How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful pulled pork in an Instant Pot is surprisingly easy. You’ll quickly braise a seasoned pork shoulder roast in liquid until fork-tender, then shred it and enjoy it in sandwiches, tacos, or however you like!
The Instant Pot Pulled Pork Revolution
Pulled pork is a Southern barbecue staple, traditionally slow-cooked for hours over indirect heat. While undeniably delicious, the process can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment. Enter the Instant Pot, a multi-cooker that dramatically cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor. The Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking function creates a moist environment that breaks down tough connective tissues in the pork shoulder, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy pulled pork in a fraction of the time. This makes it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Pulled Pork
Using an Instant Pot offers several advantages over traditional slow-cooking or smoking methods:
- Speed: Cooking time is reduced from 8-12 hours to approximately 1-2 hours.
- Convenience: The Instant Pot is a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup.
- Consistency: Pressure cooking ensures even cooking throughout the pork shoulder.
- Flavor: The sealed environment traps moisture and intensifies the flavor of the pork and seasonings.
- Reduced Fat: Excess fat renders out during the cooking process.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
The ideal cut for pulled pork is the pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt (despite being from the shoulder). This cut has a good amount of marbling (fat) that renders down during cooking, resulting in juicy and flavorful pulled pork. Avoid leaner cuts like pork loin, which will become dry when pressure-cooked. A pork shoulder roast typically weighs between 3-5 pounds, which is a good size for most Instant Pots.
Ingredients for Delicious Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- Pork Shoulder Roast: 3-5 pounds
- Dry Rub: A mixture of spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
- Liquid: 1-2 cups of liquid such as chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, beer, or BBQ sauce. Combining liquids can create interesting flavor profiles.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Onion, garlic cloves, bay leaf, or a touch of liquid smoke
The Step-by-Step Instant Pot Pulled Pork Process
Follow these steps for perfect pulled pork:
- Prepare the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave a thin layer for flavor.
- Apply the Dry Rub: Generously coat the pork shoulder with the dry rub, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
- Sear the Pork (Optional): This step adds a deeper flavor. Use the “Sauté” function to brown the pork shoulder on all sides before adding the liquid. If skipping this step, you can add the liquid directly.
- Add Liquid and Aromatics: Pour the liquid into the Instant Pot. Add any desired aromatics like onion, garlic, or bay leaf.
- Pressure Cook: Place the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 75 minutes per pound of pork.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 15 minutes. This prevents the pork from drying out. After 15 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat or connective tissue.
- Add Sauce (Optional): Mix the shredded pork with some of the cooking liquid or your favorite BBQ sauce.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overcooking: Overcooked pork will become mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time and use the natural pressure release method.
- Undercooking: Undercooked pork will be tough and difficult to shred. Increase the cooking time if necessary.
- Insufficient Liquid: Not enough liquid can lead to a “Burn” warning. Ensure the pork shoulder is partially submerged in liquid.
- Using the Wrong Cut of Pork: As mentioned earlier, pork loin will dry out in the Instant Pot. Always use pork shoulder.
- Skipping the Dry Rub: The dry rub adds essential flavor to the pork. Don’t skip this step!
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Cooking Time Guide
| Pork Shoulder Weight | Cooking Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| 3 pounds | 225 minutes (3.75 hours) |
| 4 pounds | 300 minutes (5 hours) |
| 5 pounds | 375 minutes (6.25 hours) |
Note: These times are approximate and may vary depending on your Instant Pot.
Serving Suggestions
Pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Sandwiches: Serve on buns with coleslaw and your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Tacos: Use pulled pork as a filling for tacos with toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Nachos: Top tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
- Salads: Add pulled pork to salads for a protein-packed meal.
- Mac and Cheese: Stir pulled pork into mac and cheese for a hearty and flavorful dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen pork shoulder in the Instant Pot?
While possible, it’s not recommended to use frozen pork shoulder. It will significantly increase the cooking time and may result in uneven cooking. If you must use frozen pork, add at least 30-45 minutes to the cooking time.
What kind of dry rub should I use?
You can use a pre-made BBQ dry rub or create your own. A basic dry rub typically includes paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor profile.
What liquids work best for Instant Pot Pulled Pork?
Chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, beer, and BBQ sauce are all great choices. You can also combine liquids to create a more complex flavor. Avoid using too much BBQ sauce in the initial cooking liquid, as it can burn.
How do I prevent the “Burn” warning on my Instant Pot?
Ensure there is enough liquid in the Instant Pot (at least 1 cup). Avoid adding too much sugar or BBQ sauce directly to the bottom of the pot before pressure cooking. You can also try deglazing the pot after searing the pork to remove any stuck-on bits.
Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot with the pork?
Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, peppers, and carrots. However, they may become very soft during the long cooking time. Consider adding them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How long does pulled pork last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored, pulled pork will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
How do I reheat pulled pork?
You can reheat pulled pork in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Add a little liquid (broth or BBQ sauce) to prevent it from drying out.
Do I need to sear the pork before pressure cooking?
Searing the pork is optional, but it adds a deeper flavor and creates a nice crust. If you choose to sear, use the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot.
What if my pulled pork is too dry?
If your pulled pork is dry, you can add more of the cooking liquid or BBQ sauce after shredding. Mix it well and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
How do I make a vinegar-based BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
Combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust the ingredients to your taste.
Can I make pulled pork sliders using the Instant Pot recipe?
Absolutely! Instant Pot pulled pork is perfect for sliders. Serve on slider buns with coleslaw and your favorite BBQ sauce. This is a great option for parties and gatherings.