Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe makes the most tender, saucy barbecue pulled pork. It’s perfect for pulled pork sandwiches!

Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Don’t you love simple summer meals that come together with little effort? That’s the standard for me; I don’t want anything too fussy or complicated during the most fun months of the year. And I especially don’t want anything that requires turning on the oven and heating up the house! This easy Instant Pot pulled pork recipe checks all the boxes. The tangy, smoky, and rich sauce cooks down the pork quickly in the pressure cooker to create the most tender and moist shredded meat.

It goes perfectly on a soft bun with a little extra BBQ sauce and a cold glass of lemonade on the side. Is there anything that sounds better? The Instant Pot is my dear friend all year long, but I think it’s the VIP of summer. Here’s to quick, simple, and delicious meals, enjoyed barefoot on the patio with the ones we love most.

Why Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?

Pork is a thick meat that cooks down nicely when it roasts at low heat over a long period of time. This preserves the delicious juices we want in the end product and keeps it from getting tough. The Instant Pot basically speeds up the low-and-slow cook process. The high pressure method of cooking leads to the same result as if you were to roast it in the slow cooker all day. So basically, you can have the same quality of tender, juicy, robust pulled pork in a fraction of the time with the Instant Pot!

Recipe Ingredients:

The ingredients needs for Instant Pot pulled pork are simple, simple, simple!

Pork tenderloin or roast: I like to use tenderloin because it’s lean and it shreds well. Typically, two about 1.5-pound tenderloins come in a package and I’ll use both in this recipe.

Seasoning blend: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper add a delicious blend of savory and lightly sweet flavors.

Beef or chicken broth: This adds nice flavor and keeps the meat moist as it cooks.

Barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce adds the majority of that BBQ flavor we love. Go with your favorite store-bought brand!

White vinegar: White vinegar cuts the sweetness of the barbecue sauce and makes the meat extra-tender.

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork:

Pulled pork made in the Instant Pot is SO easy and so worthwhile.

1. Cut your pork into cubes.
2. Stir together brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Rub seasoning mix evenly all over the pork.
4. Add the seasoned pork to insert of your Instant Pot.
5. Combine the broth, barbecue sauce, and vinegar in another bowl and stir.
6. Pour the broth mixture over the pork in the Instant Pot.
7. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and set the valve to sealing.
8. Select pressure cook and a 45 minutes cook time (high pressure).
9. Let the pot rest at natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
10. Carefully flip the valve to release any extra steam and pressure (quick pressure release).
11. When you can, carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
12. Use two forks to shred the pork.

Tips for the Best Pulled Pork:

Pulled pork in the Instant Pot is pretty much foolproof, but here are a couple pointers to remember!

• Cut the pork tenderloin into smaller pieces: This not only helps it to cook quicker, but also allows the meat to be more evenly seasoned.
• Stir shredded meat in the sauce: After shredding the pork with two forks, stir it gently in the sauce in the pot to really coat it with flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

My favorite way to eat BBQ pulled pork is scooped on a bun with additional barbecue sauce. Add some freshly sliced white onion and pickles for an added crunch and briny flavor kick! Some great sides include baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, potato chips, fresh watermelon, mac and cheese, or collard greens.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers:

Let the pork cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge to reheat, and then add pulled pork and juices to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until the pork is warmed through.

How to use Leftovers:

You can use leftovers so many different ways! Add the pulled pork to:

• Sandwiches with pickles and additional BBQ sauce
• Burritos with some rice and shredded cheese
• Quesadillas
• Baked potatoes with sour cream and shredded cheese
• Tacos with shredded lettuce, chopped onion, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese

Other pork recipes you might love:

• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa
• Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
• Garlic Herb Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin
• The Ultimate Pulled Pork Sandwich
• BBQ Pork Quesadillas

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Instant Pot pulled pork is the perfect easy and quick summer dish, served over soft buns with a dollop of your favorite barbecue sauce!