If you’ve been craving that tender, fall-apart pork that soaks up all those smoky, tangy flavors with a delectable richness, then this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes all the fuss out of slow-cooking, blending a symphony of spices, sweet BBQ sauce, and juicy pork shoulder into a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Get ready to fall in love with how effortlessly the Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a sensational pulled pork feast that’s bursting with bold, savory goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your pulled pork. Each one adds its own character, from the vibrant spices in the dry rub to the rich, tangy BBQ sauce that will coat every single shred.
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder: The star of the dish, chosen for its perfect fat content and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the pork to develop a deliciously browned crust.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds that irresistible smoky, sweet tang that makes pulled pork so iconic.
- 1 cup ketchup: Provides a tomato base that balances the spices and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally and helps caramelize flavors.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Brings a smoky depth and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes quietly but importantly.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a punch of garlicky goodness without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin: Introduces warm, earthy undertones.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds robust spiciness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: Balances the sweetness with a gentle tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: For that classic peppery bite.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Extra sweetness to enrich the sauce’s body.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: For umami depth and a hint of bold tanginess.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist and helps build a luscious sauce.
How to Make BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
Start by mixing all the dry rub ingredients in a bowl. This blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, cayenne, chili powder, dry mustard, black pepper, and brown sugar creates the perfect seasoning base that will deeply flavor the pork shoulder.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth until smooth. This sauce will not only tenderize the meat while cooking but also provide that tangy, sweet coating that makes pulled pork irresistible.
Step 3: Season and Sauté the Pork
Rub the dry seasoning mixture thoroughly onto each piece of pork shoulder. Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode and brown the pork evenly on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates that luscious crust that adds texture and depth.
Step 4: Deglaze and Cook
Once the pork is browned and removed, deglaze the pot with the prepared sauce, scraping up all the tasty browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Add the pork back into the pot and toss it gently with the sauce so every nook and cranny is coated.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pork
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on the ‘meat/stew’ setting for 90 minutes. This slow-pressure cooking tenderizes the pork to that perfect shreddable state without hours in the oven.
Step 6: Release Pressure and Shred
After cooking, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes; this keeps the meat juicy. Remove the pork, shred it with forks, then return it to the pot to mix with the simmered sauce for a few minutes.
How to Serve BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates your BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe to a whole new level. Try chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or crunchy pickled jalapeños to brighten the rich flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
This pulled pork pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or baked beans. Each side brings texture and complementary flavors that turn your meal into a hearty, memorable feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just limit yourself to classic sandwiches—stuff your pulled pork into soft slider buns, serve it over a baked potato, or pile it on top of nachos with melted cheese for a fun twist. The versatility of this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe means you can get playful and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it coated in the sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor so every bite stays just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to make this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe ahead of time, freezing works great. Portion the pork with sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a perfect time-saver for quick meals later on.
Reheating
Reheat pork gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. Stirring occasionally ensures it heats through evenly and stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and texture, you can use pork butt or even pork loin in a pinch, but keep in mind the leaner cuts may not shred as nicely or be quite as juicy.
Is it okay to use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Using your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce makes this recipe even easier while still delivering delicious results. Just choose one with flavors you love to complement the spices.
How spicy is this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe?
The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and cayenne, but you can adjust those amounts to suit your taste, either dialing back for less heat or upping it for a spicier kick.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but be mindful of your Instant Pot’s maximum fill line. It’s best not to fill it more than two-thirds full to ensure proper cooking and pressure release.
What’s the best way to shred the pork?
Use two forks to pull the meat apart gently, or even a pair of meat claws if you have them. The pork should fall apart easily after cooking, making shredding quick and fun.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a good pulled pork that melts in your mouth and dances on your taste buds, and this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully simple to make, transforming a few humble ingredients into a showstopper meal. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—trust me, it’s going to be a fast favorite in your kitchen!
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BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe combines tender, flavorful pork shoulder with a smoky, sweet homemade BBQ sauce. Utilizing the Instant Pot allows for a rich, slow-cooked taste in just under two hours, perfect for an easy weeknight meal or weekend gathering.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Rub: Mix all dry rub ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, black pepper) together in a bowl until well combined.
- Make BBQ Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Season Pork: Coat the pork shoulder pieces thoroughly with the prepared dry rub, ensuring all sides are covered for maximum flavor.
- Sauté Pork: Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, heat olive oil, then brown the seasoned pork on all sides until golden crust forms; this locks in the juices. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze Pot: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce into the Instant Pot to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. This enhances the sauce flavor and prevents burning.
- Pressure Cook: Return the browned pork to the pot, toss to coat with sauce, seal the lid, and cook on the ‘meat/stew’ setting for 90 minutes to tenderize the meat.
- Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 15 minutes to keep meat juicy before opening the lid.
- Shred and Simmer: Remove the pork and shred it using forks. Simmer the remaining sauce in the pot until slightly thickened, then return the shredded pork to the sauce and mix well before serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the dry rub.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist.
- Serve with coleslaw and toasted buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level according to preference.
