Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a foodie looking to impress your friends, the Instant Pot is the perfect tool for making mouth-watering Pulled Pork.

Do you love pulled pork, but don’t have hours to spend cooking it? The Instant Pot may just be your new best friend. This handy appliance can take your pork from raw to tender and juicy in a fraction of the time. Plus we have a tip on making this pulled pork even quicker!

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

To get the most flavorful and succulent pulled pork from your Instant Pot, selecting the right cut of meat is key. Opt for a pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt, which is marbled with fat and has connective tissue that slowly breaks down during cooking, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

When purchasing your pork shoulder, look for one with a good amount of fat marbling, as this will add flavor and moisture to the pulled pork. Pork shoulder comes bone in or boneless. For the Instant pot, I have found boneless is the way to go AND I also cut the pork into large cubes.

Ingredients

Pork Shoulder – again, boneless and cut into large cubes
Spice Rub – brown sugar, garlic, paprika, ground mustard, chili powder and cumin
Liquid – Chicken broth (or beer), ACV and your favorite BBQ sauce

How to Make The Best Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot

Place the large cubes of pork in a large bowl and sprinkle the rub until the pork is evenly coated. Rub it in using your hands.
Heat the Instant Pot using the High-Sauté function and being searing the pork in batches to prevent overcrowding. Make sure to brown it on all sides. This step is essential for developing a deep, rich flavor and creating a crispy crust on the outside of the meat.
Add the stock or beer and ACV, scraping up any bits on the bottom
Cover with BBQ sauce and attach the lid and cook for 45 minutes.

Lift the lid and remove the pork and 1 cup of the liquid.
Shred the pork and return to Instant Pot
Combine the liquid with the remaining BBQ sauce and pour on top.

One of the best things about pulled pork is how versatile it is. You can serve it in a variety of ways depending on your taste preferences and occasion. Here are some ideas on what to serve alongside your Instant Pot pulled pork:

Classic BBQ sides: You can never go wrong with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. These sides complement the smoky, savory flavors of the pulled pork.
Sandwiches: Pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser and make for an easy and satisfying meal. Add some pickles, onions, and your favorite BBQ sauce for the ultimate sandwich.
Tacos: Take your pulled pork to the next level by serving it in tacos. Add some fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing and zesty twist.
Salad: For a lighter option, consider serving pulled pork on top of a bed of greens. Add some sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of vinaigrette for a fresh and flavorful salad.

INSTANT POT BBQ PULLED PORK RECIPE
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Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

★★★★★

5 from 1 review

Total Time: 1 hour 15 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Tender, fall apart, perfectly cooked pulled pork sandwiches in an hour! Yes please!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spice Rub:

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Paprika (try smoked for a smokier flavor)
1 teaspoon Ground Mustard
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
½ teaspoon Ground Cumin

Additional Ingredients:

1 Small Pork Butt (about 3–4 pounds) cut into 2” cubes
2 Tablespoons Olive oil, divided
1 Cup Chicken Stock or Beer
¼ Cup Apple cider vinegar
2 ½ Cups Barbeque sauce, Divided
Buns and coleslaw– or whatever else you like on your BBQ sandwiches!

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Instructions

Make the Spice Rub:

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

How to Make the Pulled Pork:

Cut the Pork Butt into large pieces (about 2” cubes). Season on all sides with the spice rub.
Heat the Instant Pot using the Saute-High function.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes.
Add half of the pork butt and allow it to sear for 2 minutes per side. Once the first batch of pork has been seared on all sides, remove it to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining pork cubes, setting aside as well.
Add the chicken stock (or beer) and gently scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot with a wooden spoon to release any bits that may be stuck on the bottom.
Whisk in the apple cider vinegar.
Add the pork butt to the sauce and try to push the pork into the liquid as much as possible.
Cover the pork with 1 ½ cups of barbeque sauce. DO NOT STIR!
Attach the lid and ensure the valve is in the “sealing position”. Set the timer for 45 minutes. When the timer finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually by switching the valve to the “venting” position. Be careful– it may steam!
Remove the pork to a cutting board. Shred the meat and place it in a large bowl.
Whisk together the remaining 1 cup of barbeque sauce with 1 cup of cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. Add the mixture to the pulled pork and toss to combine.
Serve immediately. Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dinner
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American