Instant Pot Pork Butt, or Pulled Pork, is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the flavors of slow-cooked barbecue right to your kitchen in a fraction of the time. With its tender, juicy meat and smoky, sweet seasoning blend, this recipe captures the essence of a backyard barbecue, making it perfect for family gatherings, game day, or a cozy night in. The Instant Pot allows for rich flavors and tender textures to develop quickly, ensuring you can enjoy this classic dish without hours of waiting.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Instant Pot Pork Butt recipe because it is incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of spices creates a savory and slightly sweet profile that perfectly complements the richness of the pork. The Instant Pot takes the hassle out of cooking, allowing you to enjoy fall-apart tender pulled pork in under two hours. Plus, this recipe fits well into various lifestyles, whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a party, or simply craving a hearty dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Sear the Meat: Always take the time to sear your pork butt before pressure cooking. This enhances the flavor with a caramelized crust that adds depth to the dish.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For the best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 190°F for optimal tenderness.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the meat rest for about 10-15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier end product.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice rub to suit your taste. Adding a bit of cayenne for heat or brown sugar for sweetness can elevate the flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the spice rub a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can marinate the pork butt overnight for enhanced flavor, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat. Once cooked, pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces, such as sweet, spicy, or mustard-based, to change the flavor.
- Different Cuts of Meat: While pork butt is ideal, you can also use pork shoulder or even chicken thighs for a lighter version.
- Instant Pot Alternatives: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, consider using a slow cooker for a traditional approach, cooking on low for 8-10 hours.
How to Serve
Serve your pulled pork on toasted hamburger buns with coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or with roasted vegetables. A drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the presentation and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your pulled pork with a robust glass of red wine, such as Zinfandel or Malbec, which complements the smoky flavors beautifully. For a cocktail, a refreshing mojito or a classic whiskey sour works well. Complement your meal with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a full BBQ experience.
How to Store
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker)
- Wooden spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Two forks for shredding
- Measuring cups and spoons
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe allergen-friendly, ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free and contains no allergens. For a vegan version, substitute the pork with jackfruit or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to your spice rub for a fresh twist. In winter, incorporate warming spices like smoked paprika and cinnamon to give the dish a cozy, comforting feel.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of pork? Yes, pork shoulder or even pork loin can be used, but they may require adjustments in cooking time.
- How can I make it spicier? Add cayenne pepper or a hot sauce to the spice rub for an extra kick.
- What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? You can use a slow cooker; cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours for tender results.
Instant Pot Pork Butt (Pulled Pork)
Instant Pot Pork Butt, or Pulled Pork, is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the flavors of slow-cooked barbecue right to your kitchen in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds pork butt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper) in a small bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork butt, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork butt on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Carefully remove the pork and set aside. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Place the pork back in the pot and close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Mix in BBQ sauce to taste.
- Serve immediately or store leftovers.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 696Total Fat 46gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 196mgSodium 748mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 11gProtein 53g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Instant Pot Pork Butt is a game-changer for anyone who loves the savory, smoky flavors of pulled pork but doesn’t have the time for traditional slow cooking. With its ease of preparation and rich flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this pulled pork is sure to impress. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!
