Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

This Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe combines tender pork shoulder with a savory blend of spices and tangy barbecue sauce, all cooked to perfection in the popular Instant Pot. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or serving over rice. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, this pulled pork recipe is a simple and delicious way to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
  • Prep Time
    30 mins
  • Cook Time
    1 hr 45 mins
  • Total Time
    1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

  • Dry Rub:
  • A quarter cup of rich brown sugar
  • A tablespoon of zesty chili powder
  • A tablespoon of vibrant paprika
  • Two teaspoons of aromatic garlic powder
  • Two teaspoons of flaky kosher salt
  • A teaspoon of pungent ground black pepper
  • A dash of fiery cayenne pepper
  • A trimmed four-pound pork shoulder roast, or more if desired
  • Sauce:
  • Two teaspoons of smooth olive oil
  • A cup of flavorful chicken stock
  • Two cups of refreshing water
  • A third cup of tangy apple cider vinegar
  • Two tablespoons of sweet brown sugar
  • A can of luscious tomato paste, divided into six ounces
  • A large sweet onion, quartered to taste
  • Half a cup of tangy ketchup, divided
  • Half a cup of rich brown sugar

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix together an enticing blend of brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Ensure the trimmed shoulder roast is thoroughly coated with this flavorful dry rub by massaging it into the meat. To enhance the seasoning absorption, tenderize the roast by puncturing it with a fork. Once done, tightly wrap the seasoned roast in plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or better yet, overnight.

Step 2

To kickstart the cooking process, heat up your multi-functional pressure cooker, like the beloved Instant Pot®, and set it to Saute mode. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cut the pork into manageable pieces, around 4 to 6 portions, and sear each piece in the hot oil until beautifully browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes per batch. Once all the meat is browned to perfection, transfer it to a plate.

Step 3

Deglaze the pot by pouring in some chicken broth and scraping up all those flavorful browned bits at the bottom. Stir vigorously with a whisk until you have a smooth mixture, then turn off the Instant Pot®.

Step 4

Now, it's time to layer in the flavors. Add water, apple cider vinegar, a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar, tomato paste, chopped onions, and a dollop of ketchup into the pot. Gently place the browned pork on top of this flavorful bed. Secure the lid, ensuring the vent is sealed, and select high pressure, following the manufacturer's instructions. Set the timer for 60 minutes and patiently wait for the pressure to build, which typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5

After cooking, release the pressure carefully using the quick-release method as per the manufacturer's guidelines, roughly about 5 minutes. Open the lid, and with care, remove the succulent meat and onions, keeping them covered to retain warmth.

Step 6

Switch the Instant Pot® back to saute mode, and stir in the remaining tomato paste, ketchup, and brown sugar. Skim off any excess fat from the liquid using a ladle and discard it. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce by half, which usually takes about 15 minutes.

Step 7

While the sauce is reducing, use two forks to shred the tender pork into delectable, bite-sized pieces. Serve the juicy meat in your preferred style, generously drizzled with the luscious, thickened sauce you've created.

Extra Tips & Suggestions

  1. 1. Maximize Your Space: Utilize every inch of your fridge or freezer by organizing your ingredients in clear, stackable containers.
  2. 2. Label Everything: Avoid confusion by labeling your storage containers with the date and contents. Use colorful labels or washi tape for a fun and organized look.

Reviews

  • H
    Hina
    March 19, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world and it's so easy to make. Thanks for sharing, I can't wait to make it again!

  • H
    Hunter
    March 18, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are off the charts, and it's so tender and juicy. You have to give it a try - it's a real crowd-pleaser!

  • S
    Sylvie
    March 16, 2025

    Hey there! Your Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe sounds amazing! I can already imagine the delicious aroma filling up the kitchen. Can't wait to try it out at my next family gathering. Thanks for sharing!

  • K
    Kora
    March 16, 2025

    Hey there, this Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe looks absolutely mouthwatering! I can almost smell the delicious aroma through the screen. Can't wait to give it a try and impress my friends at the next BBQ. Thanks for

  • S
    Sofia
    March 15, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe sounds amazing! I can almost taste the juicy and tender meat already. Can't wait to try it out for our next get-together! Keep those delicious recipes coming, friend!

  • A
    Alice
    March 14, 2025

    Wow, this instant pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world and it's so easy to make. I can't wait to try it again for my next BBQ party. Thanks for sharing this

  • E
    Elaina
    March 12, 2025

    Hey there! This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe looks absolutely mouthwatering! I can almost smell the delicious aroma through the screen. Can't wait to try it out and have a cozy dinner with friends. Thanks for sharing such a

  • L
    Luna
    March 11, 2025

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  • J
    Jayden
    March 11, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! The meat comes out so tender and flavorful, it's a real crowd-pleaser. Can't wait to make it again for my next gathering. Thanks for sharing

  • C
    Caroline
    March 9, 2025

    Hey there! This Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe looks absolutely mouthwatering! Can't wait to give it a try at my next gathering. Thanks for sharing, friend!

