Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Packed Brown Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne
Optional
- 3 Pound Boneless Pork Roast
Cut into 3-4 inch cubes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Cups Barbecue Sauce
Divided
- 1 1/4 Cup Chicken or Beef Broth
- 1 Teaspoon Hot Pepper Sauce
Optional
Directions
- 1
In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne.
- 2
Season the cubed pork with the spice mixture and set aside.
- 3
In a medium bowl whisk together the apple cider vinegar, one cup of the barbecue sauce, the hot pepper sauce if using, and one cup of the broth.
- 4
Turn your instant pot to the saute setting. Add the olive oil and allow it to get hot.
- 5
Add half of the cubed pork to the hot oil and saute for 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the browned pork to a plate and repeat with the remaining half of the cubed pork.
- 6
Turn the instant pot off. Use the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth and a wooden spoon to deglaze (scrape the brown bits) from the bottom of the pot.
- 7
Add all of the meat along with the barbecue sauce mixture to the instant pot.
- 8
Close the lid and set to sealing.
- 9
Cook on manual high pressure for 40 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- 10
Remove the meat from the instant pot and shred. Stir in the remaining cup of bbq sauce and serve on buns as desired.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
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About this Recipe
Craving incredibly tender, flavorful pulled pork without hours of slow cooking? This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe delivers mouthwateringly tender results, seasoned to perfection, making it your family's new favorite pressure cooker meal on the table in about an hour. Forget the all-day smoker; your Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend for truly satisfying comfort food. The ease of the Instant Pot means you can enjoy this classic dish any night of the week.
The magic of the Instant Pot quickly transforms a simple boneless pork roast, expertly cut into 3-4 inch cubes, into fall-apart deliciousness. By applying a robust dry rub—a harmonious blend of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin—before pressure cooking with aromatic apple cider vinegar and savory broth, we ensure every piece is deeply infused with flavor. This method not only speeds up the cooking but guarantees a consistently moist and tender texture that traditional methods can sometimes miss, making for truly irresistible pulled pork.
You'll be rewarded with pork so fork-tender it practically melts, boasting a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile from the brown sugar and spice blend. The optional cayenne and hot pepper sauce offer a subtle warmth without overwhelming, making this dish approachable for all palates, yet satisfying for those who enjoy a little kick. It's truly a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a labor of love, but comes together with surprising ease, delivering that authentic barbecue joint taste right in your own kitchen. The barbecue sauce coating adds the perfect tangy, sweet, and smoky finish to this delectable dish.
Customization & Variations
- Adjust the heat to your liking by omitting the optional cayenne or hot pepper sauce for a milder flavor, or increasing it for an extra kick.
- While this recipe specifies a boneless pork roast, feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce brand to tailor the final taste to your preference, whether you like it smoky, sweet, or tangy.
- This recipe works beautifully with either chicken or beef broth, so use whichever you have on hand to build the flavorful cooking liquid.
Serve this incredible pulled pork on soft buns for classic sandwiches, or get creative and pile it high on nachos, tacos, or alongside your favorite creamy coleslaw for a complete meal. It’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or feeding a crowd without the fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy your company.