Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Instant Pot Pulled Pork is the full proof way to achieve tender, flavorful pulled pork in about one hour! It’s so easy to make and requires just a few minutes of prep!
There are some recipes that I make time and time again that I just can’t seem to get around to posting. This Instant Pot Pulled Pork is one of them!
This is a recipe that I’ve been making on a regular basis since I got my Instant Pot well over a year ago, so I apologize for taking this long to share it with you.
At least I’ve made it a priority to get it to you in time for Super Bowl, so please forgive me?
If you’re looking for more great game day recipes, try my Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken and Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. They’re extremely versatile and may be served a variety of ways!
I’ve made slow cooker pulled pork many times, but my preferred method is the Instant Pot or pressure cooker. I’ve cooked pork shoulder in the slow cooker for 8-10 hours in the past only to find that it still wasn’t tender enough.
With the Instant Pot, pulled pork cooking time is only one hour, and you get ridiculously tender pork every single time.
You just can’t beat that!
What cut of meat to use for pulled pork
The pork shoulder is the best cut of meat to use for pulled pork due to the high fat content and flavor. The pork shoulder roast is normally split in half — one half is the Boston butt and the other half is the picnic shoulder.
Either one is a great option for this recipe.
How to cook pulled pork in the Instant Pot
The first thing to tackle in this pulled pork recipe is to prep the pork. Cut the pork into quarters and season it with a simple dry rub of smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, salt and pepper.
Next, heat some oil in the Instant Pot using the Sauté mode and brown the pork for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove it from the pan and add apple cider vinegar and water, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the pork back to the Instant Pot, secure the lid and close the sealing valve. Select High Pressure for 1 hour, then when done, quick release the pressure and remove the lid when safe to do so.
Remove the pork from the pot with a slotted spoon and place on a cutting board. Shred, remove any excess fat, then place in a bowl.
From there, add the desired amount of your favorite barbecue sauce and serve!
Recipe notes
- I’ve used up to 5 1/2 lbs. of pork shoulder in this recipe. Bear in mind that if you use more than 4 lbs. of pork shoulder, you’ll need to brown the pork in batches in the Instant Pot which will make the cooking time longer.
- You can always skip the browning step, but I recommend it as it adds a nice crust on the pork as well as more flavor.
- The vinegar and water may be replaced with the liquid your choice. Beer, apple cider or soda are all great options.
- Omit the brown sugar to make this keto instant pot pulled pork.
- This is a great meal prep recipe! The pork will keep up to 4 days in an air tight container in the fridge.
How to serve this recipe:
Pulled pork is perfect served with the following sides:
More pork recipes you’ll love:
If you try this recipe I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag me @flavorthemoments on Instagram!
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. pork shoulder roast cut into 4 large pieces and trimmed of excess fat*
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- Barbecue sauce or your favorite sauce for serving
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, salt and pepper in a small bowl and stir to combine, then season the pork with the spice rub on all sides.
- Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil, then once heated add the pork. Brown on each side for 1-2 minutes, working if batches if necessary. Remove the pork.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and water to the Instant Pot and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
- Add the pork back to the pot and secure the lid. Set to High Pressure for 1 hour (note — it will take 15 minutes or so for the Instant Pot to come to pressure). When the pork has cooked for 1 hour, quick release the pressure and remove the lid when safe to do so.
- Remove the pork using a slotted spoon and place on a cutting board. Shred with a fork and place in a bowl, removing any excess fat. Toss with the desired amount of heated barbecue sauce or your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- I’ve used up to 5 1/2 lbs. of pork shoulder in this recipe. Bear in mind that if you use more than 4 lbs. of pork shoulder, you’ll need to brown the pork in batches in the Instant Pot which will make the cooking time longer.
- You can always skip the browning step, but I recommend it as it adds a nice crust on the pork as well as more flavor.
- The vinegar and water may be replaced with the liquid your choice. Beer, apple cider or soda are all great options.
- Omit the brown sugar to make this Keto instant pot pulled pork.
- This is a great meal prep recipe! The pork will keep up to 4 days in an air tight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
12 Comments on “Instant Pot Pulled Pork”
I’m definitely trying this one some time soon! I love pulled pork in my slow cooker but I’ve been looking for a good instant pot recipe for busy weeknights. Thanks for sharing! Pinned!
I have much better success with the pressure cooker when it comes to pulled pork. I hope you get to try it Leanne!
Who doesn’t like a pulled pork sandwich, you are right perfect for the Super Bowl.
Thanks Karen!
We do slow cooker pulled pork a few times a month, but now that I have my instant pot I’ve GOT to try your recipe!
Pulled pork is such a great meal because there’s always leftovers right? I hope you get to try it in the IP soon!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I followed the recipe as given and my first pulled pork turned out fabulously…HMMM…GOOD!
This makes me so happy Freda! I’m glad it was a success and thank you for the feedback! 💛
this recipe was delicious and so easy. i will definately make it again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Teresa and thank you for leaving your feedback!
This recipe is a go to for me! The family loves it and it turns out every time! I serve it with the broccoli slaw and there are never any left overs with my crew!
The same thing happens in my house! Glad you love it too!