Prepare to savor the ultimate **Instant Pot Pulled Pork**, a recipe renowned for its incredible tenderness and rich juiciness. Crafted from a succulent pork shoulder, generously coated in a delectable homemade dry rub, and then bathed in your favorite BBQ sauce, this dish promises a culinary delight. Utilizing the magic of your pressure cooker, the pork is transformed into fork-tender perfection in approximately 90 minutes, cutting traditional slow-cooking times by more than half.
This method has become a household favorite for its efficiency and consistent results. You get beautifully tender pulled pork in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing meal in a hurry. The convenience of the Instant Pot means less time simmering and more time enjoying.
This particular Instant Pot pork recipe consistently ranks as an all-time favorite. Since its initial posting in 2020, it has been made countless times, always receiving rave reviews for its incredible versatility and robust flavor. Whether served on a classic bun, as a hearty bowl, or even transformed into nachos, the possibilities are endless and always delicious. The resulting pulled pork rivals the depth of flavor and tenderness achieved through hours of slow cooking (much like our slow cooker pulled pork), but with remarkable speed. It all begins with our renowned pork dry rub, which builds a foundational layer of savory spices, followed by a generous slathering of your chosen bbq sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pulled Pork:
- **Exceptionally Tender:** Achieves fall-off-the-bone texture in record time.
- **Bursting with Juiciness:** Locks in moisture for a succulent result.
- **Incredibly Flavorful:** Infused with deep, aromatic spices.
- **Perfectly Saucy:** Customizable with your preferred BBQ sauce.
- **Kid-Friendly:** A delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.
- **Naturally Gluten-Free:** Easily adaptable for dietary needs.
- **Simple to Make Paleo & Keto:** Adjustments are straightforward for specific diets.
- **Effortless Preparation:** Minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor.
Choosing the Best Cut of Meat for Pulled Pork
Selecting the right cut of pork is paramount for achieving the perfect pulled pork. Just like our Instant Pot Carnitas, this recipe thrives on a **boneless pork shoulder roast**. When you’re at the butcher or grocery store, look for a roast that weighs approximately 2.5 to 3 lbs. This size is ideal for fitting comfortably in most standard Instant Pot models and ensures even cooking.
The secret to wonderfully shreddable pulled pork lies in the fat content. A pork shoulder roast contains a generous amount of intramuscular fat and collagen. During the high-pressure cooking process, this fat renders down and the collagen breaks into gelatin, infusing the meat with incredible moisture and flavor, making it exceptionally tender and easy to shred. This marbling is what prevents the pork from drying out and creates that desirable “fall-apart” texture.
**Did you know?** A boneless pork shoulder roast is also widely known as a **pork butt** or **Boston butt** in many regions. Don’t be confused by the name; it refers to the upper part of the pig’s front leg, not the rear! This cut is consistently the best choice for pulled pork due to its ideal balance of meat and fat.
Explore Cuts of Pork
Curious about where various pork cuts originate on the pig? We’ve simplified it for you. Delve deeper into everything pork and discover more details in our comprehensive favorite pork recipes roundup!
Can I Use Pork Tenderloin for Instant Pot Pulled Pork?
While pork tenderloin is a delicious cut of meat, we strongly advise against using it for this pulled pork recipe. Pork tenderloin is exceptionally lean, with very little fat marbling. This characteristic makes it unsuitable for shredding, as it tends to dry out and become tough when cooked for extended periods, even under pressure. The goal of pulled pork is a moist, fall-apart texture, which a lean tenderloin simply cannot provide.
If you’re looking for a fantastic recipe specifically designed for pork tenderloin, we highly recommend trying our Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin, which will yield tender and flavorful results suited to that particular cut.
How to Master Instant Pot Pulled Pork: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating succulent pulled pork in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few key steps to achieve incredible results. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- **Prepare the Dry Rub:** Begin by generously applying our signature homemade pork rub to your pork roast. This step is absolutely crucial for building deep, complex flavors that penetrate the meat. Don’t be shy – ensure every surface of the roast is thoroughly coated. The rub typically includes brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, coarse salt, cinnamon, dried thyme, and ground pepper, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.
- **Sear for Flavor:** Activate the sauté function on your Instant Pot and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the pork roast in the pot and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until beautifully browned. This critical step, known as the Maillard reaction, develops a rich, savory crust and locks in moisture, significantly enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the pulled pork. It also helps preheat the Instant Pot, reducing the time it takes to build pressure.
- **Deglaze and Sauté Aromatics:** Remove the seared pork and pour about half a cup of chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing process is vital not only for infusing the broth with incredible flavor but also for preventing the dreaded “burn” notice during pressure cooking. Next, add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté them for a few minutes until fragrant and softened, building another layer of aromatic goodness.
- **Pressure Cook to Perfection:** Return the seared pork roast to the Instant Pot, nestled amidst the aromatic onions and garlic, and pour in the remaining broth. Secure the lid, ensure the steam release valve is set to “sealing,” and set your Instant Pot to **Manual (or Pressure Cook) on High Pressure for 90 minutes**. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally build pressure, which usually takes about 15 minutes, before the cooking countdown begins. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a **quick release** of the pressure according to your Instant Pot’s instructions.
