Pulled pork is a staple in many households, especially during the summer months when barbecue sauce and outdoor grilling take center stage. But what if you could enjoy the tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork all year round without the need for a grill? Enter the Easy to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe. This mouth-watering dish is perfect for those who live for this recipe and want to create delicious pulled pork sandwiches in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them on the grill.
By using a pressure cooker, you can cook pulled pork in the Instant Pot quickly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dish any time of the year. The combination of the Instant Pot's high pressure and the rich, tangy barbecue sauce creates the best pulled pork you've ever tasted. It's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, making it the perfect addition to your collection of Instant Pot recipes.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it's also versatile. Whether you're hosting a party, need a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving the comforting taste of pulled pork, this recipe has you covered. So, are you ready to discover the secret to the best pulled pork you've ever had? Keep reading to learn how to make this recipe using your Instant Pot and enjoy the amazing flavors of pulled pork sandwiches all year round.
What Meat to Use When Making Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
Before you start making your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, it's essential to choose the right cut of pork for the best results. There are several options to consider, and each one will impact the flavor and texture of your pulled pork. Some popular choices include using a pork loin, pork shoulder, or pork butt. Let's explore the differences between these cuts and which one is the most suitable for your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork.
The first option, using a pork loin, is a leaner cut of pork that comes from the back of the pig. While this cut is tender and can be cooked quickly, it may not be the best choice for pulled pork, as it lacks the necessary fat content to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, if you prefer a leaner option, a pork loin roast can still be used, but keep in mind that the end result may not be as tender and juicy as other cuts.
The second option, pork shoulder or pork butt, is the most popular choice for pulled pork dishes. This cut comes from the front shoulder of the pig and contains a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during the cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. A boneless pork shoulder roast is ideal for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, as it cooks evenly and is easy to shred once cooked.
Lastly, a pork loin roast and pork shoulder roast can both be used, but the key is to find a cut with a balance of meat and fat. This will ensure that your pulled pork is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. When choosing your cut of pork, remember that a boneless option is best, as it will cook more evenly in the Instant Pot and be easier to shred once cooked.
How to Make the Best BBQ Pulled Pork Using Instant Pot: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you've chosen the perfect cut of pork for your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, it's time to gather your ingredients and tools and start cooking. Follow this step-by-step guide to make pulled pork that's tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Your friends and family will love this recipe, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat (boneless)
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Tools Needed:
- Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
- Sharp knife
- Wood cutting board
- Tongs
- Two forks for shredding
Instructions:
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Prep the pork roast: Start by placing the pork roast on a wood cutting board. If necessary, trim any excess fat from the roast. Then, cut the pork into 4-6 equal-sized pieces. Cutting the pork into smaller pieces will ensure even cooking and make it easier to shred later.
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Season the pork: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture all over the pieces of pork, making sure each piece is well-coated.
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Sear the pork: Turn the Instant Pot on to the "Sauté" setting and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add a small amount of oil to the bottom of the pot. Working in batches, sear the pieces of pork on all sides until they develop a nice brown crust. This step adds extra flavor to the finished dish. Remove the seared pork pieces and set them aside on a plate or wood cutting board.
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Deglaze the pot: After searing all the pork pieces, pour the water and apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will prevent a "burn" warning during pressure cooking and add more flavor to the sauce.
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Pressure cook the pork: Place the seared pork pieces back into the Instant Pot, along with any accumulated juices. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the top of the pork. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes (or 15 minutes per pound of pork).
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Allow the pressure to release naturally: Once the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes. After this time, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
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Shred the pork: Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the lid. Use tongs to transfer the cooked pork pieces to a plate or wood cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat.
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Serve the pulled pork: Stir the shredded pork back into the sauce in the Instant Pot, making sure it's well-coated. Serve the pulled pork on buns with extra BBQ sauce, if desired, or enjoy it on its own. You and your loved ones will love this recipe, and it's sure to become a go-to for delicious, tender pulled pork.
