Tender and flavorful pulled pork made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Savory spices and juicy meat create the ultimate BBQ sandwich or taco filling.
It costs approximately $17.66 to make this pulled pork. The recipe makes eight servings for about $2.20 per serving.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Cooking this pulled pork in the Instant Pot is a game-changer! The Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking method is magical!
The meat absorbs the delicious spices while becoming super tender in a short amount of time. You will get the same great taste you love from a slow cooker without waiting hours.
If you are short on time, didn’t think ahead for dinner, or want a delicious meal without needing to cook the pork for hours, this recipe is for you! You will have deliciously tender, fall-off-the-fork, shredded pork in no time at all when you cook it in the Instant Pot!
What You’ll Love About This Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Flavorful and tender: The dry rub seasonings, in conjunction with browning the pork before cooking it, creates a slightly sweet and savory, uber-tender meat after pressure-cooking the pork.
- Convenience: You will love this quicker cooking process over a crockpot’s traditional low and slow cooking method.
- Easy to make: This recipe is easy to follow with little prep time. It is great for impromptu gatherings and last-minute dinner ideas.
Pulled Pork In Instant Pot Ingredients and Estimated Cost
Per Serving Cost: $2.20
Recipe Cost: $17.66
- 4 pound pork roast – $11.96
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil – $0.24
- 1 cup chicken broth – $0.42
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar – $0.15
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar – $0.15
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt – $0.06
- ½ teaspoon pepper – $0.03
- 1 teaspoon paprika – $0.04
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes – $0.12
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard – $0.16
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – $0.04
- 8 hamburger buns – $4.29
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in August 2023.
How To Make Pulled Pork In Instant Pot
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- First, let the pork sit at room temperature for one hour.
- Then, whisk together the dry rub ingredients and add the pork to the bowl.
- Toss the spices with the pork until it is well coated.
- Push the saute button on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil until hot.
- Add the pork and brown for about two minutes on each side.
- Remove the pork and set it aside while you add the chicken broth and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
- Next add the apple cider vinegar and mix.
- Place the pork back into the pot and cook on high for sixty minutes with a fifteen minute natural release.
- Finally, let the pork rest for five minutes on a platter before shredding and serving on buns.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe Variations
- Different Meat: Instead of pork shoulder or butt, you can use other cuts of pork like pork loin or tenderloin.
- Marinade: Before applying the dry rub, marinate the pork in your favorite marinade for a few hours or overnight. Ensure you pat the meat dry once it comes out of the marinade.
- Spice Variations: You can experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin, chili powder, coriander, or even a touch of cinnamon for unique flavors.
- Liquid Substitutions: You can use beef or vegetable broth for a different taste profile than chicken broth. You can also replace apple cider vinegar with other types of vinegar, such as white wine or balsamic vinegar.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a different sweetener, swap the brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Cooking Liquids: Instead of using chicken broth for deglazing, you can use cola or root beer for added depth of flavor.
- Toppings: Besides the optional toppings mentioned in the recipe, you can add sliced onions, pickles, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices for extra toppings.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat. Adjust the pressure cooking time to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked.
- Serving Options: Instead of traditional hamburger buns, you can serve pulled pork on tortillas for tacos or a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
SERVE: Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with optional BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and red cabbage for a classic pulled pork sandwich.
STORE: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
FREEZE: Portion the pulled pork into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
THAW: Thaw frozen pulled pork in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on the microwave for quicker thawing.
REHEAT: Reheat the pulled pork in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, stirring occasionally.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe FAQs
It may have been overcooked in the Instant Pot, as the recipe should yield tender pork that shreds quickly. Or the pork may not have cooked long enough. If it is still firm to the touch, try cooking it for a little longer until it shreds quickly.
It will take about sixty minutes of cooking on high in the Instant Pot with a fifteen-minute natural release. Each Instant Pot cooks slightly differently, so use this timing as a guide when making the recipe. It is fully cooked when the internal temperature is 195 degrees F.
If the pork has too much fat, you may wish to trim some excess before cooking it. However, some fat is good, as it adds to the overall flavor of the meat.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Instant Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy
- Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Miso Soup Recipe Without Dashi
- Instant Pot French Dip Recipe
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 pound pork roast shoulder or butt, cut into 4 chunks
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
DRY RUB:
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes depending on taste
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 hamburger buns
FOR SERVING:
- BBQ Sauce optional
- Coleslaw optional
- Red Cabbage optional
Instructions
PREP PORK:
- Let the pork sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
MAKE DRY RUB:
- Add spices to a large bowl and whisk together.
RUB PORK:
- Add pork to the bowl with the rub and toss until well coated.
BROWN PORK:
- Turn Instant Pot to the saute setting and add olive oil until hot.
- Add pork and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes for each side.
- Once all the pieces of pork are browned, remove and set aside.
DEGLAZE POT:
- Add the chicken broth and deglaze the bottom of the pot, scrapping with a wooden spoon. Add the apple cider vinegar and mix.
PRESSURE COOK PORK:
- Place the chunks of pork into the pot and pressure cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.
- Manually release any remaining pressure.
TO FINISH:
- Remove pork to a large platter or bowl and rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
- Serve on buns, and add BBQ sauce and other toppings as desired.
Nutrition
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Served this for dinner last night and it was a savory success! Quick, easy and delicious; another wonderful recipe for my instant pot, indeed!
This came out great. I had enough to serve us for dinner, plus meal prep for another meal later this week.
This pulled pork was so easy to make in the instant pot, I saved so much time and there was a lot less dishes to clean. I will always be making pulled pork this way from now on!
Pulled pork is a great recipe to feed a crowd. I love making this on game day!
I love this instant pot version. So quick and easy. My daughter asked for seconds, which is a huge commitment! 🙂