I recently purchased an Instant Pot, hence this Easy Instant Pot pulled pork recipe. If you don’t know what an Instant Pot is, let me explain. An Instant Pot is like a t’s a pressure cooker, crockpot, and rice cooker, all rolled up in one. The fact that it’s pressurized and has a lot of intimidating buttons, scares some people. However, since Instant Pots are all the rage, I figured it was my duty to buy one. At first, I started with something easy, like chili. Let me just say, it was awesome! Next, I layered chicken and potatoes, with cream of mushroom soup. Honestly, it was not that great. Today, however, I decided to make Instant Pot pulled pork; it was a big hit with the boys! So good that I decided I had to share the recipe with you!
How long does it take to cook pulled pork in an Instant Pot?
Instant Pots are perfect for when you are short on time. This recipe took a total of one and a half hours, from start to finish. Ten minutes to prep and sear the meat, five minutes to bring up the pressure in the pot, one hour to cook, and approximately 20 minutes for natural pressure release. My other pulled pork recipe (which I cook in the oven) takes three hours to prepare. So I ask you, what should I do with that extra ninety minutes?
What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
The best cut of meat for pulled pork is the pork shoulders, which can be found under the following names: Boston butt or roast, and the picnic roast. These cuts are marbled with fat, and perfect for slow cooking, or for this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe. A cheaper option is to purchase pork strips. This also saves you the time of dividing the roast into sections, since the strips can be seared as is.
What spices do you use for pulled pork?
Most people use some kind of rub when making pulled pork. I personally use my own dry rub seasoning mix. Most dry rubs combine a mixture of brown sugar, spices, and herbs, including my own. If you don’t want to make your own, you can try something like Flying Swine All-Purpose Rub. As far as adding liquids to the Instant Pot, you have different options. Personally, I used wine and BBQ sauce, but you can also try other options like broth, water, beer, and even coffee. Get a little crazy, why don’t you?
Be sure to check out my latest Instant Pot Chicken Chili, Instant Pot Chili Verde, Instant Pot Ham, and my Pork Chops and Cheesy Potatoes Casserole.
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Instant Pot pulled pork in under one and a half hours.
- 3.5 lbs. pork roast
- 1 recipe spicy dry rub seasoning (see my recipe)
- 3 tbs. vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic diced
- 1 cup burgundy wine
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Slice pork roast in quarters, and sprinkle generously with my spicy dry rub seasoning (see recipe on this blog). You may have some seasoning left over. I sprinkle one tablespoon at a time, until all the pieces are evenly coated. Save remaining seasoning for another use.
Choose “Saute” setting on your Instant Pot. ADD one tablespoon of oil.
Brown meat on all sides, using another tablespoon of oil, as needed.
Add the last tablespoon of oil, sauté the onion until caramelized.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Pour wine into the pot and deglaze the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Add meat and cover with barbecue sauce.
Lock lid and set the vent on the Instant Pot to “Sealing.”
Choose the pressure cooker setting and set the timer to 60 minutes.
It will take 5 to 10 minutes for the pressure to build up and for the pressure pin to pop up.
Once the cooking time is up, leave in the Instant Pot for 20 more minutes.
Carefully release the pressure with the vent, then remove the meat from the Instant Pot. The meat will be falling apart, so most likely you won’t need to shred it.
Serve in a roll, with additional barbecue sauce, lettuce, and onion.
Hi, I’m Hilda, author of Mom’s Authentic Assyrian Recipes Cookbook. Are you tired of the same old boring recipes? Need a little inspiration? Allow me to inspire you to try exotic new recipes and ingredients, as well as reintroduce you to some classic favorites. Let’s take your cooking skills to a whole new level!
Perfect timing! I’m taking pulled pork to the bunco potluck tomorrow. Will report back!
Yay, can’t wait to hear back! Thanks, Andrea!
Made this for a potluck tonight! I had almost four pounds so I added ten minutes…delish! The smell while it was cooking was heavenly! Didn’t need to add any additional sauce…I didn’t even use a bun!
Awesome to hear! Thanks for coming back to share the results. Really appreciate the feedback! ?