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Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

Name: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt, cut into smaller chunks); 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving); 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon liquid smoke; 1/2 cup water; 6 Buns (or sandwich rolls for serving)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: September 17, 2021

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Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork–🍖🔥 Get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork—a dish that’s not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Whether planning a family dinner, a weekend barbecue, or simply craving some tender, smoky, and saucy pulled pork, your Instant Pot will become your best friend in the kitchen. Join us as we embark on a flavor-packed journey through BBQ, where juicy pork meets savory spices and a rich, tangy sauce. Let’s dive into the world of irresistible pulled pork perfection!

Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of smoky, tender, and savory goodness in every bite. This recipe takes the classic slow-cooked barbecue pulled pork and transforms it into a quick and convenient masterpiece using the magic of the pressure cooker. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth pork infused with the flavors of rich barbecue sauce and a medley of spices. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply craving a barbecue fix, the pressure cooker method delivers fall-apart pork that’s incredibly flavorful, all in a fraction of the time.

In just a few minutes, your pressure cooker will work its magic, tenderizing the pork and infusing it with the unmistakable essence of barbecue. With each forkful, you’ll experience the perfect smokiness, sweetness, and tanginess balance that makes BBQ pulled pork a beloved classic. Get ready to elevate your barbecue game and savor the irresistible taste of Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. It’s a culinary journey that will satisfy your cravings for that authentic barbecue experience without the long wait.

Barbeque Pulled Pork ciabatta open Sandwich, top view

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this recipe for Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork for several fantastic reasons:

Time-Saving Marvel: Unlike traditional slow-cooking methods that take hours, this pressure cooker recipe delivers succulent, fall-apart pork a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Tender Perfection: The pressure cooker’s magic lies in tenderizing the pork perfectly. You’ll enjoy incredibly tender pork, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Flavor Explosion: This recipe infuses the pork with a symphony of flavors, from the smoky richness of the barbecue sauce to the harmonious blend of spices and seasonings. It’s an explosion of savory and sweet notes in every forkful.
Versatile Delight: Whether served in sandwiches, on a platter or as a topping for nachos, Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your culinary cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for gatherings, parties, game days, or any occasion you want to impress your guests with a delectable barbecue.
Effortless Preparation: The recipe is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those who may not consider themselves culinary experts. The pressure cooker does most of the work for you!
Leftover Bliss: Leftovers from this recipe are a true delight. Enjoy them in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The flavors continue to develop, making each subsequent meal just as delicious.
Homemade Goodness: Making your own BBQ pulled pork allows you to control the ingredients, adjust the level of spiciness, and savor the satisfaction of homemade comfort food.
Impressive Results: Your friends and family will be impressed by your barbecue prowess and keep coming back for seconds and thirds.
Endless Pairing Possibilities: Pair this succulent pulled pork with various sides, from coleslaw and cornbread to mac and cheese, creating a feast that satisfies all your comfort food cravings.

In summary, this Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe combines convenience and incredible flavor, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights and special occasions. Get ready to enjoy tender, smoky, and saucy pulled pork that’s bound to become a family favorite! 🍖🔥😋

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that brings the unbeatable taste of smoky, tender barbecue straight to your kitchen. To craft the perfect Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, you’ll need an ensemble of carefully selected ingredients that harmonize to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. From succulent pork to a medley of seasonings and that essential barbecue sauce, every element in this lineup contributes to the irresistible flavors of this classic comfort dish.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: The star of the show, this cut of meat is richly marbled, making it perfect for achieving tender, succulent pulled pork.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These pantry staples add layers of savory flavor to the pork, enhancing its overall taste.
Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika infuses the pork with a delightful smokiness reminiscent of traditional barbecue.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings sweetness to the barbecue sauce, balancing the savory and tangy notes.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These staples season the pork and help the other flavors meld together harmoniously.
BBQ Sauce: The heart of the dish, BBQ sauce provides the rich, saucy goodness and that classic barbecue flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a touch of acidity, apple cider vinegar complements the sauce’s sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Liquid Smoke: A small amount of liquid smoke replicates the smokiness you’d get from a traditional barbecue smoker.
Water: Water is needed to create the cooking environment in the Instant Pot, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful. For added flavor, you can also use chicken broth, chicken stock, or vegetable broth.
Hamburger Buns or Sandwich Rolls: You’ll need fresh buns or rolls to serve your BBQ pulled pork as mouthwatering sandwiches or sliders.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor and tenderness that make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork a delectable and irresistible dish.

