Turn the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook at high pressure for 60 minutes. (or about 20 minutes per pound of pork)
    • When the cook time is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes (just leave the Instant Pot alone). Then, quick release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the venting position.
    • Transfer pork to a large bowl and use two forks to shred the pork. Stir it back into the sauce. Add more BBQ sauce if necessary.
    • Serve pork on burger buns topped with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.

    TIPS & NOTES

    • One of the reasons this pulled pork is so good is the spice rub! Be sure to rub it in really well with your hands and on all sides.
    • If you are using 3lbs or a larger piece of meat, cut it into 3 or 4 pieces so it easily fits in your pressure cooker.
    • Don’t skip searing the pork. This helps it to get that deep rich flavor we all love.
    • Depending on the size of the Boston Butt, adjust the cooking time accordingly by using 20 minutes per pound.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 597mg | Potassium: 1089mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Keyword how to make pulled pork in the instant pot, Instant Pot shredded pork, pressure cooker pulled pork
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