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For a quick and easy pulled pork that's ready in just an hour, make my Pulled Pork Instant Pot recipe! Not only is it simple to make super tender pulled pork in the Instant Pot, my special blend of seasonings lends so much flavor to the dish! You'll love it for meal prep!
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Everyone in my family loves pulled pork - especially me! I make a batch of pulled pork just about every other week. It's great for meal prep; you can use it to make tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, sandwiches, and even pizza.
The problem is, slow cooker pulled pork takes all day to make. It's so delicious, but I'll be the first one to admit that some days, I don't have time to spare. (Plus, I'll be honest, I just forget to get it started until it's too late! Who else has made that mistake?)
This is where the Instant Pot comes in to save the day. My pulled pork pressure cooker recipe is ready in under one hour, turning an all-day ordeal into the perfect quick weeknight dinner. Ever since I tried making pulled pork in the Instant Pot, I really can't get enough of it!
It's fast, delicious, and all done in one (instant) pot, so it's easy to clean up after, too! Out of all of my Instant Pot recipes, pulled pork is my favorite. I hope you love it!
Jump to:
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Why make pulled pork in the instant pot?
- Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients
- How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
- Also try...
- How to Serve Pulled Pork
- Pulled Pork Instant Pot Tips
- How to Store Pulled Pork Loin
- Pork in the Instant Pot FAQ
- Easy Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Reviews
Why make pulled pork in the instant pot?
- It's faster than any other method of making pulled pork. You can have this delicious shredded pork on the dinner table in under an hour!
- IP pulled pork is super flavorful. I'm using my favorite homemade pulled pork seasoning for this recipe - the same recipe I've been using for years and years of making flavorful pulled pork at home.
- It's so tender. You might think a fast cooking time would sacrifice some of the tenderness of the meat, but it doesn't at all.
- Easy cleanup: it's using just one pot!
Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients
- Pork Loin: I prefer pork loin for Instant Pot pulled pork, as the smaller cut fits in my Instant Pot better than large cuts like pork shoulder or pork butt!
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps keep the pork from sticking when you sear it! Don't skip the sear; it adds a ton of flavor.
- Beef Broth: Adding some beef broth enhances the flavor and adds a bit more liquid to ensure that the puled pork is nice and moist. This is a must for using pork loin, which has less fat than other pork cuts. You can also use chicken broth.
- BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, or make your own! I love using my homemade BBQ sauce or changing things up with a Carolina Vinegar BBQ!
- Pulled Pork Seasoning: My special blend, perfect for pulled pork! I've included the ingredients in the recipe card!
Isabel's Top Tip
Optional Spices: You can up the heat and add customized flavors easily in this pulled pork! Try adding lime juice, chipotle powder and cilantro for a Tex-Mex flair, or add red pepper flakes and cayenne for a spicier pulled pork. For an extra kick of acidity, add in some apple cider vinegar.
How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
1: Season the Pork
Blend the spices, and pour them all over the pork loin. Rub them in all over so the entire pork loin is coated in seasonings.
2: Sear the Meat
Turn the Instant Pot to saute mode, and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the pork and sear it all over until browned on all sides. Set the pork aside once seared. This is an important step for flavor, so don't skip searing.
3: Deglaze the Pan
Turn off the Instant Pot, and pour in the beef broth. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up all the browned bits and stir them into the broth.
4: Add the Pork & Sauce
Add the pork back into the Instant Pot, and pour the barbecue sauce over it. Then close the lid and pressure cook on HIGH for 40 minutes.
5: Release the Pressure
Once the timer is up, natural release the pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest. Test to ensure the pork is ready to shred.
6: Shred and Serve!
Remove the pork, and shred it with two forks. Add any extra liquid from the pot or BBQ sauce, then serve and enjoy!
Also try...
How to Serve Pulled Pork
- Pulled Pork Poutine - One of my favorite ever ways to serve pulled pork! This unexpected twist is cheesy and irresistible!
- Pulled Pork Tacos - A classic for every reason! These tacos are especially good paired with a quick batch of coleslaw!
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches - The most traditional way to serve pulled pork, and it's still one of the best. Pile it up on a bun with cheese and slaw and it's a treat to be craved!
- Pulled Pork Pizza on Flatbread - Flatbread makes personal pizzas so, so easy, and so outrageously delicious!
- Loaded Pulled Pork Nachos - A huge hit with kids, and a perfect dish for game days!
These are my favorite ways to serve leftover pulled pork, but I'm always looking for new ideas! Do you guys have creative ideas for serving pulled pork? I'd love to hear your favorites in the comments!
Pulled Pork Instant Pot Tips
- Make sure to sear the meat first! Searing the pork will add a ton of flavor that you won't get by just pressure cooking it right away.
- Go wild with seasonings! My blend contains brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and ground cumin, but you can add so much more if you'd like. Try black pepper, cayenne, extra salt, or chili powder!
- You can replace the broth with stock or even beer for extra flavor. I've made it with dark beer before and it was amazing!
How to Store Pulled Pork Loin
- Freezer: My favorite way to store leftover pulled pork is by freezing it! Freeze it in freezer-safe plastic bags or serving-sized airtight containers for up to 4 months. This is a great way to keep it fresh if you're only feeding 2-3 people.
- Refrigerator: Store the pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days with extra sauce or liquid from the Instant Pot.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen pulled pork in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave with a little extra sauce to ensure it doesn't get dry.
Pork in the Instant Pot FAQ
Yes! You can also use pork shoulder or pork butt. Due to the high amount of fat in those cuts, you won't need to add as much beef broth, as it will create its own liquid. Due to the large size of these cuts, you will likely need to cut them up into smaller pieces to get them to fit into the Instant Pot well.
You can use your favorite barbecue sauce, as any sort will work. I've made it with bottled sauce, homemade BBQ, and even tangy, vinegary Carolina BBQ sauce.
Easy Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Lobster
- Instant Pot Short Ribs
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Instant Pot Ham
- Instant Pot Prime Rib
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork loin roast
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 1½ cups Barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Beef broth
- Pulled pork seasoning
Pulled Pork Seasoning
- ¼ cup Brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked paprika
- ½ Tablespoon Dry mustard
- ½ Tablespoon Cumin
Instructions
- Season your pork roast with my homemade pulled pork seasoning on all sides evenly.2 lb Pork loin roast,¼ cup Brown sugar,1 Tablespoon Garlic powder,1 Tablespoon Onion powder,1 Tablespoon Smoked paprika,½ Tablespoon Dry mustard,½ Tablespoon Cumin
- Turn your Instant Pot to saute and add in the olive oil. Once your oil is hot, sear your pork on all sides. After searing to your liking, set pork aside.1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- Turn the Instant Pot off, and pour in beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze (scrape the brown bits) from the bottom of the pot.1 cup Beef broth
- Add your pork back to the pot with BBQ sauce. Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 40 minutes.1½ cups Barbecue sauce
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Stir in any extra BBQ sauce (if needed) and serve!
Notes
- Make sure to sear the meat first! Searing the pork will add a ton of flavor that you won't get by just pressure cooking it right away.
- Go wild with seasonings! My blend contains brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and ground cumin, but you can add so much more if you'd like. Try black pepper, cayenne, extra salt, or chili powder!
- You can replace the broth with stock or even beer for extra flavor. I've made it with dark beer before and it was amazing!
Melissa says
I just followed all the directions and it’s not shredding at all. I set it for 15 more minutes. We’ll see. It smells good anyway 🤷🏼♀️
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Melissa! I hope it turned out great for you!