BBQ Pulled Pork In The Instant Pot
There’s something deeply personal about crafting this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork. It’s a dish that resonates with cherished memories, blending the warmth of home-cooked meals with a burst of gourmet flair. The succulent pork shoulder, kissed with a balanced dry rub, invites a culinary journey that’s close to my heart and, I believe, will find a special place in yours. You don’t have to be a professional chef to conquer this dish, as the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting. The result? A heap of juicy pulled pork that’s rich in flavor, begging to be piled high on a soft bun, and crowned with a dollop of coleslaw. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this BBQ pulled pork recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table, compelling everyone to savor every last morsel.
Pork shoulder – This is an important cut to use for this dish as it holds up well to our chosen method of cooking without drying out. A suitable alternative would be pork butt, also known as Boston butt. It’s actually from the same general area of the pig and has a similar fat content and texture to the shoulder, making it an excellent substitute for slow-cooked recipes like pulled pork. It will cook down in much the same way as pork shoulder, yielding tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for shredding. Olive oil – This is the oil we will use to sear our meat to ensure we lock in flavor and develop a nice crust.
Chili Powder: Adds a spicy kick; substitute with cayenne pepper or hot paprika. Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky flavor; plain paprika can work as a substitute. Garlic Powder: Adds garlic flavor; minced fresh garlic is an alternative. Mustard Powder: Gives tanginess; substitute with prepared mustard. Cayenne Pepper: For heat; adjust the amount or use red pepper flakes. Cumin: Brings earthy flavor; coriander is a possible substitute. Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning; adjust to taste.
BBQ Sauce: Base of the sauce; choose your favorite brand or make homemade. Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang; can substitute with tomato sauce plus a little sugar. Honey: Sweetens the sauce; substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar. Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives acidity; substitute with white vinegar. Garlic: Flavor enhancer; garlic powder can be used. Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness; substitute with granulated sugar or molasses. Liquid Smoke: For smoky flavor; smoked paprika can be an alternative. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami flavor; substitute with soy sauce. Chicken Broth: Provides liquid for cooking; vegetable or beef broth are alternatives.
Get ready to whip up some delicious Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork. Trust me, it’s super easy to make, and it’ll fill your kitchen with the most mouth-watering aroma. First things first, let’s get that pork ready. If there’s too much fat or any skin on that pork shoulder, go ahead and trim it off. Then cut the pork into medium-sized pieces, about 2 inches each. Next, mix all the dry rub ingredients together and give the pork a good massage with that spice mix. Now, let’s add some flavor by browning the pork. Turn on the Instant Pot to the high sauté setting, toss in some oil, and brown the pork in batches. Make sure to turn the pieces so they brown on all sides. This will only take about 5 minutes per batch. While the pork is browning, grab a bowl and whisk all the sauce ingredients together. You’re going to love how these flavors come together. Time to cook! Return all the browned pork to the Instant Pot, and pour the sauce over the meat. Give it a toss, then close the lid and set it to the Meat/Stew setting for 90 minutes. Sit back and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Once it’s done, wait for the natural release cycle to complete, around 15 minutes. Then, carefully open the lid and use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to a bowl. Grab two forks, and shred that beautiful meat into small chunks. Set the Instant Pot to sauté again, and simmer the leftover sauce until it’s reduced by half. Taste it and add salt if needed. Skim off any fat on top, and you’ve got yourself a tangy, rich sauce. Now, mix about 2 cups of that reduced sauce with the shredded pork, and pile it onto some hamburger buns. Top with more sauce and coleslaw if you like. And there you have it – an incredible BBQ pulled pork sandwich, made right in your own kitchen.
How To Serve Pulled Pork
There’s so much you can do with this dish once you’re finished cooking it. Whether you’d like to serve it up in some delicious sandwiches or spoon it over some dreamy mashed potatoes, I’m sure you’ll find a combination to fall deeply in love with.
Slapped between two buns and topped with creamy coleslaw. Cook it into your breakfast omelette tomorrow morning, oh yeah it’s amazing. Add it to my Baked Macaroni And Cheese and you’ll be on the way to flavor town. Forget beef, use pulled pork as the filling for a round of scrumptious empanadas. Use as the filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. I can promise you won’t run out of ways to transform these leftovers!
What To Serve With Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
Some of my favorite sides to pair with this dish include:
Tex Mex Potato Salad KFC Coleslaw Recipe Classic Potato Salad Creamy Polenta Loaded Pub Fries Mashed Potatoes
Storage/Make Ahead
You can definitely make this dish ahead and store it in either the fridge or freezer, depending on how soon you want to snack.
Fridge
This pulled pork will keep fresh for 3 – 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freezer
To freeze just wrap the meat, unpulled, in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for 3 – 4 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming in the oven and shredding.
Discover More Pork Recipes
Crockpot Pork Carnitas Pulled Pork Pork Chops with Pistachio Salmuera Korean Bulgogi Pork Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs Ranch Pork Chops With Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner Perfect Pork Tenderloin Baked Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
