Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is a tasty and delicious recipe which you can cook in the pressure cooker super fast. Whenever we have guests coming over, I love to make BBQ pulled pork as it's quick and easy.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless Flavor: Instant Pot simplicity delivers mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork with minimal effort.
- Savory Delight: Indulge in a rich blend of BBQ seasoning and slow-cooked pork bathed in luscious BBQ sauce.
- Versatile Enjoyment: From classic sandwiches to creative dishes, this recipe offers deliciousness for every occasion.
📋 Ingredients
Here are the ingredients for making Instapot BBQ pulled pork:
- Pork Butt (cut into 4-inch chunks): A well-marbled and flavorful cut, ideal for slow-cooking and achieving tender pulled pork.
- BBQ Seasoning: Adds a blend of spices and herbs to enhance the smoky and savory flavors of the pork.
- BBQ Sauce (divided): A key ingredient for both seasoning the pork during cooking and serving as a delicious sauce later.
- Beef Broth: Enhances the savory depth of the cooking liquid, contributing to the overall flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the pork and complements the BBQ flavors.
- Hamburger Buns (for serving, optional): Perfect for assembling pulled pork sandwiches, offering a convenient and classic presentation.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Options: While pork shoulder is traditional, try pork belly for a richer, fattier result or pork loin for a leaner option. You can also experiment with other proteins like chicken thighs or tofu for a non-pork variation.
- Marinade Adjustments: Customize the marinade by substituting hoisin sauce with a blend of soy sauce and honey, or try using brown sugar or rock sugar to tweak the sweetness. Adding a splash of Chinese rice wine can further enhance the flavor.
- Spice Infusions: Enhance your Char Siu by incorporating extra garlic, ginger, or a pinch of five-spice powder. For a bolder taste, consider adding Szechuan peppercorns or a hint of chili for subtle heat.
- Glaze & Finishing Touches: Adjust the glaze consistency by experimenting with thicker or thinner versions; brush on additional glaze during the cooking process for a more caramelized exterior. Finishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions can add extra texture and visual appeal.
🔪How To Make Pulled Pork In The Instant Pot?
Here is a step-by-step guide for pressure cooking BBQ pulled pork in the Instant Pot.
Step One: Place the pork butt roast into the inner pot and season with bbq seasoning. In a small bowl or large measuring cup, combine the beef broth, and vinegar. Next, add one cup of BBQ sauce and stir to mix.
Step Two: Pour the BBQ mixture over the top of the pork butt meat. Close the Instant Pot Lid and set the pressure valve to closed. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
Step Three: Do a quick release and remove the Instant Pot lid after the remaining pressure has gone. Transfer pork roast from the Instant Pot and shred it. Drain half the liquid from the Instant Pot and place the shredded pulled pork back into the pot.
Step Four: Add the remaining BBQ sauce into your Instant Pot and stir to combine. This makes the best pulled pork. The barbecue sauce is flavorful and sticks to the meat perfectly. Serve the shredded meat on a bun or in a bowl with your favorite sides.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Sear for a Flavorful Base: Brown your pork shoulder on all sides using the sauté mode to develop a caramelized crust that locks in juices and enhances the overall flavor.
- Infuse with Bold BBQ: Deglaze the pot with a splash of apple cider vinegar and mix in your favorite BBQ sauce and seasonings. This creates a tangy, rich sauce that infuses the meat during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook for Tender Perfection: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 60–90 minutes (depending on cut size) with a natural release to achieve fork-tender pork that's perfect for shredding.
💭 FAQs
Pulled pork is a delicious and tender dish made from shredded pork that has been cooked in a barbecue or other flavorful sauce. Pulled pork can be served as a main course, used to make sandwiches or bowls, or added to salads and other dishes for extra flavor. There are many different ways to cook pulled pork depending on your preferences.
So can use pork loin for pulled pork instead of pork butt? The answer is yes! Although pork butt is often used for pulled pork, pork loin roast or pork tenderloin will also work just fine.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your pork roast. You can also use boneless pork shoulder. All of these meat options will result in tender pork when cooked correctly in the pressure cooker.
No, you do not have to use beef broth in this recipe. You can substitute the cooking liquid with chicken broth or chicken stock or vegetable stock if desired. You could even just use plain water and add your own spices for more flavor.
For example, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground mustard or smoked paprika. Whatever liquid you choose, be sure to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce accordingly to avoid making your pulled pork too salty.
Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar in pulled pork recipes. In general, red wine or balsamic vinegar works well in this dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile and acidity of each vinegar may vary, so be sure to taste your final dish and adjust any seasonings as needed.
Yes, you can cook BBQ pulled pork on the slow cooker setting. Simply cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. I prefer pressure cooking but slow cooking works well for this Instant Pot pulled pork dish.
Once your BBQ pulled pork has earned its stripes, cool it to room temperature, then find it a cozy spot in an airtight container or cover it up with foil, treating it like the barbecue royalty it is. Label the container with a hint of anticipation and the freezing date, then let your pulled pork hibernate in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. It'll be your flavorful secret weapon when you thaw and relish.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you're serving your Instant Pot pulled pork as a side dish or making pulled pork sandwiches, here are some popular sides to serve with pulled pork.
You can also serve pulled pork in sandwiches or bowls, or use it as an ingredient in salads. The possibilities are endless.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Pork Butt cut into 4 inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons BBQ Seasoning
- 2 cups BBQ Sauce divided
- ⅔ cup Beef Broth
- ⅓ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 Buns optional
Instructions
- Place the pork butt roast into the inner pot and season with bbq seasoning.
- In a small bowl or large measuring cup, combine the beef broth, and vinegar. Next, add one cup of bbq sauce and stir to mix.
- Pour the bbq mixture over the top of the pork butt meat.
- Close the Instant Pot Lid and set the pressure valve to closed. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Do a quick release and remove the Instant Pot lid after the remaining pressure has gone.
- Transfer pork roast from the Instant Pot and shred it. Drain half the liquid from the Instant Pot and place the shredded pulled pork back into the pot.
- Add the remaining BBQ sauce into your Instant Pot and stir to combine. This makes the best pulled pork. The barbecue sauce is flavorful and sticks to the meat perfectly.
- Serve the shredded meat on a bun or in a bowl with your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
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