Ah, pulled pork! It’s one of those dishes that just brings people together, isn’t it? Whenever I whip up a batch of **Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork**, I can’t help but smile at the thoughts of backyard BBQs, family gatherings, and lazy Sunday afternoons. If there’s one thing I love about this recipe, it’s how simple it is to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth, smoky flavor that everyone craves, all in a fraction of the time it would normally take. Plus, the Instant Pot does most of the work for you!
I remember the first time I made this pulled pork—my friends came over for game night, and I was a bit nervous. I mean, serving pulled pork is like an unspoken challenge! But the moment I opened the pot and the aroma filled the room, all my worries melted away. The way they devoured those sandwiches was the best compliment I could have asked for. So, whether you’re hosting a crowd or just treating yourself to some comfort food, let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What’s in Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork?
Let’s break down what makes this pulled pork so delicious:
Pork Shoulder: The star of the show! I typically use about 4 lbs of pork shoulder (also called pork butt), which is perfect for shredding. Make sure to trim some excess fat, but don’t go too lean; we want that rich flavor!
Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil helps to sauté the onions and garlic and adds a touch of richness.
Onion: Diced onions are essential for building a flavorful base. They caramelize beautifully in the Instant Pot.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic add that lovely aromatic kick that takes the dish from good to amazing.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and depth to the cooking liquid. You can also use water if you’re in a pinch, but I find broth gives it that extra richness.
Barbecue Sauce: You’ll need a cup for cooking and some more for serving. I recommend using your favorite store-bought sauce or even homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
Brown Sugar: A couple of tablespoons bring a delightful sweetness that balances all the flavors wonderfully.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity to help cut through the richness of the pork and enhances the overall flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon for a nice umami boost!
Smoked Paprika, Ground Cumin, and Chili Powder: These spices create a smoky, savory foundation. Trust me, they’re what makes this dish pop!
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that every cook needs in their toolbox.
Hamburger Buns: Because you can’t have pulled pork without something to hold it together!
Optional Add-ins: I love serving mine with pickles and coleslaw for that extra crunch and zest!
Is Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Good for You?
This pulled pork dish is definitely a crowd-pleaser, but let’s chat about its health benefits and considerations!
Pork Shoulder: While it’s a fatty cut of meat, it’s also packed with protein, which is great for muscle building. Just remember moderation is key!
Olive Oil: A healthy fat that’s good for your heart and adds flavor to the dish.
Onion and Garlic: Both of these are excellent for boosting your immune system. Plus, they add tons of flavor without adding extra calories.
Barbecue Sauce: Often high in sugar, so it’s best to opt for a low-sugar version or use it sparingly.
Overall, this dish is rich and indulgent but can be balanced with healthy sides like a fresh salad or steamed veggies!
Ingredients for Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork (Serves 8)
– 4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 hamburger buns (for serving)
– Optional: pickles, coleslaw (for serving)
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork?
1. Start by turning the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil, and once it’s hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté until they’re translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
2. Add the pork shoulder chunks to the pot. Sprinkle on the brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it up to coat the meat evenly.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce. Give it a good stir to combine.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) and cook for 60 minutes on high pressure.
5. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes before carefully switching the valve to “Venting” to let out any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid, and shred the pork with two forks right in the pot. If you’d like, stir in some extra barbecue sauce to coat the meat.
7. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with additional barbecue sauce, pickles, and coleslaw on the side. Enjoy every messy, delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions & Tips for Pulled Pork Perfection
– For a fun twist, try this pulled pork on nachos or tacos instead of the usual sandwich. You can never go wrong with cheese and tortilla chips!
– If you like a bit of tang, try adding a splash more apple cider vinegar to the cooking liquid.
– Consider making a big batch and freezing some for quick meals later. Pulled pork freezes wonderfully!
– Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces—some are sweeter, while others have a nice kick!
So, there you have it! My go-to recipe for **Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork**. It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit! I encourage you to give it a try and let me know how it turns out. I promise, once you take a bite, it will become a fast favorite at your table, just like it has at mine! Happy cooking!
