This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving tender, flavorful, and juicy pork without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the magical transformation that occurs in the Instant Pot, which locks in all the rich flavors while significantly shortening cooking time. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or meal prep for the week ahead, this pulled pork promises to be a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe for its incredible flavor and the ease with which it comes together. The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering rub that seeps into the meat, producing a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking time to about an hour but also keeps the pork incredibly moist and tender. Plus, this recipe is perfect for various dietary lifestyles; it’s gluten-free and can be made without added sugars, making it suitable for health-conscious eaters as well.
Tips and Tricks
To make this Instant Pot Pulled Pork easier and more flavorful, consider these tips:
- Use a pork shoulder: This cut has enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process.
- Sear the meat: Before pressure cooking, take a few minutes to sear the pork on all sides. This adds depth of flavor and a lovely caramelization.
- Don’t skip the resting time: After cooking, let the pork rest for at least 10 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its flavor.
- Use a homemade rub: A mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices can elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to store-bought options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pulled pork in the Instant Pot, here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the pork: While the Instant Pot is great for speed, overcooking can lead to mushy meat. Follow the recommended cooking times closely.
- Not using enough liquid: Ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot to create steam. Generally, a cup of broth or water is a good rule of thumb.
- Skipping the sear: Don’t skip the initial searing step, as it greatly enhances the flavor of the finished dish.
- Ignoring the natural release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes helps maintain the meat’s moisture.
Make Ahead Tips
For those looking to save time, you can prepare the pork shoulder by seasoning it with the spice rub the night before. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat even more. The cooked pulled pork can also be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to three months, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this pulled pork recipe in several ways:
- Different sauces: Swap out the barbecue sauce for your favorite homemade or store-bought varieties—smoky, spicy, or even mustard-based sauces can give a new twist.
- Spice blends: Experiment with different spice blends like taco seasoning for a Mexican twist or a Jamaican jerk rub for a Caribbean flavor.
- Cooking methods: While the Instant Pot is a quick method, you can also make this pulled pork in a slow cooker or even in the oven if you prefer traditional methods.
How to Serve
Serve your pulled pork on a soft, toasted bun for classic pulled pork sandwiches, or pile it high on a plate with coleslaw on the side. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of rice or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color, and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your pulled pork, consider pairing it with a refreshing iced tea or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. For side dishes, classic coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob work wonderfully. For dessert, a slice of homemade apple pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be the perfect sweet finish.
How to Store
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Equipment Needed
The main equipment you’ll need for this recipe is an Instant Pot. If you don’t have one, a slow cooker can be used, but the cooking time will increase significantly. A good meat thermometer is also helpful to ensure your pork is cooked to the right temperature.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe allergen-friendly, you can easily adapt it:
- Gluten-free: Ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.
- Sugar-free: Use a sugar substitute in the rub and sauce if desired.
- Vegan: Substitute the pork with jackfruit or tofu, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall and winter, you might want to add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the rub for a warm flavor profile. In spring and summer, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added at the end for brightness.
Cost Breakdown
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is quite budget-friendly. The total cost for the entire dish is approximately $15, making it around $3 per serving. To save even more, consider purchasing pork shoulder on sale or using a smaller cut if you’re cooking for fewer people.
Kitchen Hacks
Here are a few kitchen hacks for making this dish:
- Peeling garlic quickly: Smash the garlic clove with the side of a knife, and the skin will come off easily.
- Chopping onions without tears: Chill the onion in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting to minimize tears.
- Shredding pork easily: Use two forks or an electric mixer on low speed to shred the meat quickly.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of pork? Yes, you can use pork loin or tenderloin, but they may dry out quicker, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- How long should I cook the pork? For a 3-4 lb pork shoulder, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a natural release.
- Can I make this without an Instant Pot? Yes, you can use a slow cooker; just increase the cooking time to 8 hours on low.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving tender, flavorful, and juicy pork without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the magical transformation that occurs in the Instant Pot, which locks in all the rich flavors while significantly shortening cooking time.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks if necessary.
- Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork.
- Sear the pork: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil and sear the pork chunks on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure cook: Return the pork to the pot and secure the lid. Set to high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Natural release: After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
- Shred the pork: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Mix in barbecue sauce to coat the meat.
- Serve: Enjoy as desired, whether on a bun or on its own with sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 745Total Fat 51gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 205mgSodium 898mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 1gSugar 12gProtein 54g
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
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields delicious results that will satisfy any meat lover. Its versatility means you can adapt it to suit any occasion or preference, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire. So fire up your Instant Pot, embrace the flavors, and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of homemade pulled pork!
