If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly mouthwatering, fuss-free way to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork, this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine juicy pork shoulder infused with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy blend of spices all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. This recipe marries convenience with classic BBQ goodness, delivering a hearty meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours slaving over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, tender texture, and that irresistible BBQ character.
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder: The star of the dish, perfect for shredding and soaking up flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to brown the meat, locking in juices and adding richness.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness that defines the pulled pork’s saucy goodness.
- 1 cup ketchup: Enhances the sauce’s body and sweetness with familiar tomato notes.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings a caramel-like sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Offers a smoky warmth without overpowering the pork.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth and savoriness to the dry rub.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Packs a punch of savory richness that complements the meat perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin: Infuses a slightly earthy warmth typical of BBQ dishes.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just a hint of heat to keep things exciting.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Deepens the smoky, spicy profile of the rub and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: Brings subtle tang and complexity to the dry rub.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a mild spice backbone to the seasoning.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Used again to add sweetness and balance to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness and a subtle tang to the BBQ sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist during cooking and makes the sauce luscious.
How to Make BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
Start by mixing all the dry rub ingredients in a bowl. This blend of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, cumin, cayenne, chili powder, dry mustard, and black pepper will coat the pork shoulder with an irresistible flavor base that sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together to create a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that’s going to be your secret weapon for that authentic BBQ taste.
Step 3: Season the Pork
Carefully rub the dry spice mixture all over the pork shoulder pieces. Don’t be shy—make sure every nook and cranny is coated so you get bursts of flavor with every bite.
Step 4: Brown the Pork
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add the olive oil, and brown the pork on all sides. This step not only locks in the juices but also builds a deep, caramelized flavor that’s key to great pulled pork.
Step 5: Deglaze and Cook
After browning, remove the pork and pour in the prepared sauce to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those tasty browned bits. Return the pork to the pot and toss it gently in the sauce so it’s well coated. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on the “meat/stew” setting for 90 minutes.
Step 6: Release and Shred
Once the cooking timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes before opening. This resting period helps the pork fibers relax, making shredding easier and the meat incredibly tender. Use two forks to pull the pork apart right in the pot for maximum sauce coverage.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Turn the Instant Pot back to sauté and simmer the sauce for a few minutes if it needs thickening. Mix the shredded pork thoroughly with the sauce, ensuring every strand is deliciously coated and ready to serve.
How to Serve BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe, fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or tangy pickled jalapeños add crunch and brightness that contrast perfectly with the tender, saucy pork.
Side Dishes
This pulled pork pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides: creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, baked beans, or even crispy french fries. Each side complements the rich pork, rounding out your meal with flavors and textures that feel like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends? Serve the pulled pork on toasted slider buns for party-perfect mini sandwiches or pile it up over a baked potato for a hearty one-dish meal. You can even use it in tacos topped with fresh slaw or drizzle it over nachos for a smoky twist on game night snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the pork moist and flavorful, ready to be reheated for quick meals.
Freezing
If you’re making a big batch, pulled pork freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. When you want a fast dinner, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat your pulled pork on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or BBQ sauce to keep it saucy and tender. Warm slowly over medium heat to avoid drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe?
While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can also use pork butt or even a pork loin if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that leaner cuts might be less juicy and require careful cooking to avoid dryness.
Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the BBQ sauce in advance not only saves time but also lets the flavors meld beautifully, intensifying the final dish’s taste. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
How spicy is this dish?
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe has a mild kick from the cayenne and chili powder, but it’s generally approachable for most palates. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper if preferred.
What’s the best way to shred the pork?
Two forks work wonders for shredding tender pork. Alternatively, you can use meat claws or even a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed for quick shredding without the effort.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, just make sure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line. You might need to cook in batches or use a larger pressure cooker if you’re feeding a big group, but the recipe scales nicely in general.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. With its tender meat, rich sauce, and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want incredible flavor without complicated steps. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe offers tender, flavorful pulled pork cooked quickly using the Instant Pot. The pork shoulder is seasoned with a robust dry rub, browned for extra flavor, then pressure cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce blend. Finished by shredding and simmering in sauce, this dish is perfect for sandwiches or serving as a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Dry Rub Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Make the BBQ sauce mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined to form the cooking sauce.
- Season the pork: Generously season the pork shoulder pieces with the prepared dry rub, ensuring all sides are thoroughly coated to build layers of flavor.
- Sauté the pork: Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting and brown the pork pieces on all sides until nicely caramelized. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the final dish. Once browned, set the pork aside temporarily.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture into the pot and stir to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Then, return the browned pork to the pot and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Pressure cook the pork: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on the ‘meat/stew’ setting for 90 minutes. This long pressure cook tenderizes the pork thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld deeply.
- Release pressure and shred: When the cooking cycle finishes, allow a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes to preserve moisture. Afterward, carefully open the lid, remove the pork, and shred it using two forks.
- Simmer and finish: Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode, add the shredded pork back into the sauce, and simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and infuse the shredded meat with BBQ flavor before serving.
Notes
- For even more flavor, let the pork marinate in the dry rub overnight before cooking.
- Use chicken broth or substitute with vegetable broth for added moisture in the sauce.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw for classic BBQ sandwiches.
- If you prefer spicier pulled pork, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Leftover pulled pork keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for future meals.
