“`html
If you have been craving tender, juicy, and flavorful pork with that classic smoky barbecue kick but don’t want to wait all day for it, this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the ease of an Instant Pot combined with the richness of a perfectly spiced pork shoulder, slow-cooked in a fraction of the time, then shredded and tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce that makes every bite finger-licking good. This dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an essential role in building that deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile that pulled pork lovers adore. These pantry staples come together simply and beautifully, making your BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe not just delicious but effortless.
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder: The star of the show, packed with just the right amount of fat to stay moist and tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the pork to add a caramelized crust and extra flavor.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Brings classic barbecue tang and richness to the final dish.
- 1 cup ketchup: Adds a sweet tomato base that balances the smoky spices.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides sweetness and helps deepen the sauce’s color and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant red hue.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle savory note without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts the aroma and depth of flavor significantly.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors and keep the meat juicy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin: Offers a warm earthiness that complements the pork beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds complexity and a mild smoky spiciness.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a sharp, spicy accent.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Incorporated in the sauce for that sticky, luscious finish.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory umami depth that enriches the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist during cooking and helps blend the sauce perfectly.
How to Make BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
The magic starts by combining all those warm, aromatic dry spices into a bowl. This dry rub is what infuses each pork bite with incredible flavor even before it hits the pot, so mix those spices really well to get an even seasoning.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
This separate bowl of BBQ sauce ingredients is where you blend the ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and chicken broth. Whisking it well ensures a smooth, balanced sauce that cooks down to perfection with the pork.
Step 3: Season the Pork Shoulder
Generously coat the pork shoulder pieces with the dry rub. Don’t be shy here — the seasoning will form the essential flavor crust and tenderize the meat as it cooks.
Step 4: Brown the Pork
Heat olive oil in your Instant Pot on the sauté setting and brown the pork pieces on all sides. This step locks in juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor that sets this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe apart.
Step 5: Deglaze and Add Pork Back
Once the pork is browned and set aside, pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture into the pot to deglaze. Scrape up those delicious browned bits, then return the pork to the pot, tossing it so the meat is well-coated with the sauce base.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on the ‘meat/stew’ setting for 90 minutes. This is where the magic slow-cooking happens fast, breaking down all that connective tissue into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 7: Natural Pressure Release and Shred
After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes so the juices settle back into the meat. Then, open the pot and shred the pork right inside—can you smell that incredible aroma?
Step 8: Simmer the Sauce and Finish
Turn the pot back to sauté mode to simmer the sauce, stirring in the shredded pork to soak up every bit of that rich, tangy goodness before serving warm.
How to Serve BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Garnishes
To add fresh brightness and texture, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the pulled pork just before serving. A few pickles on the side also bring a delightful crunch and acidic contrast that complements the smoky pork beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pulled pork pairs ridiculously well with classic barbecue sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or even a simple baked potato. If you want to freshen things up, a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables balances the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe into sliders with soft buns and a slather of extra BBQ sauce, or pile it high on nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can also use the pork as a hearty filling for tacos, topped with avocado and salsa for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover pulled pork in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days, making for easy meals or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep your delicious BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the pulled pork to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date it so you remember when to enjoy it!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pulled pork in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you could use pork butt as a substitute. Avoid leaner cuts as they may dry out during cooking in the Instant Pot.
Is it necessary to brown the pork before pressure cooking?
Browning the pork is highly recommended as it adds depth of flavor and a lovely caramelized crust that enhances the taste of the finished pulled pork.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for more heat to suit your spice preference.
How can I tell when the pork is done in the Instant Pot?
The 90-minute meat/stew setting typically yields perfectly tender pork that shreds easily. If it isn’t shredding well, you can cook it for an additional 10-15 minutes under pressure.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
You can double the ingredients, but be cautious not to overfill your Instant Pot. It’s best to cook in batches if you have a smaller pot or to adjust cooking times slightly and ensure proper pressure build-up.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about pulling apart juicy, tender pork that’s been cooked in your Instant Pot and tossed in a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce. This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is nothing short of a weeknight hero — fast, fuss-free, and wildly delicious. I truly can’t wait for you to try it and see how it transforms your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum yum.
“`
Print
BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork shoulder cooked to perfection using an electric pressure cooker. The pork is seasoned with a robust dry rub, seared for extra flavor, and then slow-cooked in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served as a hearty main, this dish comes together with minimal hands-on time and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Main Ingredient
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Rub: In a bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients including brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Make BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, additional brown sugar, and chicken broth until smooth and evenly combined.
- Season the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry and thoroughly coat all sides with the prepared dry rub, ensuring the seasoning sticks well for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Pork: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and brown the pork shoulder pieces evenly on all sides, which helps develop deeper flavor. Once browned, remove the pork and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture into the Instant Pot to deglaze the bottom, scraping up any browned bits. Return the pork shoulder pieces to the pot and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on the ‘meat/stew’ setting for 90 minutes, allowing the pork to become tender and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Release Pressure Naturally: After cooking, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 15 minutes to prevent the pork from drying out or toughening.
- Shred and Combine: Carefully open the lid, remove the pork, and shred it using two forks. Simmer the remaining sauce in the pot on sauté mode until thickened slightly, then mix the shredded pork back into the sauce before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
- Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve pulled pork on toasted buns with coleslaw for classic sandwiches.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, water can be substituted.
- Make sure to sear the pork well to develop rich flavor and improve texture.
