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Instant Pot pulled pork is made with pork butt that's dry rubbed, seared, and pressure cooked to juicy, tender pork perfection in only a few hours. Pile it up on sandwich buns or make pulled pork nachos and watch it disappear!
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Instant Pot BBQ pulled pork is a favorite in our house for game day or spontaneous gatherings. The pressure cooker is the quickest way to achieve melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork in record time!
You also won't believe how simple this pressure cooker pulled pork recipe is! Season, sear, pressure cook, and shred. It's as juicy and delectable as our favorite pork shoulder in a crockpot, yet it cooks in a fraction of the time!
Plus, it makes the best pulled pork sliders and BBQ pork sandwiches! Don’t forget to pair it with these tasty pulled pork sides!
Ingredients you'll need
- Oil - Any vegetable oil will help conduct heat when searing the pork butt to create a delicious crust on the surface.
- Pork butt or shoulder - You can use pork butt or pork shoulder, with options for bone-in or boneless cuts.
- Salt - Use sea salt or kosher salt.
- Paprika - Adds a rich, smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Granulated garlic - Enhances the savory depth of the dish.
- Black pepper - Adds a warm, mild heat and enhances the overall flavor of the pulled pork.
- Chicken broth - This adds moisture and creates a rich, savory base that can be ladled over the pork like au jus.
- Worcestershire sauce - This adds a tangy, umami depth to the pulled pork, which boosts the flavor and complexity.
How to make pulled pork in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot transforms pork shoulder or pork butt into a tender, flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered all day! Here's how:
First, trim the excess fat from the pork butt. Generously season the pork with salt, followed by the 3-ingredient spice rub.
Next, set the Instant Pot to "Saute". When it's ripping hot, sear all sides of the pork butt. Transfer the seared pork out of the Instant Pot. Deglaze the bottom of the pot with a splash of broth, scraping the pot to release the flavorful brown bits. Keep this "flavor gold" in the Instant Pot for the next step.
Add the pork butt back to the pot, along with the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes per pound of pork butt followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release (NPR). Flip the pressure release valve to release any remaining steam, then carefully open the lid.
Check the internal temperature of the pork roast with a meat thermometer; it should be around 200°F for fall-apart tenderness.
Transfer the pork to a covered dish to rest for 5 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces with two forks or meat claws. Save 1 to 2 cups of the juices from the Instant Pot to ladle over the pulled pork if desired.
How to serve Instant Pot pulled pork
You can serve your juicy pulled pork on a platter with serving utensils or transfer it back to the Instant Pot with the juices on the keep warm setting.
Serve pulled pork as a delicious entree with a side of Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Or pile it up on sandwich buns with simple coleslaw–or my favorite combination of homemade BBQ sauce and Alabama white BBQ sauce.
Recipe tips
- Choose the right pork cut: Use pork butt or pork shoulder for pulled pork, as they have plenty of fat marbling that breaks down and tenderizes. Avoid lean cuts like pork tenderloin or pork loin, as they are not meant for lengthy cooking or shredding.
- Dry rub resting: The longer the dry rub sits on the pork, the deeper flavor penetration. Let it sit overnight if time permits.
- Searing tip: Ensure the Instant Pot is ripping hot before adding the pork for a good sear to ensure optimal flavor.
- Rest the seared pork: Let the pork rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist final product.
- Shredding technique: Use two forks or meat claws to shred the pork easily; it may need more cooking time if it resists shredding.
- Freezing instructions: cool the shredded pork and freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags or up to 3 months or longer if vacuum sealed. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight. reheat and serve.
Recipe variations
- Add brown sugar - You can add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the spice rub for a hint of sweetness to compliment the savory flavors.
- Make it spicy - Add a pinch of cayenne, chili powder, or chipotle powder to the spice rub for a spicy kick.
- Make it smoky - Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the broth before pressure cooking your pork butt.
What to serve with pulled pork
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
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Video
When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder, 5-6 pounds bone-in
- Sea Salt, or Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Sprinkle a generous amount of SALT on all sides of the PORK BUTT. In a mixing bowl, toss together PAPRIKA, GARLIC, and BLACK PEPPER, then coat the pork butt generously.You can continue to the searing step immediately or cover the dry-rubbed pork and refrigerate overnight.
- Add OIL to the Instant Pot and press “Saute.” When it’s ripping hot, sear the pork butt on all sides until browned.Note: If needed, cut the pork butt into smaller pieces for easier handling.
