Description
This Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork shoulder cooked quickly under pressure with a smoky and spicy rub. Perfect for sandwiches topped with tangy coleslaw and BBQ sauce, this dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delicious homemade alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork and Spice Rub
- 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Cooking Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
- Coleslaw (for serving – see linked recipe)
- Buns
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare and Cut Pork: Cut your pork shoulder into 6 roughly equal pieces, placing them on a baking sheet or large plate to keep your workspace tidy while seasoning.
- Mix Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder to create the spice rub.
- Apply Rub: Using your hands, evenly coat each pork piece with the spice rub to ensure maximum flavor coverage.
- Sear the Pork: Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and press the sauté function. Once hot, sear pork pieces on all sides for about 5 minutes per batch (two batches total). Transfer seared pork to a plate.
- Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom to prevent burning. Return pork pieces to the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes; allow 10-15 minutes for the pot to reach pressure.
- Release Pressure and Shred: After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Remove the pork and shred it with two forks in a large bowl.
- Moisten Pulled Pork: Ladle some juices from the Instant Pot over the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful. Optionally, reduce the liquid further or reserve it for another use.
- Season and Serve: Season shredded pork with salt and pepper to taste. Serve on buns with BBQ sauce and coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cutting the pork into smaller pieces helps it cook evenly and reduces pressure cooking time.
- Searing the pork adds depth of flavor and a rich color to the final dish.
- Deglazing the pot is crucial to prevent the Instant Pot from displaying a burn warning.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
- You can customize the spice rub to add heat or different flavors according to your preference.
- Leftover cooking juices can be boiled down into a gravy or sauce for extra flavor.