How To Make BBQ Pulled Pork In Pressure Cooker

Making BBQ Pulled Pork in a pressure cooker is a breeze, and it yields the same mouthwatering results as traditional slow-cooking methods, but in a fraction of the time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Pork: Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt. Cut the meat into smaller, manageable chunks, about 2-3 inches, on a cutting board using a sharp knife. This helps the pork cook evenly and absorb the flavors.

Season the Pork: In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the spice rub: Combine the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the pork pieces, ensuring they are well coated.

Sauté the Pork: Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork pieces in batches until they are browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor to the pork.

Add the Sauce and Liquid: After searing the pork, pour in the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and water. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker, scraping up any browned bits from the pork.

Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Set cook time for 60-70 minutes. The exact time may vary based on your pressure cooker, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions. The pork should become incredibly tender and easy to shred.

Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove any remaining pressure manually.

Shred the Pork: Remove the pork pieces from the pressure cooker and use two forks to shred them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. They should practically fall apart at this point.

Add More Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the sauce in the pressure cooker. Stir well to coat the pork with the flavorful BBQ sauce. You can add more sauce to taste if desired.

Serve: Serve your BBQ Pulled Pork on fresh buns or sandwich rolls. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you like, and enjoy!

This pressure cooker method delivers BBQ Pulled Pork that’s incredibly tender and bursting with smoky, savory flavors. It’s a quick and convenient way to savor the classic taste of barbecue without long hours of slow cooking.

Recipe Variations Easy BBQ Pulled Pork

BBQ Pulled Pork in a pressure cooker is incredibly versatile, and you can experiment with various flavors and ingredients to create unique variations. Here are some delightful recipe variations to consider:

Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork: Add a kick to your pulled pork by incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to up the heat.
Honey Mustard Pulled Pork: Create a sweet and tangy twist by mixing honey and Dijon mustard into your BBQ sauce for a delightful honey mustard pulled pork.
Carolina-Style Pulled Pork: Capture the essence of Carolina barbecue by using a vinegar-based BBQ sauce and incorporating coleslaw as a topping for your pulled pork sandwiches.
Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork: Infuse your pulled pork with Asian flavors using hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and ginger in the seasoning mix. Serve it in bao buns or with pickled vegetables for a fusion twist.
Mexican Pulled Pork: Season a Mexican-inspired pulled pork with cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Serve it with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa for flavorful tacos.
Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating maple syrup and bourbon into your BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor profile.
Pineapple Pulled Pork: Enhance the sweetness and tropical flair by adding pineapple juice and chunks to your BBQ sauce. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and smoky.
Coffee-Rubbed Pulled Pork: Rubbing the pork with coffee grounds and cocoa powder before pressure cooking creates a rich and bold flavor. The coffee enhances the smokiness of the dish.
Root Beer Pulled Pork: Replace water with root beer in the cooking liquid for a unique, slightly sweet twist on your pulled pork. The soda adds subtle hints of spice and sweetness.
Apple Cider Pulled Pork: Use apple cider instead of water in the cooking liquid for a fruity, autumn-inspired pulled pork. The apple notes complement the smoky flavors beautifully.
Korean BBQ Pulled Pork: Infuse your pulled pork with Korean BBQ flavors using gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) and soy sauce. Serve it in lettuce wraps with kimchi and sesame seeds.
Mango Habanero Pulled Pork: Mix mango puree and minced habanero peppers into your BBQ sauce for a sweet, spicy pulled pork experience.

These variations allow you to explore different culinary traditions and flavor profiles while enjoying the convenience of making BBQ Pulled Pork in a pressure cooker. Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences!

Pro Tips For The Best BBQ Pulled Pork

To achieve the best BBQ Pulled Pork, follow these pro tips that will elevate your dish to perfection:

Select the Right Cut of Meat: Choose a well-marbled cut like pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), pork tenderloin, Boston Butt, or pork loin roast for the juiciest and most flavorful results. The fat content helps keep the meat tender during cooking.
Sear the Meat: If your pressure cooker has a sauté function, sear the meat before pressure cooking. This step caramelizes the surface, enhancing the flavor of the pulled pork.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasonings. A generous rub of spices enhances the overall flavor. Be sure to season all sides of the meat evenly.
Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Invest in a high-quality BBQ sauce or make your own. The sauce plays a significant role in the final flavor, so choose one you love.
Balance Sweet and Tangy: Achieve a balanced flavor profile by blending sweet and tangy elements in your BBQ sauce. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste.
Include Liquid Smoke Sparingly: Liquid smoke can be potent, so use it sparingly to achieve a subtle smoky flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes after cooking. This step helps the meat relax and remain juicy.
Shred the Meat Thoroughly: Take your time when shredding the cooked pork. Use two forks or meat claws to ensure that every piece is well-shredded for maximum tenderness.
Double Down on Sauce: Return the meat to the sauce in the pressure cooker and stir well after shredding it. This ensures every piece is coated with flavorful BBQ sauce.
Serve with Fresh Buns: Use fresh buns or sandwich rolls for serving. Toast them lightly to add a delightful crunch and prevent sogginess.
Customize with Toppings: Customize your pulled pork sandwiches with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, onions, or cheese for added flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: BBQ Pulled Pork often tastes even better the next day. Consider making it in advance and reheating it for a convenient meal or party dish.
Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of BBQ sauces, hot sauces, or condiments on the side so your guests can tailor their sandwiches to their liking.

With these pro tips, you’ll master the art of creating BBQ Pulled Pork bursting with flavor, incredibly tender, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. Enjoy your BBQ masterpiece! 🍖🔥😋

Instant Pot, Easy BBQ (Barbecue) Pulled Pork

Faq’s

Can I use a different cut of pork for pulled pork? While pork shoulder (pork butt) is the preferred cut due to its marbling and tenderness, you can use pork loin, pork roast or tenderloin for a leaner option. However, lean cuts may not yield as juicy and tender results.

Can I make this recipe with frozen pork? Cooking frozen pork directly in the Instant Pot is not recommended as it may not cook evenly. Thaw the pork in the refrigerator before starting the recipe.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Absolutely! You can control the spiciness by adjusting the chili powder, hot sauce, or other spicy ingredients in your BBQ sauce or seasoning mix.

Can I double or halve the recipe? You can easily adjust the recipe to make more or less pulled pork. Remember that the cooking time should remain relatively consistent, but you may need to adjust it slightly for large or small batches.

Can I use a different type of liquid smoke? Liquid smoke is available in various flavors, like hickory or mesquite. Feel free to choose the one that matches your preferred smoky flavor, but use it sparingly as it can be potent.

Can I make this recipe without sugar? You can reduce or omit the sugar in the recipe if you prefer a lower-sugar pulled pork. Remember that BBQ sauce’s sweetness balances the tanginess and spiciness, so adjust other flavors accordingly.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave, stovetop, or Instant Pot with a bit of water.

Can I make this recipe with bone-in pork? Yes, you can use bone-in pork shoulder or pork butt for added flavor. Remove the bone after cooking, and the meat should easily be shredded.

What’s the best way to reheat pulled pork? To reheat pulled pork, place it in a microwave-safe container with a bit of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting with some extra BBQ sauce.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot? You can make BBQ Pulled Pork in a slow cooker or oven using a covered roasting pan. Cooking times and methods will vary, so consult a specific slow cooker or oven recipe for guidance.

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