From Beginner To Bbq Pro: How To Make The Perfect Pulled Pork With An Instant Pot!

Craving tender, juicy pulled pork without the hassle of hours of slow cooking? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This revolutionary kitchen appliance makes it a breeze to prepare mouthwatering pulled pork in a fraction of the time. Follow our step-by-step guide and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork: Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and heat it until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Add the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cumin to the pot. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add the Pork: Nestle the pork shoulder into the flavorful sauce.
5. Cook under Pressure: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes per pound of pork. For a 3-pound pork shoulder, cook for 3 hours.
6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
7. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks or meat claws. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir it into the remaining sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pulled pork hot on buns or tortillas, topped with your favorite toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Pulled Pork:

• Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use a boneless pork shoulder (pork butt). It has a high fat content that makes it incredibly tender and juicy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure there is enough space in the Instant Pot for the pork to cook evenly. If necessary, cut the pork into smaller pieces.
• Use a Flavorful Sauce: The barbecue sauce is the star of this dish. Choose a sauce that has a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Add Liquids as Needed: If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more barbecue sauce or apple cider vinegar.
• Let it Rest: After shredding the pork, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender meat.

Variations:

• Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
• Sweet Pulled Pork: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Smoky Pulled Pork: For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Finishing Touches:

• Top with Coleslaw: Serve the pulled pork with a refreshing coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise.
• Add Pickles: Crunchy pickles add a tangy contrast to the richness of the pulled pork.
• Drizzle with Extra Barbecue Sauce: Top the pulled pork with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion:

With the Instant Pot, you can create tender, mouthwatering pulled pork in a flash. Follow our step-by-step guide and experiment with different variations to find your perfect recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this Instant Pot pulled pork is sure to impress.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: Yes, you can use a pork loin or tenderloin, but it may not be as tender as pork shoulder.

Q: How long can I store the pulled pork?
A: Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze the pulled pork?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What are some good sides to serve with pulled pork?
A: Coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese are all great sides to serve with pulled pork.

Q: Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?
A: Yes, you can use any type of barbecue sauce you like. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.