If you are craving tender, flavorful pulled pork with a wonderfully tangy and smoky twist, this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to. The magic lies not only in the perfect blend of spices that create a rich dry rub but also in the quick-cooking power of the Instant Pot, which transforms a hefty pork shoulder into mouthwatering, fall-apart meat in just about an hour and a half. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers a delicious and satisfying experience that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe plays a star role, coming together to build layers of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors while ensuring the pork stays juicy and tender. These simple yet essential components combine to give this dish its irresistible taste, texture, and beautiful color.
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder: The ideal cut for pulling apart tender, flavorful pork.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the pork and locking in moisture.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds that classic smoky, tangy flavor instantly recognizable in pulled pork.
- 1 cup ketchup: Brings sweetness and balances acidity in the sauce mixture.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and gives a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Delivers a smoky undertone and vibrant red color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Packs in savory depth without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Provides a fragrant punch supporting the overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the pork beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick to awaken the palate.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Offers smoky heat while deepening the sauce’s character.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: Introduces a gentle tang and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Balances the sweetness with subtle heat.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Additional sweetness for the sauce, balancing acidity and spice.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness and a touch of tang.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist and tender, helping it cook evenly under pressure.
How to Make BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
Start by combining all the dry rub ingredients in a bowl. This blend of paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, dry mustard, cayenne, and brown sugar creates the foundation of flavor that will infuse every tender bite of pork. Giving your pork a generous coating of this dry rub ensures every shred is bursting with savory goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Sauces
Next, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth in a separate bowl. This sauce mixture will add moisture during cooking while enhancing the pork with that classic BBQ tang, sweetness, and subtle umami depth. Set this aside for later use after browning the pork.
Step 3: Brown the Pork
Heat olive oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Brown the seasoned pork shoulder on all sides until it develops a rich golden crust. This step locks in flavor and caramelizes the meat’s exterior, adding texture and richness to the finished pulled pork. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside for deglazing.
Step 4: Deglaze and Add Pork
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pot, scraping the bottom thoroughly to lift all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot’s surface. These bits contribute incredible depth to the overall sauce. Add the browned pork back into the pot, tossing it gently in the sauce to coat evenly.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pork
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to cook on the “meat/stew” setting for 90 minutes. During this time, the pressure and steam work their magic, breaking down the tough fibers of the pork shoulder and turning it into shreddable, tender goodness in a fraction of traditional cooking time.
Step 6: Natural Pressure Release and Shredding
Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 15 minutes after cooking to prevent the meat from drying out. When safe to open, remove the pork and shred it using two forks. The meat should come apart effortlessly, perfectly tender and full of flavor.
Step 7: Simmer the Sauce with Pulled Pork
Return the shredded pork to the pot and switch to the sauté mode to let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly. Stir consistently to coat every strand of pulled pork with that rich BBQ sauce. This final step ties the whole dish together, making every bite richly sauced and utterly delicious.
How to Serve BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your pulled pork can elevate the experience and add a fresh contrast in texture and flavor. Think crunchy pickles, fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dash of coleslaw on top. These bright additions balance the richness of the pork and add a burst of freshness every time.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy macaroni and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, or even a simple green salad. The pulled pork’s bold flavors are enhanced by these comforting sides, making your meal hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just stop at the traditional sandwich! Try serving the pulled pork over a baked potato or in soft tacos with avocado and salsa. You can also use it as a topping for loaded nachos or stuffed inside sliders for a game day treat. This recipe’s versatility invites you to get creative in the kitchen and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover pulled pork in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to meld even more after a day, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the pulled pork into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic meal prep option or a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. You can also microwave leftovers covered to retain moisture, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid overheating to preserve tender texture and juicy flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is preferred for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork butt or even pork loin if necessary. Keep in mind pork loin is leaner and may result in less moist pulled pork.
Can I make this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper or chili powder, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture to kick up the heat according to your personal taste.
Is it necessary to brown the pork before pressure cooking?
Browning the pork enhances flavor by caramelizing the exterior and adds depth to the dish. Although you can skip this step, the overall taste will be less rich.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker instead?
You can adapt it for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The dry rub and sauce remain the same, just allow longer cooking for tender pulled pork.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or homemade variety. A smoky, slightly sweet sauce with balanced acidity works best in this recipe to complement the pork flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe captures the essence of comfort food with a simple yet brilliant process that guarantees juicy, tender pork every time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it for a casual weeknight meal, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this flavorful, fuss-free pulled pork magic!
Print
BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 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 delivers tender, flavorful pork shoulder cooked to perfection in just under two hours. Utilizing a flavorful dry rub and a tangy homemade BBQ sauce, the pork is browned, pressure cooked, and then shredded for a juicy, delicious meal perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own.
Ingredients
Dry Rub Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Main Ingredient
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Rub: In a bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients until evenly combined, creating a balanced seasoning mix.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and chicken broth until smooth and well blended.
- Season the Pork: Thoroughly coat the pork shoulder pieces with the dry rub mixture, ensuring all sides are covered for maximum flavor.
- Sauté the Pork: Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Brown the pork pieces on all sides until a golden crust forms, then remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits from sautéing, adding depth to the sauce.
- Cook the Pork: Return the browned pork pieces to the pot and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Meat/Stew’ mode, cooking for 90 minutes under pressure.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes once cooking is complete, then carefully open the lid.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the pork and shred with forks. Simmer the sauce using sauté mode to thicken if desired, then mix the shredded pork back into the sauce before serving.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve with coleslaw and buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper amount.
- Leftover pulled pork can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months.
