BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot: Easy Recipe & Cooking Tips

BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot: Craving that smoky, tender, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ pulled pork but don’t have all day to babysit a smoker? I’ve got you covered! This recipe delivers authentic BBQ flavor in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly easy and delicious dish.

Pulled pork, a staple of Southern cuisine, has a rich history rooted in slow-cooking traditions. For generations, families have gathered around smokers, patiently waiting for the pork to reach that perfect state of tenderness. While the traditional method is undeniably delicious, sometimes life calls for a quicker solution. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in, offering a modern twist on a classic favorite.

What makes BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, all wrapped up in a tender, juicy package. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring that the pork is incredibly succulent. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it on buns with your favorite coleslaw, pile it on nachos, or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. I know you’ll love how easy it is to create restaurant-quality pulled pork right in your own kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Dried Mustard
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Hamburger Buns, for serving
• Coleslaw, for topping (optional)

Preparing the Pork:

1. First, let’s get that pork shoulder ready! Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it get a nice sear.
2. Now, season the pork generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your base flavor.
3. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, dried mustard, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is our dry rub that will add a ton of flavor.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly. Really massage it in there!

Searing and Sautéing:

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder in the Instant Pot. Sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot; you may need to do this in batches.
3. Remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – those are packed with flavor!
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Turn off the “Sauté” function.

Pressure Cooking:

1. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a spatula to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is called deglazing, and it adds even more flavor to the sauce.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Place the seared pork shoulder back into the Instant Pot on top of the onions and garlic.
4. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork shoulder, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
6. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 75 minutes for a 3-4 lb pork shoulder. If your pork shoulder is larger, you may need to increase the cooking time. A good rule of thumb is about 20-25 minutes per pound.
7. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 15 minutes. This means letting the pressure release on its own without touching the valve. After 15 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!

Shredding and Finishing:

1. Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and place it on a large cutting board.
2. Use two forks to shred the pork. It should be very tender and easy to pull apart.
3. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce in the Instant Pot. You can use a spoon or a fat separator for this.
4. Pour some of the sauce from the Instant Pot over the shredded pork. Add enough sauce to moisten the pork, but don’t drown it. You can always add more later.
5. Taste the pulled pork and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce.

Serving:

1. Pile the BBQ pulled pork onto hamburger buns.
2. Top with coleslaw, if desired. This adds a nice crunch and coolness to balance the richness of the pork.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicier pulled pork.
• Sweeten it up: Use a sweeter BBQ sauce or add more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
• Add some smoke: If you want a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce mixture.
• Use different cuts of pork: While pork shoulder is the most common cut for pulled pork, you can also use pork butt or picnic roast.
• Make it ahead: Pulled pork is a great make-ahead dish. You can cook it a day or two in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits.
• Freeze it: Pulled pork also freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Serve it with: Pulled pork is delicious served with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or macaroni and cheese.

Why use an Instant Pot?

Using an Instant Pot for pulled pork significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods like slow cooking or smoking. The pressure cooking process tenderizes the pork quickly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish in a fraction of the time. It’s also a convenient one-pot method, minimizing cleanup.

Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce:

The BBQ sauce you choose will greatly impact the final flavor of your pulled pork. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find your favorite. Some popular options include:

• Sweet BBQ Sauce: Offers a balanced sweetness with a hint of tanginess.
• Smoky BBQ Sauce: Infused with smoky flavors, perfect for replicating the taste of smoked pulled pork.
• Spicy BBQ Sauce: Adds a kick of heat to your pulled pork.
• Tangy BBQ Sauce: Features a vinegar-based flavor profile, providing a zesty and refreshing taste.

Don’t Skip the Sear!

Searing the pork shoulder before pressure cooking is a crucial step that shouldn’t be skipped. Searing creates a beautiful crust on the outside of the pork, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to the overall flavor. The Maillard reaction, which occurs during searing, creates complex flavors that add depth and richness to the dish.

Natural Pressure Release vs. Quick Release:

While you can manually release the pressure immediately after the cooking time is complete, allowing for a natural pressure release (NPR) for 15 minutes is highly recommended. NPR allows the pork to continue cooking gently as the pressure gradually decreases, resulting in even more tender and juicy pulled pork. Quick release can sometimes cause the pork to become tough.

Adjusting the Sauce:

After shredding the pork, taste the sauce in the Instant Pot and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it on the “Sauté” function for a few minutes to reduce it. You can also add more BBQ sauce, brown sugar, or apple cider vinegar to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Serving Suggestions Beyond Buns:

While pulled pork is traditionally served on hamburger buns, there are many other creative ways to enjoy it:

• Pulled Pork Tacos: Use pulled pork as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, and other nacho toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with pulled pork and cheese, then grill or pan-fry until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Pulled Pork Pizza: Top pizza dough with BBQ sauce, pulled pork, cheese, and other pizza toppings, then bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Pulled Pork Salad: Top a bed of lettuce with pulled pork, your favorite salad toppings, and a BBQ ranch dressing.

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave, oven, or

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot recipe is truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender, juicy pork infused with smoky BBQ flavor, all achieved in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, makes this a must-try for anyone who loves pulled pork. Forget babysitting a smoker all day – with the Instant Pot, you get incredible results with minimal effort.

But why is it *really* a must-try? Because it’s versatile! Think beyond just sandwiches. Imagine piling this succulent pulled pork onto nachos with melted cheese, jalapenos, and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or how about stuffing it into tacos with a vibrant slaw and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce? The possibilities are endless!

And speaking of possibilities, let’s talk variations. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the Instant Pot for an extra layer of tanginess. Want to kick up the heat? Throw in a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. For a sweeter profile, a touch of brown sugar or molasses can work wonders. You can even experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor combination. I personally love using a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce for a tangy kick, but a classic Kansas City-style sauce is always a winner too.

Serving suggestions? Oh, where do I even begin? Obviously, piled high on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw is a classic for a reason. But don’t stop there! This pulled pork is fantastic served over creamy polenta, alongside cornbread and baked beans, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. For a lighter option, try it in lettuce wraps with a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw. And if you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), they’re amazing in omelets, quesadillas, or even as a pizza topping.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it’s the easiest and most delicious way to make pulled pork. The Instant Pot makes it so incredibly simple, even on busy weeknights. You can literally set it and forget it, and come back to a pot full of tender, flavorful pulled pork that will rival anything you’d get at a BBQ restaurant.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that Instant Pot, grab a pork shoulder, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot recipe is about to become your new go-to for effortless and delicious meals.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and how much everyone loved it. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create even more amazing recipes for you. Happy cooking!