- Transfer the pork out of the Instant Pot momentarily.Add a splash of BROTH and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the pork to the pot, add the remaining BROTH and WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE, secure the lid, and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes per pound (for boneless) and 20 minutes per pound (for bone-in).
- When the cooking cycle ends, allow a 15-minute natural pressure release (NPR). Then flip the valve to "venting" to release any remaining steam.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches about 200°F for fall-apart tenderness. Transfer the pork to a covered dish to rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks or meat claws.
- Save 1 to 2 cups of the juices leftover in the Instant Pot to ladle over the pulled pork when serving.
- To store leftovers, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot or larger size as needed
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Pork butt, or Boston Butt, has more fat marbling, resulting in a tender texture that shreds easily. Pork shoulder, or picnic shoulder, is a slightly leaner cut that doesn’t shred as readily but still provides fantastic flavor.
Pressure cook your Instant Pot pulled pork on high pressure for 15 minutes per pound. At the end of the cooking cycle, check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches between about 200°F for fall-apart tender pork.
Alan says
WOW, I just made this for dinner and it was amazing.
I will definitely be keeping this recipe.
thank you so much for sharing.
all my family couldn't get enough of the pulled pork piled high on their crusty cobs. 👍
Traci says
Woohoo! I'm so glad it has earned your family's approval. Day made for both of us! Thank you for bringing my recipe into your kitchen and for taking the time to leave feedback. Enjoy!
Calean says
Thank you so much! I was looking for a "non-spicy" pulled pork that I could use in a Texas Chili style recipe and this really fits the bill!!
Traci says
Yay!! I'm so glad you're enjoying that about it! I do like to keep spices moderate, but flavorful for that very reason. Thanks for the feedback! Enjoy!!
Heather says
I used 8 lbs pork and cut it into approximately 1 1/2 pound chunks but followed the rest of the ingredients and instructions as written. I cooked on high for 60 minutes. This recipe is incredibly delicious! Everyone loved it. It doesn’t NEED barbecue sauce, because it has so much flavor on its own. I am definitely printing this recipe and putting it in my most favorite recipes binder. Thank you!
Traci says
Yayyy! You are so welcome! I'm honored that it's going into your favorites. Thank you for the feedback – I appreciate you taking the time. Enjoy!
Yannick says
This was my first go on pulled pork. And I decided to use this recipe since I generally am inpatient, so pressure cooker it was. Oh my god, I will never get any pulled pork from elsewhere but my own from now on. This is spot on! Used pork butt - it was fantastic!! Used my pulled pork for quesadillas - I couldn't be any happier. Thank you 😀 My to go recipe from now on for pulled pork. YASS!!
Traci says
Yay! I'm so glad you went for it and love it as much as we do. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback. Truly appreciated! Enjoy!
Sandi L Shead says
What if I skip searing the pork?
Traci says
Hiya! You can certainly do that if you like. Searing pork shoulder for pulled pork helps brown the surface before it gets pressure cooked, which deepens the flavor, but it's not a required step. Let me know if you have any more questions. Enjoy!
Kathy says
I will be cooking 12 pounds of pork can you adjust the ingredients or can they stay the same?
Traci says
Hi Kathy, since you're wanting to scale the pork butt 4x, the other ingredients should also be scaled 4x. Also, make sure to NOT exceed the "Max Fill" line located inside the stainless insert. Depending on the size of your cooker, you might need to cook it in 2 batches. Let me know if I need to clarify my response in any way. I'm here for it. Thanks and enjoy!
Gita says
I have a question….I have a 6lb piece of bone-in pork butt, can I cook it whole? If I do cut it do I cook it for 90 minutes?
I usually make my in the oven but it’s a whole day deal. Your recipe looks great and it’s simple.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Traci says
Hiya! You are welcome to see if it fits in one piece without cutting it. If it doesn't fit, then it can be cut into pieces and made to fit (which is what you can see I did in my photos). Let me know if you have any more questions and enjoy the recipe!! 🙂
Teresa says
Made this last night. Came out perfect! Hubby was and is raving about it. I used pork butt. Big sale last week. Will be using this recipe from now on. I threw green chilies in after it was pulled. Thank you!! 😋
Traci says
Yay!! So glad you went for it! I always love when the spouse is on board. Thank you for taking the time to let me know 🙂 Much appreciated. Enjoy!
