There’s nothing quite like the robust aroma of garlic and spices mingling as they waft through your kitchen, beckoning family and friends to gather around the dinner table. I discovered this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe during one of those busy weeks when we craved something home-cooked yet didn’t have hours to spend slaving away in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, this recipe transforms an ordinary pork shoulder into a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth delight that makes weeknight dinners feel special.
Imagine tender, flavor-packed pulled pork slathered in a rich BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and smoky—ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or just on its own with a side of coleslaw. Don’t worry if you’re wondering about the cooking time; your Instant Pot takes care of that, freeing you to enjoy that much-needed downtime. So, let’s dive in and create a dish that’s sure to impress everyone, no matter the occasion!
Why is Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork a must-try?
Tender, Juicy Perfection: The Instant Pot ensures your pork shoulder becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in a fraction of the usual time.
Endless Flavor: The blend of spices and sweet BBQ sauce offers a delectable taste that pleases every palate.
Minimal Effort: Just a few simple steps and your meal is set to cook, allowing you more time to relax.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether on a bun, in tacos, or with a side of veggies, this dish fits any occasion perfectly.
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Try this simple yet delicious recipe and enjoy the compliments that follow!
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Ingredients
For the Pork
• 4 pound pork shoulder – a boneless cut that easily shreds for the perfect BBQ pulled pork.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – helps to crisp the edges while enhancing flavor during cooking.
For the Dry Rub
• 2 teaspoons chili powder – adds a warm depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ sauce.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – infuses a rich, smoky taste that elevates your pulled pork experience.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – packs in flavor, giving that classic garlic punch to the rub.
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder – contributes a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – just a hint of heat to add excitement without overwhelming the dish.
• 1½ teaspoons cumin (ground) – brings a warm earthiness that complements the BBQ profile.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (ground) – a seasoning staple that enhances all the other flavors.
• 2 teaspoons salt – essential for enhancing the overall taste of the pork and seasoning the rub.
For the BBQ Sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store bought) – your favorite tangy sauce to make this step easy and delicious.
• 1 cup ketchup – provides sweetness and the base for the BBQ sauce blend.
• ¼ cup honey – adds a touch more sweetness, balancing the spices perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – a splash of acidity to brighten up the flavors.
• 3 cloves garlic (sliced) – fresh garlic elevates the sauce with its aromatic presence.
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed) – enhances that beloved caramelized flavor in your sauce.
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke – gives that authentic BBQ flavor, even if you’re cooking indoors.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds complexity with its unique umami notes.
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium) – helps create a luscious cooking liquid, ensuring moisture throughout.
With this set of simple yet impactful ingredients, you’ll create the most flavorful Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork that your family will love!
How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
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Rub the Oil: Begin by rubbing olive oil all over the boneless pork shoulder, ensuring it’s coated for extra flavor and moisture as it cooks.
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Mix the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this delicious dry rub generously over the pork, pressing it in well.
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Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to the sealing position.
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Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, sliced garlic, brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth until smooth and well blended.
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Pour the Sauce: Gently pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s well covered.
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Cook it Up: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes before carefully turning the valve to quick release any remaining steam.
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and use two forks to shred it. The meat should fall apart effortlessly!
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Serve and Enjoy: Return the shredded pork to the sauce to coat it well before serving it on buns, in tacos, or simply on its own.
Optional: Top with fresh coleslaw for a delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the pork shoulder for jackfruit, preparing it in the same way for a delicious BBQ alternative. The texture mimics pulled pork and soaks up flavors beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who crave a fiery flavor blast. A little heat can elevate the whole dish!
- Smoky Flavor: Increase the amount of liquid smoke to two teaspoons for an even more intense smoky flavor that will excite your taste buds. A little more smoke never hurt anyone!
- Honey-Free: Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly. This twist is ideal for those avoiding honey.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: Try substituting part of the BBQ sauce with a honey BBQ variation for an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sliced onions and bell peppers into the Instant Pot for a veggie boost that complements the flavor of the pork, making it heartier and more nutritious.
- Cider Twist: Replace chicken broth with apple cider for a sweet-tart flavor that pairs remarkably well with the BBQ sauce, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Enjoy mixing things up and discovering your perfect version of Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork!
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
Fridge: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to preserve flavor and texture.
