How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork | A Crowd Favorite!

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup + vinegar + spices

Homemade sauce can reduce sugar and preservatives.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork loin

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are often less expensive and lower in fat.

Introduce the dish and explain its appeal for feeding a crowd.

Prepare the seasoning rub by whisking together garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.

Cut the pork loin into three pieces for easier fitting in the Instant Pot.

Rub the seasoning mix all over the pork pieces, ensuring they are well coated.

Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' and allow it to heat up.

Sear each piece of pork in the Instant Pot for about 3 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.

Add chopped onion and a splash of beef or chicken broth to the pot to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits.

Return the pork to the pot, ensuring it is sealed.

Set the Instant Pot to cook for 40 minutes for pork loin (or 1 hour for pork shoulder).

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes to keep the meat tender.

Remove the pork and set aside, using a slotted spoon to scoop out most of the onions.

Leave about a cup of cooking liquid in the pot to make the barbecue sauce.

Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, tomato paste, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce to the cooking liquid and whisk together.

Simmer the sauce using the sauté function until thickened, partially covering the pot to avoid splatter.

Shred the pork using two forks or fingers, testing for quality as you go.

Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix with the barbecue sauce, adding more cooking liquid if the sauce is too thick.

Switch the Instant Pot to 'Keep Warm' for serving.

Serve the pulled pork on buns or as desired, optionally topping with coleslaw and pickles.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: