This recipe will guide you through making tender, flavorful pulled pork using an Instant Pot. Serve it on a soft bun with your favorite barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering sandwich that is perfect for a summer cookout or any casual gathering. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this recipe is a real time-saver. Enjoy the smoky, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 8 soft buns, for serving
- Additional barbecue sauce, for serving
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to make the dry rub.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and rub the dry rub all over the pork, coating it evenly.
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and add the seasoned pork shoulder.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' mode and set the cooking time to 60 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot and stir in the barbecue sauce.
- Select the 'Saute' mode and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve the pulled pork on soft buns, topped with additional barbecue sauce as desired.
Interesting Facts
Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional slow-cooking methods, while still producing tender and flavorful pulled pork.
The combination of spices in the dry rub adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the pulled pork.
You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the dry rub.
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and enjoyed in various dishes like tacos, salads, or quesadillas.