  • M
    Mekhi
    March 9, 2025

    Hey there! I just tried out this Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe and oh my goodness, it was a flavor explosion in my mouth! The pork was so tender and juicy, and the blend of spices was just perfect. Definitely

  • M
    Margo
    March 8, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! The meat turns out so tender and flavorful in no time. Can't wait to make it again for our next BBQ. Thanks for sharing!

  • M
    Miller
    March 7, 2025

    OMG, your Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer! The meat is so juicy and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth. I can't wait to make this again for my next BBQ party. Thanks for

  • L
    Lilah
    March 5, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe looks absolutely amazing! I can almost smell the delicious aroma through the screen. I can't wait to try making it myself. Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering recipe!

  • C
    Cayden
    March 5, 2025

    Hey there! Just wanted to say that your Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is an absolute game-changer! The flavors are out of this world, and it's so easy to make. Thanks for sharing this deliciousness with

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    Rowan
    March 5, 2025

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    Aurora
    March 3, 2025

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  • K
    Kaiden
    February 28, 2025

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  • E
    Emma
    February 25, 2025

    Hey there! Your Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe sounds absolutely delicious! I can already imagine the juicy, tender pork melting in my mouth. Can't wait to give this a try at my next BBQ gathering! You've got a

  • C
    Caroline
    February 24, 2025

    Hey there! I just tried this Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe, and oh my goodness, it was a flavor explosion! The meat was so tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce was just perfect. Definitely a winner for your

  • D
    Dexter
    February 24, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so delicious and the meat is incredibly tender. I can't wait to make this again for my next backyard BBQ. Thanks for sharing!

  • T
    Talia
    February 24, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe looks amazing! I can practically taste the juicy, tender meat and delicious barbecue sauce already. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to give it a try!

  • H
    Hannah
    February 23, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe looks amazing! I can almost taste the juicy and flavorful meat just by reading the ingredients. Can't wait to try it out at our next barbecue. Thanks for sharing!

  • A
    Alaric
    February 22, 2025

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  • L
    Lydia
    February 21, 2025

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  • D
    Dominic
    February 18, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. I can't wait to make it again for my next barbecue. Thanks for sharing!

  • B
    Beckett
    February 17, 2025

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  • N
    Niko
    February 15, 2025

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  • S
    Selena
    February 15, 2025

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    Zayd
    February 8, 2025

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    Leilani
    February 5, 2025

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    February 5, 2025

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    February 3, 2025

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  • D
    Delilah
    February 2, 2025

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    Oliver
    February 2, 2025

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    Kade
    February 2, 2025

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  • V
    Victoria
    February 1, 2025

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  • M
    Madison
    February 1, 2025

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  • S
    Scarlett
    January 31, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! The meat is so tender and juicy, and the flavors are out of this world. Definitely a must-try for all pork lovers out there! Can't wait to

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    Leandro
    January 31, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! The meat turns out so tender and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth. I can't wait to make this for our next barbecue, it's sure to be

  • D
    Dorian
    January 31, 2025

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  • V
    Victoria
    January 30, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and the meat is perfectly tender. It's definitely a new favorite in my household. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!

  • A
    Ailani
    January 30, 2025

    Hey there! Your Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe sounds absolutely mouthwatering! I can already imagine how tender and flavorful the pork will be. Can't wait to give it a try at my next family gathering. Thanks for sharing

  • L
    Leilani
    January 29, 2025

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    Arthur
    January 28, 2025

    Wow, this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe looks amazing! I can almost smell the delicious aroma through the screen. I can't wait to try making it myself. Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering recipe!

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    Finn
    January 27, 2025

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    Dorian
    January 27, 2025

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    January 24, 2025

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    Raphael
    January 23, 2025

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  • A
    Alonzo
    January 22, 2025

    Hey friend, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe looks amazing! I can almost smell the delicious aroma through the screen. Can't wait to try it out and have a cozy, tasty meal. Thanks for sharing!

  • R
    Riley
    January 22, 2025

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  • A
    Annabella
    January 21, 2025

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    Chaim
    January 21, 2025

    Hey there! Your Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is an absolute winner! The flavors are incredible, and the meat just melts in your mouth. Thanks for sharing this delicious dish with me! Keep those amazing recipes coming!

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    Kylan
    January 20, 2025

    Hey there! Your Ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are spot on and the meat is so tender. This dish is definitely a winner for any gathering. Can't wait to make it again!

  • J
    Jameela
    January 19, 2025

    Hey there! Your Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe looks absolutely mouthwatering! I can almost smell the delicious aroma through the screen. Can't wait to try this out at my next BBQ. Thanks for sharing your culinary magic!

  • N
    Nina
    January 14, 2025

    This recipe is a game-changer! Tender pulled pork ready in no time. Your taste buds will thank you, trust me!

  • J
    Julian
    January 14, 2025

    "This instant pot pulled pork is so tender and flavorful, it's a game-changer for all BBQ lovers out there! You won't regret trying this recipe.

  • M
    Marshall
    January 13, 2025

    This recipe is a game-changer! The pulled pork turns out so tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot. It's my go-to for easy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. The best part? It's ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

  • A
    Alexandria
    January 13, 2025

    I tried this recipe yesterday and it was a hit with my family! The pork was so tender and flavorful, definitely a new favorite in our household. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!

How was the recipe?