This Instant Pot Pulled Pork is incredibly tender, flavorful, easy and very quick to make with the help of a pressure cooker (Instapot). This BBQ pulled pork recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, cookouts, summer parties and holidays.
My son tells me this is the best pulled pork recipe and I must say I agree with him. I used to make pulled pork in the slow cooker, and although it was delicious, it took almost all day to cook. This Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork takes a fraction of the time to make, which makes it perfect for hectic days and entertaining.
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe feeds a crowd! However, I have a few ideas on dishes you can make with the leftover pulled pork. One thing you must make is pulled pork sandwiches! Trust me, juicy and tender BBQ pork and coleslaw on a toasted bun equals total deliciousness!
What Kind of Meat to Use to Make Pulled Pork
- Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best cuts for the most tender and juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork. However, pork loin (not tenderloin) can also be used. Because the loin is leaner, make sure you do not trim the fat cap.
How To Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Cut the pork into medium size pieces, about 2-inch chunks.
- Make a simple dry rub. No complicated ingredients, just things you probably already have at home. The spice rub adds so much flavor to the meat.
- If you have time, seal the meat and spices in a resealable bag and let the meat marinate for one hour.
- Next, I mix the wet ingredients – I use store bought barbecue sauce which makes things a lot easier!
- I set the instapot to “saute” and sear the meat in batches. Browning the meat seals in the flavor. I try not to skip this step, especially since the saute and cooking can all be done in the same pot!
- I return all the pork to the instapot and stir in the wet BBQ ingredients.
- I set the pressure cooker to meat and the timer for 90 minutes.
- After the cooking cycle is complete, I let it release naturally. This takes about 15 minutes. Then I use two forks to shred the meat.
What To Do with Leftover Pulled Pork
- You can freeze the leftover BBQ pork. When cool, I transfer the pork into resealable freezer bags.
- Make pulled pork totchos! Tater tots, pulled pork and loads of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese!
- Used the Instant Pot Pulled Pork to top baked potatoes.
- Make, nachos or quesadillas. Top burgers and even cheese pizza.
Check out these other recipes made with pork shoulder/pork butt:
Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Here are some Instant Pot recipes
Pressure Cooker Chicken Masala
Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham
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- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces *see notes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store bought)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (I use low sodium)
In a small bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients. Mix well and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
Season the pork pieces all over with the dry rub.
Turn the instant pot/pressure cooker to "saute". Add the oil and allow it to get hot. Add some of the pork to the pot making sure you do not overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat for about 5 minutes, turning the pork to all sides. Transfer the first batch of cooked meat to a plate and continue to brown the rest of the pork.
Press the keep warm/cancel button on the instant pot. Return all the meat to the pot and pour over the sauce. Toss well making sure the meat is well coated. Close the lid. Set the instant pot to meat/stew and set the timer to 90 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally (it should take about 15 minutes). However in a rush, follow instructions for quick release.
Carefully unlock and remove the the lid. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a bowl.
Switch the instant pot to the "saute" setting. Do not cover the pot. Simmer the sauce while you shred the meat. The sauce will reduce a little bit.
Mix the shredded pork with the sauce. Use as much or as little as you want.
*If your pork shoulder has skin remove it. Also trim any excess fat. You do want to leave a thin layer of fat to prevent the meat from drying.Â
*Pork butt can also be used.
*If using pork loin, do not trim off the fat cap. The loin is very lean and you want to keep some of the fat.
Read the pressure cooker manufacturer's guide for instructions on how to use your instant pot before using it.
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If you’ve tried this or any other of my recipes, don’t forget to rate the recipe and to leave me a comment. I love hearing from you!
I just opened my instapot today… I know it took me forever. I have the meat in the plastic bag and am so excited to make this later when things calm down. If my pork looks even Half as great as yours does in those photos Ill be thrilled! Pulled pork in less than 8 hours like I normally do? WINNING!!
So excited for you! I love my pressure cooker! I used to take 8 hours too – this is really a game changer!
Oh this looks great, I’m going to try this in my slow cooker. I’ll just sear the meat in a skillet before I put it in. Thanks for all of the suggestions for what to do with the leftovers. I think tater tots would be devine, I am sure my family would vote for that idea. Since sometimes it’s just the two of us, I would definitely freeze some of it. Thank you for this!
I’m a sucker for pulled pork and this looks like some real Southern comfort food to me! I don’t have an Instant Pot (yet) but I’m feeling the peer pressure. I do have a slow cooker as well as a BIG dutch oven, so I think I could make your recipe in either one of those to good results. A Boston butt is a lot of food, so I may have to invite a few friends over for this party! This is gonna be good.
I don’t have an Instant Pot….but I do have a regular stovetop pressure cooker. I think this sounds like a crowd pleaser. Pulled pork is a favourite for many people….we love it. This would feed a hungry crowd….and I just know I would not have any leftovers. BUT…if I do…OMG all the possibilities you can put delicious pulled pork on.
I’m obsessed with Instant Pot recipes and this looks so delicious. My family loves pulled pork and I can’t wait to try this and make pulled pork sandwiches with it. The dry rub is a great idea, I never thought of doing that first. I bet the flavor is amazing. Thank you for this easy meal inspiration. I’m adding it to our meal plan!
Pulled pork cooked in the Instant Pot is my very favorite! Most flavorful and so easy to make! Your pictures just made me very hungry!
Thank you
I’ve been looking for some good recipes for my new Instant Pot and this pulled pork looks like a great way to test it out! It’s amazing to me that you have such yummy looking pork in just a couple of hours instead of having to wait all day. Perfect for those days (which is most days 🙂 ) when I haven’t planned ahead but still want some comfort food.
How much of a game changer is pulled pork in the instant pot! It used to be reserved as a weekend meal because I was never organized enough to get the slow cooker going in the mornings, but my kids are requesting it all the time now 🙂 And I totally agree, sealing the meat beforehand makes such a difference to the final flavor!
I agree!!
Seriously, pulled pork is probably my favorite of all the meats, lol! It’s the best! And cooking it in the instant pot is a brilliant idea that I’m going to have to try ASAP because with our swim schedule these days, life seems busier in a lot of ways than when my kids were in school!
Thank you Amy! Yes it gets so busy during the summer months!
This looks like the holy grail of Instant Pot recipes! That dry rub and the glossy sauce! The tender pulled pork! This would be so perfect for a backyard picnic this summer. I love that it takes a fraction of the time with pressure cooking and just makes serving a crowd so convenient. I need to invite some friends over this weekend and make this. 🙂
Thank you!