Louis says
Really delicious recipe. I could only find a 6-pound bone in pork shoulder and had no time to marinate after adding the rub. It still came out excellent. I trimmed the outer fat and cut it into a few pieces before the dry rub. I was not sure if I should cooker it longer given the larger size so I went up to 55 min with a 10 min natural pressure release. Once again, still was perfect. Such great flavor. The only extra thing I did was strain the liquid, skim off some fat and reduce it slightly in a saucepan with a couple bay leaves and a tbsp of maple syrup. It intensified the flavor and I added it back to the pulled pork. Will definitely make again.
Traci says
Awesome!! I also find it to have plenty of flavor without marinating. I'm so glad you gave it a go and thanks so much for sharing your feedback. Much appreciated! Enjoy!
Jasmine says
Perfect!! Made this last night for pulled pork mac & cheese. I was so sad I only had a 1lb pork shoulder because it was so delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Traci says
Yayy, you are so weclome! I'm so glad you went for it and enjoyed. I, too, am sad you don't have more LOL. Thank you so much for the feedback 🙂 Enjoy!!
Kayla says
Incredible. First time using a pressure cooker, first time making pulled pork. Came out soo tender. Definitely a staple recipe from here on out. Would be perfect for holidays & gatherings.
Traci says
Yay! So glad you went for it! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback. I appreciate it. Enjoy!!
Shannon says
Thank you, Great recipe!
The Kitchen Girl says
You're so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Amelda says
OMG…this is the best recipe. Making ahead and freezing for a family vaca of 17. Cooked 2 batches of 6#’s each. Had to taste..amazing flavor. I am also freezing some of the liquid for reheating.
Thank you for such a wonderful recipe.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayy! You are so very welcome. I love this idea of cooking ahead for (wow!) 17 people. I want to be in your family lol. Have so much fun and thank you for making my recipe part of your family event. I'm honored 🙂
John says
Wow! This is fantastic! I usually do pork butt on the smoker so this kind of feels like cheating but in the middle of winter here on the borders of MN, ND and Canada, it’s better than standing outside! Thanks!
The Kitchen Girl says
Nice! I'm so glad you're enjoying the recipe. We love it smoked too, but the convenience of cooking pulled pork in the Instant Pot wins LOL. Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback. Cheers!
Lisette says
We love this recipe. I've made it twice now. Tonight we had it on poutine with fried onions, mushrooms and peppers. Next time, we will have it on a baked sweet potato. My husband loves it in sandwiches.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayyy Lisette! So glad to hear it 🙂 Pulled pork on poutine = decadence! I'm simply honored Thank you!
Jeff says
Hands dowwwn one of the best recipes we've made in the Instant Pot Makes the best tacos, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and delicious straight outta the pot with a fork. Will make again and again!
The Kitchen Girl says
I'm so glad you love this pulled pork as much as I do! I can't decide which one of those things I like the best. Whichever one I'm eating at the time...that's my favorite
Lisalia says
Yummy! Love it! Thanks for this delicious and easy to make pulled pork!
The Kitchen Girl says
You're so welcome, Lisalia! Thanks and enjoy 🙂
Nathan says
Wow, fantastic! Huge fan of pulled pork and I love the convenience of doing it in an instant pot!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Nathan! Glad you love pulled pork too 🙂 So easy in the Instant Pot!
Cate says
These sound so simple and delicious, thanks for this recipe can't wait to try it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Cate...enjoy!
Dannii says
This looks amazing. Perfect in a sandwich with loads of slaw.
The Kitchen Girl says
Glad to hear it, Dannii! We love pulled pork with slaw too! And BBQ sauce
veenaazmanov says
This is so well cooked. Moist and juicy and truly mouth melting and flavorful.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Veena! So glad to hear it! Instant Pot Pulled Pork is the juiciest way to cook it
Michelle says
Love it! Super easy to make, and there's so many uses for it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Michelle! Glad to hear it 🙂 And yes, soooo many great ways to use pulled pork!
Katie says
This looks wonderful!! Can't wait to try it.
The Kitchen Girl says
Glad you think so, Katie! Enjoy 🙂
Sharon says
Making this pork recipe in the instant pot is the key to making it so tender it just falls apart. Perfect for sandwiches or on it's own.
The Kitchen Girl says
Sharon ... yusssss! Thank you 🙂 It truly is my favorite way to make pulled pork, especially because it's basically hands-free!
Toni Dash says
A new favorite at my house! Everyone loved it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayy! So glad to hear it Toni 🙂 It's a fav at our house too!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Thank you for the recipe, it was absolutely delicious and we all loved it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Shadi! You're so welcome ... so glad to hear it 🙂