Sweet, spicy, juicy instant pot pulled pork is so good! This recipe uses an instant pot for maximum speed but tender, mouthwatering results.
This is one to make over and over!
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Did you get an Instant Pot (aka Electric Pressure Cooker) for Christmas? Join the club! Lots of people I know received one in their stocking (must have been a huge stocking), and are now clamoring for recipes.
I’ve put a few instant pot recipes on this site in the last few months (check them out here), but EVERYONE loves pulled pork, don’t they?
I use mine regularly – making mashed potatoes, boiling eggs, even making a quick weeknight instant pot spaghetti or Instant Pot Mac & Cheese!
This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy – just basic pantry staples (simple ingredients) that you probably already have!
Folks, I’m going to get real with you. Pulled pork is not very pretty to look at. Or to watch others eat. This is not something you’d serve when you have important company over for dinner.
While they will be impressed by the flavors, they might not be able to get over seeing you elbow deep in a sandwich with barbecue sauce running down your chin.
Consider yourself warned.
This IS, however, perfect to bring to a family reunion, picnic in the park, or for any old day that you want a great tasting meal!
I still make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, of course. But sometimes I just don’t have all day to wait. Being able to pressure cook this great recipe means I can start this as soon as I get home, and be ready to eat 90 minutes later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of meat do you use for pulled pork?
I find pork shoulder works PERFECTLY especially when we are using a pressure cooker, but pork butt can also be used if that’s what you have.
How long do you cook pork in instant pot?
For pulled pork, I use a basic guide. 15-20 minutes at high pressure per pound of pork. So, for a 4lb pork shoulder, or butt – between 60 and 80 minutes. I usually stick with 75 minutes, and it comes out perfect!
How to store Pulled Pork
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat to piping hot!
What to serve with Pulled Pork
Buy or make (!) several different types of rolls for people to choose from. My favorite is my Homemade Hamburger Buns
Serve with fresh coleslaw, some potato chips and plenty of napkins.
INSTANT POT COOKING TERMS EXPLAINED
What is Natural Pressure Release – aka NPR?
A natural pressure release happens when the cooking time is over and the valve is left closed. The pressure decreases without doing anything. Your Instant Pot will automatically switch to the Keep Warm setting.
As soon as it switches to Keep Warm the pressure will begin to drop and will release the pressure by itself. You’ll know it’s done when the pin drops!
What is Quick Release?
Quick Release: this means to let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for a few minutes. After the time has elapsed, switch the valve to “venting” to quickly release any remaining pressure. The pressure will release to a point where the pin drops, and you can open the lid.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- BBQ Sauce. Pick your favorite brand, any kind that you love will do.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. This helps give the sauce a tang!
- Chicken Stock. Make your own or use a store-bought one. If you opt for a lower sodium variety, be sure to taste test your dinner and adjust seasoning to make sure it works!
- Brown Sugar. Light brown is what I usually use, but you can easily sub for dark brown. It won’t be an issue.
- Mustard. I use spicy brown mustard, we like things to have a kick! Yellow or Dijon mustard also works well.
- Worcestershire Sauce. This is a great way to add a salty, savory flavor to the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika. This will add a smoky flavor to the sauce
- Chili Powder. This is pure chili powder, not prepared chili powder that is a blend of spices. I like chipotle in this, but feel free to use prepared chili powder in place of the Chipotle if you like.
- Onions. Diced onions, you could sub onion powder if you wish.
- Garlic. Freshly minced, you could sub garlic powder if you wish!
- Dried Thyme. This can be subbed for fresh thyme, but you will need more than you would if you used dried.
How to make Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot:
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get Prepped
Cut your pork shoulder into smaller pieces (around 2-3 inch cubes work best).
Combine all sauce ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well blended.
Pour a little of the mixture into the pressure cooker, then add the pork.
Pour remaining sauce mixture over the pork.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the vent to Seal – and cook on manual for 75 minutes (high pressure).
When cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes, then open.
Remove the pork and place in a large bowl. Shred the pork using two forks.
Add the remaining sauce from the instant pot until you have the consistency you prefer.
Serve with hot buttered rolls and coleslaw.
Devour.
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
How to store Pulled Pork
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat to piping hot!
Freeze in sandwich-sized zip bags and reheat to make just one sandwich as needed
Additions & Substitutions
Add some cumin and/or garlic powder to the cooking sauce for a deeper flavor.
Allow people to sweeten or spice it up – use a spicy barbecue sauce, or a sweet one or make Homemade BBQ Sauce (from Dash of Herbs)!
What to serve with Pulled Pork?
Buy or make (!) several different types of rolls for people to choose from. My favorite is my Homemade Hamburger Buns
Serve with fresh coleslaw, some potato chips and plenty of napkins.
Got leftovers?
Make Pulled Pork Nachos!
Looking for more instant pot recipes?
- Instant Pot Beef Stew. Red wine and rosemary feature in this inviting, tasty and tummy-warming Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe- perfect for a cold day.
- Thai Butternut Squash Soup. A velvety smooth and dreamy soup with a kick of Thai heat, balanced by creamy coconut cream.
- Instant Pot Risotto. You can cook this hearty side dish in about 15 minutes (plus coming-to pressure time), saving you plenty of time to make other things!
- Instant Pot Chicken Chili. Make this AMAZING Chicken Chili right in your Instant Pot! GREAT for weeknights, easy to throw together and freezer-friendly!
- Instant Pot Mac & Cheese (with Bacon!). Cooked in one pot and ready in about 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Mac & Cheese (with bacon) is the perfect meal any night of the week!
- Instant Pot Chicken & Rice (30 min recipe). Grab your electric pressure cooker and some basic ingredients and dinner will be SUPER fast (and really tasty, too).
- Instant Pot Spaghetti. A super-fast family dinner – spaghetti in the instant pot is minimal prep, ingredients and clean up – making this a slam dunk for weeknights!
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Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon prepared chili powder
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 2 large cloves garlic (crushed)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
To Serve
- Extra barbeque sauce
- Rolls
- Coleslaw
Directions
- Cut 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder into smaller pieces (around 2-3 inch cubes works best).
- Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mixed until well blended.1 cup bbq sauce, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup chicken stock, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon prepared chili powder, 1 cup onion, 2 large cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Pour a little of the mixture into the instant pot, then add the pork.
- Pour remaining sauce mixture over the pork.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the vent to Seal – and cook on manual for 75 minutes (high pressure).
- When cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes, then open the pot.
- Remove the pork and place in a large bowl. Shred the meat using two forks.
- Add the remaining sauce from the instant pot until you have the consistency you prefer.
- Serve with hot buttered Rolls and Coleslaw.
- Devour with Extra barbeque sauce
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Notes
- Add some cumin to the cooking sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Buy or make (!) several different types of rolls for people to choose from. My favorite is my Homemade Hamburger Buns.
- Allow people to sweeten or spice it up – use a spicy barbecue sauce, or a sweet one or make Homemade BBQ Sauce (from Dash of Herbs)!
- Serve with fresh coleslaw, some potato chips and plenty of napkins.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Update: This recipe was originally published in December of 2017. It was republished with updated photos in December of 2020.
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