Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe – Ready in 1 Hour
When you smell smoky, tangy barbecue, it brings back memories. Growing up, grilled pork shoulder was a summer staple. Now, the Instant Pot makes it easy to enjoy these flavors fast. This recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is quick, making tender, flavorful pork in just 1 hour. It’s great for weeknights or meal prep.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Tender, fall-apart pork shoulder cooked in the Instant Pot for maximum convenience
- Homemade dry rub adds a delightful blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors
- Braising the pork in a mixture of chicken stock and apple cider vinegar results in moist, juicy meat
- Versatile recipe that can be used for sandwiches, sliders, nachos, and more
- Perfect for meal prepping or hosting gatherings with family and friends
Understanding Perfect Pulled Pork Basics
Perfect pulled pork is all about the basics. It’s tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavors. You need the right meat and tools to make it.
What Makes a Great Pulled Pork
The secret to great pulled pork is its tenderness and flavor. The pork shoulder or Boston butt is the best cut. It has the right mix of lean meat and fat.
A good dry rub adds to the flavor. It includes brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoky paprika. This rub gives the pork a tasty crust.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
The pork shoulder or Boston butt is the best choice for pulled pork. It has the right mix of fat and lean meat. This makes the pork moist and tender.
The meat’s marbling and connective tissue break down while cooking. This creates the perfect pulled pork texture.
Essential Equipment Needed
To make this one-pot meal easily, you need an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. It tenderizes the pork quickly, without slow roasting for hours. You’ll also need tongs and forks for handling and shredding the pork.
With the right meat and tools, you’re set to make amazing pulled pork. It’s full of barbecue sauce and smoky flavors. Your guests will love it, and so will you.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
Enjoy the delicious taste of pressure cooker pulled pork with this simple Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe. It features tender, shredded pork shoulder that’s cooked to perfection. This dish is perfect for easy meal prep and one-pot meals.
This recipe starts with a 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks. The meat is seasoned with a homemade dry rub and seared in the Instant Pot. This creates a tasty caramelized crust. Then, it’s pressure cooked for 75 minutes with barbecue sauce and chicken stock. This makes the pork incredibly tender and flavorful.
| Recipe Yield | Average Rating | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 Servings | 4.9 out of 5 stars (43 reviews) | 1 hour in the Instant Pot |
The spice rub in the recipe has smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, ground mustard, and Kosher salt. It offers a sweet and savory taste. After cooking, the pork is easy to shred with forks. This makes it great for many dishes.
This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe makes a lot of food, perfect for a crowd. You can freeze leftovers for later. Serve it on soft brioche buns, with coleslaw, or on mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
“The Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer! The meat is so tender and flavorful, and the whole process is incredibly easy. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a delicious and fuss-free pulled pork dish.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Start by trimming any extra fat from your pork shoulder. Cut it into 4 big chunks for even cooking. Then, season the pork well with your favorite dry rub. Make sure the flavors spread evenly.
Searing and Building Flavors
Use the Saute function on your Instant Pot to sear the pork on all sides. This creates a caramelized crust that keeps juices in and boosts flavor. After searing, deglaze the pot with chicken broth to get all the browned bits.
Pressure Cooking Instructions
- Add Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke to the pot. These ingredients add deep, rich flavors to the pork.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealed.
- Cook the pressure cooker pulled pork on high pressure for 60 minutes. Then, let it rest for 20 minutes before opening.
Shredding and Finishing Touches
After cooking, carefully open the lid and shred the pork with two forks or a stand mixer. The pork should be very tender. Finally, mix in your favorite BBQ sauce until the instant pot bbq pulled pork is well-coated.
This easy, hands-off cooking method lets you enjoy make-ahead meal of instant pot bbq pulled pork anytime. Searing, pressure cooking, and finishing with BBQ sauce make a dish everyone will love.
Serving and Storage Tips
The Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is great for many dishes. Try it on brioche buns with coleslaw for a tasty sandwich. Or, use it in nachos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, or inside baked potatoes.
Before refrigerating, let the pork cool down. It stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat it by frying with oil or microwaving until warm.
Offer extra barbecue sauce on the side. It complements the pork’s smoky flavor. This makes it a hit as a make-ahead meal and easy meal prep choice.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
“The key to delicious pulled pork is in the balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. This Instant Pot recipe nails it every time.”
Conclusion
This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a quick and tasty way to make restaurant-quality pulled pork at home. It uses your pressure cooker to make the meat tender and smoky in just 1 hour. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
You can serve it in many ways, like classic pulled pork sandwiches or creative fusion dishes. This ensures your taste buds will always be happy.
This instant pot bbq pulled pork recipe is easy to make and a must-try for anyone who loves pressure cooker pulled pork. It’s also great for those looking for a new easy meal prep option. The smoky flavors and tender texture will impress your family and guests. Plus, the Instant Pot method saves you time for other important tasks.
Try this recipe and enjoy the ease of making restaurant-quality pulled pork in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for a backyard BBQ, family dinner, or just a comforting meal.
FAQ
What is the ideal cut of meat for this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe?
Pork shoulder or Boston butt is the best meat for this recipe. It has plenty of fat for flavor and tenderness. This makes the pulled pork perfect.
What equipment do I need to make this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
You’ll need an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, tongs, and forks. Tongs help handle the meat, and forks shred it.
How do I season the pork for this recipe?
First, make a homemade dry rub. It includes brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Rub this on the pork shoulder before cooking.
What liquids are used in the cooking process?
The cooking liquid is chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. These add rich flavors to the dish.
How long does it take to make this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
This recipe makes tender, flavorful BBQ pulled pork in just 1 hour. It’s quick and easy for busy days or parties.
How do I store and reheat the leftover Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
Cool the pork completely and refrigerate it in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, crisp it on the stovetop with oil or warm it in the microwave.
What are some ways I can serve the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
This dish is versatile. Serve it on brioche buns with coleslaw for pulled pork sandwiches. You can also use it in nachos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, or stuffed baked potatoes.