- **Shred the Tender Pork:** Carefully remove the pork roast from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large bowl or cutting board. At this point, the meat should be incredibly tender. Using two forks, easily shred the pork apart, discarding any large pieces of excess fat. If the pork resists shredding, it’s a sign it needs more cooking time. Return it to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- **Sauce and Serve:** Reserve approximately 1 cup of the flavorful cooking liquid from the Instant Pot; discard the remaining liquid. Add the reserved liquid back to the shredded pork along with your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly, allowing the pork to absorb all the delicious flavors. You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference – whether you like it lightly sauced or extra decadent. For an extra layer of flavor and to warm the sauce, you can turn the sauté feature on low for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Cooking Time: The Sweet Spot
For a standard 2.5-3 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast, the ideal cooking time in the Instant Pot is approximately **90 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release.** It’s important to remember that your Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure before the 90-minute countdown begins, typically around 15-20 minutes. So, factor in this additional time for your total meal preparation.
Our recommended cook time might seem a bit longer than some other recipes you find online, but there’s a good reason for it. We prefer the quick release method for convenience, and the slightly longer pressure cook ensures that even without a natural release, the pork reaches that incredibly tender, fall-apart consistency we all crave. Furthermore, fattier cuts of pork like the shoulder are very forgiving; it’s quite difficult to overcook them to the point of dryness, so you can cook with confidence!
**Can you use a bigger roast?** Absolutely! If you have a larger pork shoulder (e.g., 4-5 lbs), you can certainly use it. Just ensure it fits comfortably within your Instant Pot without exceeding the max fill line. Use 90 minutes as your initial cooking baseline. After the quick release, if the pork isn’t as tender as you’d like, you can always return it to the Instant Pot for an additional 10-15 minutes on high pressure until it reaches desired tenderness.
**Why won’t my pork pull apart easily?** If your pork is resistant to shredding, it’s a clear indication that it hasn’t cooked long enough. The collagen and tough connective tissues simply haven’t had enough time to break down into tender gelatin. The solution is simple: return the pork shoulder to the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and cook for another 5-10 minutes on high pressure. You’ll be amazed at the difference a few extra minutes can make!
Troubleshooting: What if I get the “Burn” Notice?
The “burn” notice on your Instant Pot typically indicates that there isn’t enough liquid at the bottom of the pot, or that food particles are stuck and scorching. If this occurs, don’t panic! Carefully open the Instant Pot (after releasing pressure if it has built) and add a few more tablespoons of broth or water to the bottom. Gently scrape any stuck bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. This should resolve the issue, and you can resume pressure cooking without further problems. Ensuring proper deglazing (Step 3) is the best way to prevent this in the first place!
Customize Your Instant Pot Pulled Pork Experience!
One of the best aspects of this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust it to suit your personal tastes and dietary needs:
**Shredding Size:** The beauty of pulled pork is in its rustic texture. Shred the pork as finely or as chunky as you prefer. Some people love long, stringy strands, while others prefer smaller, more uniform pieces. It’s entirely up to you!
**BBQ Sauce Selection:** Your choice of BBQ sauce will significantly influence the final flavor profile. This is where you can truly make the recipe your own!
- **For Gluten-Free or Keto diets:** Opt for a BBQ sauce that aligns with your dietary requirements. Many brands offer low-sugar or gluten-free options.
- **Flavor Profiles:** Consider sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy sauces.
- **Our Favorite Recommendations:**
- Annie’s Original BBQ Sauce (A great all-around choice)
- Homemade BBQ Sauce (Our signature recipe, for that extra special touch!)
- Target’s Good and Gather Honey BBQ Sauce (A readily available and delicious option)
**Amount of BBQ Sauce:** This is a matter of personal preference. Love your pulled pork drenched and saucy? Add more BBQ sauce than suggested! Prefer a more subtle sauce presence, allowing the pork and rub flavors to shine? Use less, or even skip the BBQ sauce entirely and serve it plain with a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of hot sauce, depending on your serving style (e.g., tacos).
Creative Ways to Serve Instant Pot Shredded Pork
The versatility of Instant Pot pulled pork is truly unmatched. Get creative and enjoy this delicious shredded pork in countless ways:
- **Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches:** Pile high on your favorite brioche or potato bun with a generous scoop of creamy coleslaw. This is the quintessential way to enjoy it!
- **Hearty Meal-Prep Bowls:** Our pulled pork meal-prep bowl recipe offers a fantastic template for a delicious and balanced meal. Combine with rice, beans, corn, and avocado for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- **Flavorful Tacos:** For a Mexican twist, skip the BBQ sauce and season the shredded pork with a squeeze of lime juice, cilantro, and a dash of cumin. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Our Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe can offer great inspiration here.
- **Light & Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps:** Looking to keep things light and low-carb? Serve the BBQ pulled pork in crisp lettuce cups, perhaps with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a drizzle of sriracha.