By following this step-by-step guide, you'll have the best BBQ Pulled Pork made using your Instant Pot. The combination of flavorful spices, your favorite BBQ sauce, and the perfect cook time will result in pulled pork that's tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious.
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Useful Tips When When Making This Easy Instant Pot Recipe
To further enhance your experience when making this Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe, here are some useful tips to ensure that your dish turns out perfect every time. These tips will help you make the most of your favorite recipe and enjoy delicious, tender pork with minimal effort.
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Shredding the pork: When it's time to shred the cooked pork, you can either serve pulled pork to a plate or transfer the pork to a large bowl. Using a large bowl makes it easier to shred the meat and mix it with the sauce without making a mess.
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Adapting the recipe for different cuts of pork: While this recipe is designed for a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, you can also use pork loin or bone-in pork. Keep in mind that when using a pork loin roast, the meat may be leaner, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
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Serving suggestions: There are many ways to serve Instant Pot Pulled Pork. You can enjoy it on a bun with coleslaw, serve it over rice or mashed potatoes, or even use it as a topping for nachos. Get creative and find new ways to incorporate this tender pork into your favorite dishes.
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Adjusting the cooking time: If your pork roast is smaller or larger than the recommended size, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For a smaller roast, reduce the pressure for 40 minutes, and for a larger roast, increase the high pressure for 60 minutes. Always allow the pressure to release naturally for 15-20 minutes to ensure tender pork.
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Storing leftovers: To keep the pork fresh and flavorful, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pulled pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit more BBQ sauce if needed.
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Browning the pork: Don't skip the step of browning the pork before pressure cooking. This step adds a depth of flavor to the finished dish and helps to create a more appealing appearance.
FAQs
Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork shoulder or pork butt for this Instant Pot recipe?
Yes, you can use pork tenderloin as a leaner alternative to pork shoulder or pork butt. However, keep in mind that pork tenderloin is much leaner and may result in a less tender and juicy final product. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as pork tenderloin will cook faster than a pork shoulder or pork butt.
Do I need to remove the browned pork from the Instant Pot before adding the liquid ingredients?
Yes, it's essential to remove the browned pork from the Instant Pot before adding the liquid ingredients. This step allows you to deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot, removing any stuck-on bits and preventing a "burn" warning during pressure cooking. After deglazing, you can return the seared pork to the pot with the liquid ingredients.
Is it necessary to oil the Instant Pot before searing the pork?
It's a good idea to add a small amount of oil to the Instant Pot before searing the pork. The oil helps prevent the pork from sticking to the bottom of the pot and promotes even browning. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or another high smoke point oil for this step.
Can I also use a pork that is partially frozen for this pressure cooker pulled pork recipe?
While it's possible to cook partially frozen pork in the Instant Pot, it's best to use fully thawed pork for this recipe. Thawed pork will sear better, allowing for better browning and flavor development. If using partially frozen pork, you may need to increase the pressure cooking time to ensure the pork is cooked through.
What should I do with the remaining pork if I don't want to shred it all at once?
If you have remaining pork that you don't want to shred immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to use the remaining pork, simply reheat it in the Instant Pot or another cooking method and shred as needed.
How do I remove the chunks of pork from the Instant Pot and shred them?
To remove the chunks of pork from the Instant Pot, use tongs to carefully lift the cooked pork pieces out of the pot and transfer them to a plate or cutting board. Then, use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat or connective tissue.
Can I make this pulled pork in a crockpot instead of an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this pulled pork recipe in a crockpot. To do so, follow the same steps for seasoning and browning the pork. After browning, transfer the pork and remaining ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork at home. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll have the perfect dish to share with friends and family. Remember, pulled pork is one of those versatile meals that can be enjoyed in various ways, so don't be afraid to get creative with your serving options.
Related Articles
- Easy to Make Instant Pot Pork Loin Recipe
- Easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
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