Have you ever found yourself craving that slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth, savory barbecue pulled pork experience, but you simply don’t have hours to spare? What if I told you that you could get all of that flavor and tenderness in a fraction of the time? As a busy mom, I’ve found my Instant Pot to be a game changer, especially when it comes to slow-cooked dishes like pulled pork.
Think of it as a culinary time machine, fast-forwarding those hours of slow cooking into mere minutes, without sacrificing an ounce of taste. Why should you wait for hours when you can satisfy your BBQ cravings in no time? Let’s walk through how to make this Instant Pot Pulled Pork that’s not just quick, but also packed with all the flavors of a backyard barbecue, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
The Magic of the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking. It does the work of multiple kitchen appliances, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. This versatility allows you to make a wide range of dishes in less time than traditional methods, without sacrificing taste or quality.
For pulled pork, the Instant Pot is a dream come true. It takes those hours of slow-cooking and compresses them into a matter of minutes. This means you can start with a raw pork shoulder and end up with tender, pull-apart pork in less time than it takes to watch a movie.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to pulled pork, not all cuts of meat are created equal. The best choice for this dish is a pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt. This cut has plenty of marbling, which melts during cooking to provide that succulent tenderness and rich flavor we associate with great pulled pork.
If you can’t find a pork shoulder, don’t worry. A pork loin or even a boneless pork roast can work in a pinch. These cuts are leaner, so they might not be as tender or flavorful, but they’ll still deliver a satisfying pulled pork experience.
Selecting Your Sauce
Let’s not forget about the sauce. The sauce is like the conductor of our pulled pork symphony, bringing all the flavors together. For this recipe, we’re using a tangy, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce. Feel free to use store-bought sauce if you’re in a hurry, but if you have time, making your own sauce allows you to control the flavor and spice level to your liking.
Remember, the sauce will be absorbed by the pork during cooking, so choose a sauce that complements the flavors of the meat. If you’re making your own sauce, balance is key. You want the right mix of sweetness, tang, and heat to create a sauce that’s more than just the sum of its parts.
Ingredients
- 1 pork shoulder (about 3 lbs)
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and brown the pork on all sides.
- Add the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth and brown sugar to the pot.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 90 minutes.
- Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 20 minutes.
- Open the pot, shred the pork with two forks, and stir into the sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Tips for Instant Pot Pulled Pork
To elevate your pulled pork game, here are some tips: 1) Don’t skip the browning step. This seals in the flavors and gives the pork a beautiful caramelized outer layer. 2) After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute. 3) If you have time, let the pulled pork sit in the sauce for a while before serving. This lets the meat absorb even more flavor.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a must-try because it delivers all the rich, smoky, and tangy flavors of slow-cooked pulled pork in less than half the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or any time you want a satisfying, meaty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile — serve it on buns for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or use it as a topping for nachos, salads, or pizza.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 22 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 44 grams