How To Make Pulled Pork In The Instant Pot: A Step-by-step Guide For The Perfect Meal

Pulled pork, a succulent and flavorful dish, has long been a staple of backyard barbecues and family gatherings. With the advent of the Instant Pot, however, you can now savor this culinary masterpiece in a fraction of the time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you create a mouthwatering pulled pork that will tantalize your taste buds.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 3-4 pound pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your preferred flavor)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Season and Sear the Pork

1. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the pot and sear on all sides until browned.

Create the Flavorful Sauce

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
2. Pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.
3. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Pressure Cook to Perfection

1. Place the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over it.
2. Set the Instant Pot to the “Manual” setting and adjust the pressure to “High.”
3. Cook for 90 minutes for bone-in pork shoulder or 60 minutes for boneless pork shoulder.

Release Pressure and Shred

1. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
2. Carefully release any remaining pressure.
3. Remove the pork shoulder from the pot and shred it using two forks.

Reintroduce the Sauce and Simmer

1. Add the shredded pork back to the sauce in the Instant Pot.
2. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender and flavorful.

Serve and Savor

Serve the pulled pork on buns, tortillas, or as a standalone dish. Top with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, barbecue sauce, or onions.

Enhance Your Pulled Pork

• Add a Liquid Smoke: A few drops of liquid smoke can add an authentic barbecue flavor to your pulled pork.
• Use Different Barbecue Sauces: Experiment with various barbecue sauces to create unique flavor profiles.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté some onions, peppers, or corn before adding the pork to create a more hearty dish.
• Make it Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or chili powder to give your pulled pork a kick.
• Use Bone-In Pork Shoulder: The bones add extra flavor and richness to the pork.

Recommendations: The Art of Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Mastering the art of pulled pork in your Instant Pot is a culinary achievement that will impress your family and friends. With its convenience, speed, and ability to create mouthwatering flavors, the Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we enjoy this classic dish. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to savor the symphony of flavors that is pulled pork instant pot.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use frozen pork shoulder?
A: Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder. Simply increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes.

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

Q: Can I use the Instant Pot to make pulled chicken or beef?
A: Yes, you can use the Instant Pot to make pulled chicken or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.