- **The Base for a Robust Chili:** Instead of mixing in BBQ sauce, use the shredded pork as the flavorful meat component in a rich chili. The depth of flavor from the dry rub and cooking liquid will elevate your chili to new heights. Explore the fantastic flavors in our Instant Pot Pork Chili.
- **Savory Burritos or Burrito Bowls:** Whether you’re assembling a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs and salsa or a hearty Mexican-inspired burrito with rice, beans, and cheese, this pressure cooker pulled pork makes an incredibly filling and delicious component.
- **Loaded Nachos or Fries:** Layer the shredded pork over crispy tortilla chips or golden fries, then top with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and any other favorite nacho toppings for an epic appetizer or indulgent meal.
Discover More of Our Favorite…
Pulled Pork Recipes
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Authentic Pulled Pork Carnitas
- Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos
- Perfect Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Pulled Pork
While fattier cuts of pork are forgiving, it is possible to overcook pulled pork to a degree where it becomes mushy rather than beautifully shredded. For a 2-3 lb. pork shoulder roast, 90 minutes in the Instant Pot is the optimal “sweet spot” to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Cooking significantly longer than this might start to denigrate the meat’s texture, making it less appealing.
Both methods yield delicious pulled pork. However, we lean towards the Instant Pot for its unparalleled speed. It achieves the same level of tenderness and flavor as a slow cooker but in a fraction of the time, making it a fantastic option for those seeking convenience without compromising on quality.
The best liquid for cooking pork in the Instant Pot is undoubtedly broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable). Broth not only provides the necessary moisture for pressure cooking but also infuses the pork with additional savory flavor and a hint of saltiness, enhancing the overall taste of the final dish.
For a 2-3 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast, cook it in the Instant Pot for 90 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release. Remember to factor in an additional 15-20 minutes for the Instant Pot to build pressure before the cooking timer begins.
Yes, pulled pork freezes exceptionally well! Once cooled, transfer the shredded pork and its sauce to an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Pulled Pork
Proper storage ensures your Instant Pot Pulled Pork remains delicious for days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, see the freezing tip above.
**Reheat:**
- **Microwave:** For individual servings, reheat on high in the microwave until thoroughly warm, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth or BBQ sauce if it seems dry.
- **Stovetop:** For larger quantities, transfer the pulled pork to a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add a bit of extra broth or BBQ sauce to prevent drying and stir occasionally until heated through.
- **Oven:** Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Place pork in an oven-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Explore More of Our Favorite…
Instant Pot Pork Recipes
- Instant Pot Pork Roast
- Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
- Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Pork Chili
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
★★★★★
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Lee Funke
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Ingredients
- 2-3 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast, we used a 2.5 lb roast
- 1/4 cup pork rub*
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth, or any kind
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 3 whole garlic cloves, smashed and minced
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
Instructions
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First, prepare your spice rub. If you haven’t made it in advance, combine all ingredients for the pork rub in a bowl and mix well with a fork until any lumps are gone. You’ll only need 1/4 cup for this recipe; save the rest for future use.
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Next, generously rub the spice mixture all over your pork roast with your hands. Ensure every inch of the roast is thoroughly covered to maximize flavor. Set the seasoned pork aside.
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Turn on your Instant Pot’s “Sauté” feature and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the pot to heat up until the oil is shimmering.
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Carefully place the pork roast into the hot Instant Pot and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
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Remove the seared pork from the Instant Pot. Pour half of the chicken broth (1/2 cup) into the pot to deglaze it. Use a spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This prevents a “burn” notice and adds rich flavor to your liquid.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
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Pour the remaining broth into the Instant Pot and then carefully place the seared pork roast back into the pot.
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Turn off the “Sauté” feature. Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to “sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to **Manual (or Pressure Cook) on High Pressure for 90 minutes**. The pot will take some time to build pressure before the countdown begins.
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Once the cooking time is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, perform a **quick release** to release the pressure. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the pork roast to a large bowl or cutting board. Reserve 1 cup of the flavorful cooking liquid from the Instant Pot; discard any remaining liquid.
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Using two forks, shred the pork. It should be incredibly tender and pull apart easily. If it resists, return it to the Instant Pot with a little liquid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on high pressure. Discard any large pieces of fat.
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Once shredded, pour the reserved cup of cooking liquid and the BBQ sauce over the pork. Mix everything together thoroughly until the pork is well coated and infused with flavor.
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For an extra boost of flavor and warmth, turn the “Sauté” feature on the Instant Pot to low and let the pork simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately on your favorite buns or in any other creative way you desire!
Tips & Notes
- If you’re making your own pork rub, here’s a simple recipe: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ tablespoon coarse sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon ground pepper. Mix well.
- **To make Paleo-friendly:** Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar in the rub and use a BBQ sauce that is certified Paleo.
- **To make Keto-friendly:** Omit the brown sugar entirely from the rub and ensure you use a sugar-free, keto-friendly BBQ sauce.
Watch The Recipe
For a visual guide to making the most tender and juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork, watch our step-by-step video above!
Nutrition
Calories:
348 kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
10 g
,
Protein:
25 g
,
Fat:
21 g
,
Fiber:
0 g
,
Sugar:
5 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an approximation only. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
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Photography by: The Wooden Skillet