Introducing Instant Pot Pulled Pork – a mouthwatering dish ready in a fraction of the time! With the Instant Pot, tender and juicy pulled pork cooks to perfection, infused with your favorite barbecue flavors. Say hello to a delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless Flavor Fusion: The harmonious blend of sweet brown sugar, smoky paprika, and savory garlic effortlessly elevates the taste, creating a flavor-packed experience.
- Instant Pot Magic: Utilizing the Instant Pot ensures tender, succulent pulled pork with minimal effort, making it a convenient and time-saving recipe.
- Mouthwatering Versatility: Whether piled on sandwiches, tacos, or enjoyed on its own, the result is a versatile and irresistibly flavorful pulled pork dish that suits various culinary creations.
📋 Ingredients
- Brown Sugar (divided): Sweet caramelization for a sticky exterior.
- Sweet Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and warmth.
- Garlic Powder: Imparts robust, savory essence.
- Salt and Pepper: Balances, enhances natural flavors.
- Boneless Pork: Tender, flavorful main protein.
- Olive Oil: Coats for caramelization, sealing juices.
- Water (divided): Facilitates steam and pressure cooking.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy balance, enhances tenderness.
- Tomato Paste: Introduces concentrated tomato flavor.
- Barbecue Sauce: Key for sweet, smoky, tangy coating.
🔪How to Cook Instant Pot Pulled Pork?
Step One: Combine 2 tablespoon brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork.
Step Two: Set Instant Pot to sauté setting and pour olive oil into the inner pot. Add pork to the heated inner pot and brown on all sides for about 2-3 minutes each. Turn off the sauté setting and remove pork from the inner pot. Deglaze the bottom of pot and return the pork.
Step Three: In a bowl, mix together the remaining water and brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste. Pour the vinegar mixture into the inner pot over the pork. Close the lid to the Instant Pot and set on manual high pressure for 40 minutes. After cooking, allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes, then Quick Release the rest of the remaining pressure.
Step Four: Open the Instant Pot’s lid and remove the pork from the inner pot. Place in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork. Add barbecue sauce to the shredded pork and mix. Serve in hamburger buns or as a main with salads of your choice. Enjoy!
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Smokey Chipotle Twist: Infuse a smoky kick by incorporating chipotle powder into the seasoning for a bold and spicy flavor variation.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Add a touch of sweetness by mixing honey and Dijon mustard into the barbecue sauce, creating a delightful glaze for the pulled pork.
- Pineapple Express: Enhance sweetness and tropical flair by incorporating pineapple juice into the barbecue sauce, creating a delightful pineapple-infused pulled pork.
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👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Optimal Browning: Sear the pork in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before pressure cooking. This step enhances flavor by creating a caramelized exterior.
- Balanced Seasoning: Ensure a well-balanced flavor by adjusting the sweet, smoky, and savory elements according to personal preference when mixing the seasoning.
- Cut Uniform Pieces: Cut the pork into uniform chunks for even cooking, ensuring all pieces reach the desired tenderness.
- Natural Release for Tenderness: Allow a natural release of pressure after cooking to maintain the pork's tenderness and prevent it from drying out.
- Add BBQ Sauce Thoughtfully: Mix the barbecue sauce into the pulled pork judiciously after shredding. Add gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the desired sauciness.
- Experiment with Smoke: Enhance the smoky flavor by using a smoked paprika variant or adding a touch of liquid smoke to the seasoning.
- Include Aromatics: Enhance the overall aroma by adding aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, or herbs to the Instant Pot before cooking.
- Use High-Quality Barbecue Sauce: Select a high-quality barbecue sauce with flavors that complement the seasoning, contributing to the overall richness of the dish.
- Customize Spice Level: Tailor the spice level by adjusting the amount of paprika or adding a pinch of cayenne for those who prefer a bit more heat.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pulled pork to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors settle and ensure a juicy and succulent texture.
💭 FAQs
Store pulled pork in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Mark the container with the date for freshness.
Portion pulled pork for easy freezing. Frozen pulled pork can last for 2-3 months while maintaining flavor and texture.
While boneless pork is recommended for tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts, adjusting cooking times accordingly. You can use pork tenderloin, pork butt roast or boneless shoulder pork for this pressure cooker pulled pork recipe.
Opt for a high-quality barbecue sauce with flavors you enjoy; sweet, smoky, or tangy varieties work well.
Yes, adapt the cooking times and follow the same steps in a slow cooker for a similar result.
Absolutely, mix the spices in advance and store them in an airtight container until the pork roast is cooked.
Ensure a natural release after cooking and add barbecue sauce thoughtfully to maintain juiciness.
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pulled Pork:
- Baked Beans: The hearty and savory nature of Baked Beans complements the sweetness and smokiness of pulled pork, creating a satisfying combination.
- Cornbread: The combination of sweet and savory Cornbread adds an enticing contrast of textures and flavors, elevating the southern barbecue experience to new heights.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Indulge in the comforting allure of creamy, cheesy Macaroni And Cheese a perfect side dish that complements the robust and flavorful pulled pork.
- Potato Salad: Creamy or tangy Potato Salad featuring tender potatoes and a flavorful dressing, offers a satisfying side with various textures.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried Sweet Potato Fries offer a sweet and crispy alternative, complementing the savory and tender pulled pork.
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Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar packed and divided
- 2 teaspoon Sweet Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- pinch Salt and Pepper
- 2 pounds Boneless Pork
- 2-3 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 ¾ cups Water divided
- ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce
Instructions
- Combine 2 tablespoon brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper in a bowl. Rub on pork.
- Set Instant Pot to saute setting and pour olive oil into the inner pot.
- Add pork to the heated inner pot and brown on all sides for about 2-3 minutes each.
- Turn off saute setting and remove pork from the inner pot - place on a separate plate and set aside.
- Pour half of the water into the inner lid and remove any brown bits that are stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.
- Place the pork back into the inner pot.
- In a bowl, mix together remaining water and brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and tomato paste.
- Pour vinegar mixture into the inner pot.
- Close the lid to the Instant Pot and set on manual high pressure for 40 minutes.
- Once the time is up, allow for a QPR (Quick Pressure Release).
- Open the Instant Pot’s lid and remove pork from the inner pot. Place in a large bowl.
- Use two forks to shred the pork. Add barbecue sauce and mix.
- Serve in hamburger buns or as a main with salads of your choice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Optimal Browning: Sear the pork in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before pressure cooking. This step enhances flavor by creating a caramelized exterior.
- Balanced Seasoning: Ensure a well-balanced flavor by adjusting the sweet, smoky, and savory elements according to personal preference when mixing the seasoning.
- Cut Uniform Pieces: Cut the pork into uniform chunks for even cooking, ensuring all pieces reach the desired tenderness.
- Natural Release for Tenderness: Allow a natural release of pressure after cooking to maintain the pork's tenderness and prevent it from drying out.
- Add BBQ Sauce Thoughtfully: Mix the barbecue sauce into the pulled pork judiciously after shredding. Add gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the desired sauciness.
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