Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Instant Pot Pulled Pork – seriously THE BEST pulled pork I’ve EVER eaten!! Pork shoulder/pork butt seasoned with brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. This cooking method makes incredibly tender pork and tasted amazing! Serve the pork with your favorite BBQ sauce and picnic sides. Leftovers are great on nachos or a baked potato. This delicious pressure cooker recipe is a MUST for all of your summer parties!

pulled pork sandwiches on a platter

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Best Pulled Pork Recipe

We fired up the Instant Pot again for another fantastic recipe! Instant Pot Pulled Pork. OMG! Y’all! If you don’t have an Instant Pot yet, this is the recipe that should convince you to go get one. AMAZING pulled pork in an hour. This tasted better than any BBQ joint. I was shocked at how great this tasted. This has quickly become one of our favorite ways to make pulled pork.

What is an Instant Pot?

Instant Pot is a name brand of an electric pressure cooker. Depending on the model, the Instant Pot can also be used as a slow cooker, rice cooker, and yogurt maker.

What is a pressure cooker? A pressure cooker is a sealed pot with a lot of steam inside that builds up high pressure and helps food cook in a fraction of the time of the oven or stovetop.

  • The high pressure helps force liquid and moisture into the food quickly.
  • Food cooks in less time under high pressure.
  • The extra liquid and moisture that the pressure adds help tough cuts of meat get very tender very quickly.
pulled pork sandwiches on a platter

How to Make Pulled BBQ Pork in the Instant Pot

This Instant Pot Pulled Pork is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cut pork shoulder into four large chunks. Rub pork with the bbq dry rub on all sides.

Turn Instant Pot on saute setting. Add olive oil to the pot. Cook pork pieces on all sides for a few minutes until starting to brown. Turn off the pot and add water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits in the bottom of the pot. Cover the pressure cooker and seal lid. Cook on manual pressure or high pressure for an hour. Turn off and do a natural release for 20 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the cooked pork from Instant Pot. Shred with two forks – discarding any fatty pieces. Toss with your favorite barbecue sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best cut of pork to use for pulled pork? I like to use a boneless pork shoulder. Pork shoulder is also called Boston butt, pork butt roast, pork butt, or pork shoulder roast.
  • You can make the spice mixture ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to three months.
  • I use water for the cooking liquid in this recipe. Feel free to substitute chicken broth, beef broth, Dr. Pepper, or root beer.
  • For spicier barbecue pork, add some cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
  • Can add a splash of liquid smoke to give the barbecue a nice smoked flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Our favorite store bought BBQ sauces are Sweet Baby Rays, Stubbs, G.Hughes, and Williamson Brothers. I buy them all at Walmart.
pulled pork sandwiches on a platter

What to Serve with Barbecue Pork

We like to make pork sandwiches with the shredded pork meat, but it would also be great on a baked potato, in pork tacos, or on top of nachos for game day. I wasn’t kidding when I said this was good. It is the best pulled pork I’ve ever eaten. I won’t be able to eat pulled pork at any of our favorite BBQ joints ever again. This pork is SO tender and packed full of great flavor! You really need to give this a try! It is a great recipe for your upcoming Memorial Day celebration!! All you need is some homemade BBQ sauce and coleslaw and you are set!

pulled pork sandwiches topped with bbq sauce on a platter

Here are a few of our favorite recipes from the blog that go great with this easy instant pot recipe:

pork sandwiches on a platter

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Yield: 6 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Instant Pot Pulled Pork – seriously THE BEST pulled pork I’ve EVER eaten!! Pork shoulder/pork butt seasoned with brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, garlic powder and onion powder. This pulled pork was incredibly tender and tasted amazing! Perfect for your summer parties!! #instantpot #pulledpork #porkbutt #porkrecipes #instantpotrecipes

Equipment:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Cut pork shoulder/pork butt into 4 pieces.
  • Combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, garlic powder and onion powder. Rub over all sides of pork.
  • Turn Instant Pot on “sauté” setting. Add oil. Cook pork pieces on all sides until starting to brown – 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Turn Instant Pot off. Add 1 cup water. Scrape bottom of Instant Pot insert to avoid getting a BURN notice. Cover Instant Pot and lock lid.
  • Cook on manual for 1 hour. Turn off and let steam naturally release for 20 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure.
  • Remove pork from Instant Pot. Shred with two forks – discarding any fatty pieces.
  • Serve on buns with your favorite BBQ sauce and coleslaw.

Steph

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pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw
pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw
pulled pork with bbq sauce on a bun
pulled pork sandwiches on a platter
pulled pork sandwiches on a platter

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Comments

  1. I haven’t made this yet, but it sure looks delicious. I do not have an InstaPot but I do have a crockpot. My only question is should I decrease or increase the amount of water when making this in a crockpot? I’m thinking decrease a little but would like other opinions. Thanks!!!

  2. I have a pressure cooker, but it’s not Instant Pot brand. I can’t find a way to set it manually. Is there another setting I can use? I CAN adjust the time, though!

  3. Could you use beer instead of water to add more flavor? thanks Stephanie!! Love your blog!!!! Have a great memorial day weekend!

  4. Looks yummy! The piece of pork I got is 2.5lbs instead of four. Would you recommend changing the cooking time at all?

  5. I doubled this recipe for a family event and it turned out great! Thank you for making my first pulled pork in an instant pot a success.

  6. I don't know if you read comments added later, but I just want to tell you that I made this and it is the BEST pulled pork recipe I have ever made or eaten! Thank you for sharing.

    1. Claudine – I'm SO glad you enjoyed it! It is the BEST pulled pork I've ever eaten too. I'm thrilled you agree!!

  7. I'd love to try this appliance but saw so many reviews where it just quits, how long have you used yours? Looks like a great recipe. I enjoy your blog!

  8. I just got an "instant pot" – well it's the crock pot version anyway – making these for sure! tonight maybe!

    1. It is honestly the best pulled pork I’ve ever made. Love how easy it is to make. I know you’ll enjoy it hussy!

      1. Could I double the recipe and cook it in a crockpot? If so, how long should I cook it? Feeding a crowd soon and would love to try this 😋

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