If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect pulled pork without the fuss of a slow cooker or an all-day barbecue, you’re going to love this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe. It’s the ultimate game-changer for weeknight dinners or whenever you crave tender, juicy pork infused with deep, smoky flavors just waiting to be piled high on a bun. The Instant Pot turns hours of slow cooking into under two, locking in all that saucy, savory goodness. Get ready to fall in love with pulled pork all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe lies in its straightforward yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating layers of flavor and that wonderful tender texture which melts in your mouth.
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder: The best cut for pulled pork due to its marbling and tenderness after cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For that initial browning that adds depth and caramelized flavor to the pork.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Brings tangy, smoky sweetness, the star of the finishing touch.
- 1 cup ketchup: Adds body and a hint of vinegar balance to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: For a touch of caramel sweetness, enhancing the BBQ sauce.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Provides a smoky, mild pepper flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: A classic seasoning that complements pork beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Essential for seasoning the pork inside and out.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin: Gives a subtle earthiness and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Enhances the smoky and spicy BBQ notes.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: Adds slight tang and complexity to the dry rub.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle bite.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Additional sweetness to balance the spices in the cooking liquid.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami and depth to the sauce base.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist and flavorful during pressure cooking.
How to Make BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
Begin by mixing all the dry rub ingredients—paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, black pepper, and brown sugar—in a bowl. This blend of spices is the secret to that flavorful crust and deeply seasoned meat.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. This luscious sauce will both deglaze the Instant Pot and infuse the pork with saucy goodness as it cooks.
Step 3: Season the Pork
Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder if desired, then rub the dry seasoning mix thoroughly all over the pork pieces. Make sure every inch is generously covered so the flavor penetrates deeply.
Step 4: Brown the Pork
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the pork pieces on all sides until they’re caramelized and gorgeous golden-brown. This step adds that rich, nutty flavor that makes all the difference.
Step 5: Deglaze and Add Pork Back
Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot to deglaze the bottom, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pot. Add the pork back in, tossing it gently so every piece gets coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Pork
Seal the lid securely and cook on the ‘meat/stew’ setting for 90 minutes. The pressure will tenderize the meat perfectly, turning it fork-tender and ready for shredding.
Step 7: Natural Release and Shred
Once the cooking cycle is done, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes; this keeps the pork juicy. When safe, remove the lid and shred the pork directly in the pot with two forks.
Step 8: Simmer and Combine
Set the Instant Pot to sauté again and simmer the sauce for a few minutes to thicken it up. Stir the shredded pork back into the sauce to coat every savory strand.
How to Serve BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Garnishes
To make your pulled pork pop with color and texture, top it with crunchy coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, or fresh green onions. These add brightness and contrast to the rich BBQ flavors.
Side Dishes
This pulled pork pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as cornbread, creamy mac and cheese, or roasted sweet potatoes. These help round out the meal and complement the smoky, saucy pork perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual sandwich—try piled atop baked potatoes, in loaded nachos, or inside warm corn tortillas for a pulled pork taco night. This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is versatile enough to shine in many creative meals!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can keep for up to 3 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep the pork moist. Stir occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Boneless pork shoulder is ideal because of its fat content and tenderness, but you can use pork butt or even pork loin in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to brown the pork before pressure cooking?
Browning adds extra flavor and color, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it. Just know that the final dish won’t have quite the same depth of flavor.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to ramp up the heat, or reduce them for a milder pulled pork that everyone will enjoy.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce—you can customize the flavor profile whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or tangy sauces.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, though it will take much longer—about 6 to 8 hours on low. The Instant Pot just speeds things up without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it combines convenience with incredible flavor in a way few dishes do. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a messy, mouthwatering sandwich, this recipe is a sure-fire winner. Give it a try and watch your family and friends ask for seconds.
Print
BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 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 delivers tender, flavorful pulled pork quickly and easily using the Instant Pot. The pork shoulder is seasoned with a rich dry rub, sautéed for a caramelized crust, then pressure cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce to infuse deep smoky and spicy flavors. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or serving as a main dish with classic sides.
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 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
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Main Ingredient
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare dry rub: In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, and black pepper until well combined.
- Make BBQ sauce mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Season pork: Thoroughly coat the pork shoulder pieces with the dry rub mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly covered for maximum flavor.
- Sauté pork: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Brown the pork pieces on all sides until a nice caramelized crust forms, then remove and set aside.
- Deglaze pot: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
- Add pork back: Return the browned pork pieces to the pot and toss them gently with the sauce to coat evenly.
- Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the cooking program to ‘meat/stew’ for 90 minutes to tenderize the pork perfectly.
- Release pressure: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes before opening the lid to preserve moisture and tenderness.
- Shred pork: Remove pork pieces from the pot and shred them with forks. Return shredded pork to the pot with the sauce.
- Simmer and serve: Switch Instant Pot back to sauté mode to simmer the sauce and shredded pork together, allowing flavors to meld before serving immediately.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dry rub.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control heat level.
- Leftover pulled pork is delicious in sandwiches or tacos and keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Chicken broth helps keep the pork moist during pressure cooking; substitute beef broth if preferred.
- Make sure to brown the pork well to develop depth of flavor before pressure cooking.
