THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Instant Pot® Recipe: Flavorful Pulled Pork
This pulled pork is tender, juicy, and packed with delicious spices, all made quickly in the Instant Pot. It’s perfect for a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Instant Pot® Recipe: Flavorful Pulled Pork
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by mixing together the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend all over the trimmed pork shoulder, then poke the meat a few times with a fork to help the flavors soak in. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight if you can.
02
Step 2
When you're ready to cook, turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add a bit of olive oil. Cut the pork into 4 to 6 pieces and brown them in batches, cooking each piece for about 5 minutes until nicely caramelized. Once browned, set the pork aside on a plate.
03
Step 3
Pour some chicken broth into the pot and give the bottom a good scrape with a whisk to loosen up all those tasty browned bits. Then turn the Instant Pot off for a moment. Add water, apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, tomato paste, chopped onion, and ketchup to the pot. Place the browned pork pieces on top. Seal the lid and make sure the vent is closed. Set the pressure cooker to high and cook for 60 minutes, allowing a bit of time for it to come up to pressure.
04
Step 4
After cooking, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method, then open the lid. Take the pork and onions out and keep them warm. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté and stir in the remaining tomato paste, ketchup, and ½ cup brown sugar. Skim off any fat from the surface with a ladle and discard it. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens and reduces by about half, which should take around 15 minutes.
05
Step 5
While the sauce is thickening, shred the pork using two forks until it’s pulled into bite-sized pieces. Serve the shredded pork topped with that rich, flavorful sauce and enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
This dish is packed with rich, savory flavors and tender meat that falls apart easily. Using the Instant Pot® makes the cooking process faster and more convenient without sacrificing taste. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort.
How to serve
Pulled pork is delicious served on soft buns with coleslaw and pickles. It also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed into tacos for a quick and tasty meal.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
