The Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Tender, Flavorful, and Effortlessly Delicious

Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with this incredible Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe. Forget long hours slaving over a slow cooker or oven; with the magic of pressure cooking, you can achieve the most tender, fall-apart pulled pork in a fraction of the time. This isn’t just an easy weeknight meal; it’s a culinary experience that delivers rich, savory flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re a fan of succulent pork dishes, you know the joy of a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin or a hearty smothered pork chop. Now, imagine that same dedication to flavor and tenderness, but with the convenience only an Instant Pot can provide. This recipe is designed to simplify your cooking while maximizing taste, making it an instant classic in your kitchen.

Our household has a deep appreciation for all things pork. From quick and easy Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin, which has become a staple for busy evenings, to hearty weekend roasts, pork is a versatile protein that always satisfies. And if you’ve been following along, you’ll know my recent obsession: Instant Pot recipes! This countertop marvel has completely transformed the way I approach meal preparation, allowing me to create dishes that taste like they’ve been simmering all day, but are ready in a flash.

I genuinely enjoy experimenting with my Instant Pot to develop new, exciting recipes. Through countless trials, I’ve discovered that this particular Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe stands head and shoulders above the rest. The pork consistently achieves an unparalleled tenderness, falling apart effortlessly every single time. It’s so succulent that you’ll barely need forks to shred the meat; it practically disintegrates on its own. The consistent results and incredible flavor make this a guaranteed success, whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting out. Beyond pulled pork, the Instant Pot is also fantastic for other pork-centric meals, like delicious Pork Tacos, providing another quick and flavorful dinner option for your family.

The secret to this incredibly tender Instant Pot Pulled Pork lies in using a pork shoulder (also known as a Boston butt) that has been expertly cut into manageable chunks. This strategic preparation ensures uniform cooking and allows the flavorful spice rub to penetrate every morsel of meat. Once prepared, the pork cooks under high pressure for approximately 90 minutes. This extended cooking time under pressure breaks down the tough connective tissues in the pork shoulder, transforming it into the most tender, fall-apart meat imaginable. The result is so tender that you’ll hardly need more than two forks to effortlessly shred it into perfect strands. Each bite is packed with flavor and an incredibly juicy texture, making it undeniably perfect for any meal.

One of the greatest attributes of this Instant Pot Pulled Pork is its incredible versatility. While it’s utterly delicious simply on its own, its potential stretches far beyond that. You can easily serve this delectable pulled pork smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce, creating classic and irresistible sandwiches piled high on soft buns. For a lighter touch, it makes an excellent topping for fresh salads, adding a burst of protein and flavor. Transform it into savory quesadillas, vibrant tacos, or even use it as a filling for hearty burritos. The options are truly endless! No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this recipe will quickly earn its spot as a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire. And if you’re eager to explore more Instant Pot wonders, this Instant Pot Turkey recipe looks like another must-try for your pressure cooker adventures.

Crafting the Perfect Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Key Steps for Success

Making truly exceptional pulled pork in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process, but a few key techniques will elevate your results from good to absolutely phenomenal. Follow these essential steps to ensure your pork is as tender, juicy, and flavorful as possible:

Properly Cut the Pork Shoulder: To ensure faster and more even cooking, it’s crucial to cut your pork shoulder into uniform 3-inch chunks. This helps prevent certain sections from becoming overcooked or dry while other parts are still reaching optimal tenderness. The smaller chunks also allow for more surface area to absorb the delicious spice rub.
Generously Season Every Piece: Don’t be shy with your spice rub! Apply it generously to all sides of each pork chunk. This isn’t just about surface flavor; the spices will slowly infuse into the meat during the pressure cooking process, creating a deeply flavorful experience in every single bite. A good rub forms the foundation of your pulled pork’s taste profile.
Ensure Sufficient Moisture in the Instant Pot: Always add water or a high-quality chicken broth to the bottom of your Instant Pot before cooking. This liquid is essential for creating the steam needed for pressure buildup, which is critical for tenderizing the meat. It also prevents the “burn” warning and contributes to a flavorful cooking liquid that can be used to keep your shredded pork moist. About 3/4 cup is typically sufficient for a standard pork shoulder.

Can You Freeze Leftover Pulled Pork? Absolutely!

One of the many benefits of making a batch of Instant Pot Pulled Pork is its excellent freezer-friendliness, making meal prep a breeze. If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a good problem to have!), you can easily preserve them for future quick meals:

Prepare for Freezing: Once your pulled pork has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. For best results, you can even add a little bit of the cooking liquid or some barbecue sauce to the pork before freezing, which helps maintain its moisture and flavor upon reheating.
Proper Storage Duration: When stored correctly in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible, or in a tightly sealed container, your pulled pork can be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. Label your containers with the date for easy tracking.
Thawing and Reheating: To enjoy your frozen pulled pork, simply transfer it to the refrigerator the night before to thaw. Once thawed, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, in the microwave, or in the oven, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry to bring back its original succulence.

If you’re on the hunt for new Instant Pot recipes to add to your rotation, trust me when I say this pulled pork is an absolute must-try. The moment you pull it from the Instant Pot, you’ll be tempted to start snacking immediately. Its incredibly juicy and tender texture is so satisfying, it will undoubtedly make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cooking pork! The ease and deliciousness of this dish are truly unmatched. And while you’re exploring amazing pork recipes, make sure you also give my Smothered Pork Chops a try; they are consistently one of my all-time favorite pork recipes for their rich flavor and comforting appeal.

Pork, especially tender pulled pork, pairs beautifully with an astonishing array of side dishes and flavors. For an epic and unforgettable meal, consider serving it alongside The Best Potato Salad – the creamy tanginess of the salad perfectly complements the savory richness of the pork. But the magic of pulled pork doesn’t stop at the first meal; the leftovers are a goldmine for creating completely new and exciting dishes. Think outside the box and use it in a million different ways! For instance, you can easily substitute the chicken with pulled pork in these flavorful Chicken Tostadas, getting a fantastic dinner on the table in mere minutes. Or, elevate your game day snacks by using it in loaded nachos, baked potatoes, or even creative quesadillas. The versatility ensures no two meals will be the same.

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A close up of a delicious pulled pork sandwich on a plate, featuring tender pork

4.75 from 8 votes

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

By

Erin Sellin

Instant Pot Pulled Pork – the most tender and delicious pulled pork. This easy pulled pork recipe comes together in the Instant Pot and gets dinner on the table in no time!

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

1 hour

30 minutes

Total:

1 hour

35 minutes

Servings:
10

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Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

▢

3-4
pound
pork shoulder
▢

1/4
cup
Barbecue spice rub,
any brand you like
▢

3/4
cup
water or chicken broth

Instructions

Cut the pork shoulder into large, uniform chunks, approximately 3-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows for maximum flavor absorption.
Generously season all sides of the pork chunks with your chosen barbecue spice rub. Don’t skimp on this step, as it forms the flavorful foundation of your pulled pork.
Place the seasoned pork chunks into the Instant Pot. Pour the water or chicken broth into the bottom of the pot. Secure the lid, making sure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Manually set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes before carefully opening the valve to quick release any remaining pressure. This natural release step is crucial for achieving maximum tenderness.
Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large bowl or a clean cutting board. Using two forks or meat claws, easily shred the tender meat. You can then stir in your favorite barbecue sauce or some of the reserved cooking liquid for extra moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

35 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
10

Calories:
542

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