Freezer: Freeze the pulled pork in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label it for easy identification.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or BBQ sauce to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving pulled pork at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure safety. Always refrigerate any leftovers promptly to keep your meal fresh and delicious!
What to Serve with Pork Shoulder with BBQ Sauce?
Creating a complete meal around tender, smoky pulled pork can elevate any gathering and make it truly memorable.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory pork, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft, buttery cornbread muffins soak up the BBQ sauce beautifully, making them a comforting and satisfying side.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans complement the dish’s flavor profile, providing a hearty, filling option for your table.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal grilled vegetables brings vibrant color and natural sweetness to the plate, enhancing your meal’s presentation.
- Pickles: The sharp acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the pork, providing an invigorating bite that wakes up your taste buds.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad with herbs offers a satisfying contrast in texture and keeps the meal light while still being filling.
- Sweet Tea or Lemonade: A glass of sweet tea or refreshing lemonade pairs beautifully, bringing a Southern charm that perfectly complements BBQ dishes.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: To finish off your meal on a sweet note, serve warm chocolate chip cookies for a delightful treat that everyone will love.
- Apple Crisp: For dessert, the warm, spiced flavors of apple crisp make a comforting end to your BBQ feast, leaving everyone with a smile.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
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Choose Quality Pork: Select a fresh, well-marbled pork shoulder for the best results. Quality meat enhances the tenderness and flavor of your pulled pork.
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Avoid Overcooking: Stick to the cooking time of 60 minutes on high pressure. Overcooking can make the pork dry, which defeats the purpose of the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork.
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Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the pork to rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain moisture and results in a juicier pull.
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Mix the Sauce Well: Make sure to thoroughly combine the BBQ sauce ingredients. An even blend ensures every bite of your pulled pork is flavor-packed and delicious.
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Customize Your Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Not a fan of heat? Omit the cayenne pepper to enjoy a milder version of Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork.
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Serve with Add-Ons: Enhance your dish with toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or slaw to add texture and flavor layers that everyone will love!
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork preparations are a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can easily rub the pork shoulder with olive oil and the dry spice blend up to 24 hours in advance, wrapping it tightly and refrigerating it to enhance the flavors. Additionally, the BBQ sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best to wait to add the sliced garlic until you’re ready to cook to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply place the marinated pork in the Instant Pot, pour the sauce over it, and cook as instructed. This way, you’ll have a savory, satisfying dish ready with minimal last-minute effort!
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pork shoulder?
Absolutely! When choosing a pork shoulder for your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, look for a well-marbled cut. This means the meat should have a good distribution of fat throughout, which helps keep it tender and juicy during cooking. Avoid any dark spots or discoloration—fresh meat should have a nice pink hue.
How should I store leftover pulled pork?
Very! Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain its moist and tender texture. If you plan to keep it longer, transferring it to a freezer-safe bag is ideal!
Can I freeze pulled pork? If so, how?
You bet! To freeze your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store it for up to 3 months. Remember to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label it with the date so you know when to use it! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
What if my pulled pork turns out dry?
No worries! If you find your pulled pork is dry, the trick is to ensure you use enough liquid during cooking. Always check that your Instant Pot has the right amount of sauce and broth before you seal the lid. If it’s too generous in the timing, it could dry out as well. Should that happen, you can add a splash of chicken broth or BBQ sauce while reheating to restore the succulent texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Great question! While the pulled pork itself is delicious for humans, keep your furry friends in mind—never feed them seasoned pork as many spices can be harmful to pets. For those with allergies, double-check all ingredients. For example, you can use a gluten-free BBQ sauce if someone in your household has a gluten intolerance. Always taste your spices and sauces to ensure they fit your dietary needs!
How do I ensure my pulled pork is tender?
Absolutely! To get that perfect tender pull, be sure to cook your pork shoulder on high pressure for exactly 60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes. This method locks in moisture and ensures the meat is easily shreddable. If you find cooking times inconsistent, consider checking your Instant Pot’s settings or the size of your pork shoulder as cooking times can vary!
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork: Tender, Flavor-Packed Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rub the olive oil all over the boneless pork shoulder.
- Mix the dry rub ingredients and sprinkle generously over the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the Instant Pot and secure the lid.
- Combine the BBQ sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Let it naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes before quick releasing any remaining steam.
- Shred the pork using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the sauce and serve.