This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or weekends spent relaxing at home. The pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender and flavorful thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. The smoky and savory flavors seep into the meat, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat. Whether served on buns for sandwiches or paired with coleslaw, this recipe will soon become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need hours of slow cooking or a smoker to achieve that perfectly tender, flavorful pulled pork. With just a few ingredients and the power of the Instant Pot, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor, and it’s ready in a fraction of the time. If you’re looking for a satisfying and versatile dish, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder is the perfect choice.
Full Recipe:
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4-5 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
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Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, then season generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Once hot, add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the seasoned pork shoulder into the Instant Pot and brown on all sides for 4-5 minutes.
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Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
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Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on the “Manual” setting for 60 minutes.
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After the cooking time, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
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Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
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Return the shredded pork to the pot and toss it with the remaining juices before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Origins and Influence of Pulled Pork
Pulled pork has its roots in Southern barbecue traditions, which were influenced by indigenous cooking methods and African-American culinary practices. Traditionally, pork was slow-cooked over wood, which imparted a smoky flavor. The use of vinegar and sugar in the sauce draws from the tangy, sweet elements found in many Southern barbecue recipes, which balance the richness of the pork. This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder recipe modernizes the traditional method by utilizing the Instant Pot, allowing you to achieve tender, flavorful pulled pork in a fraction of the time.
Appeal of Pulled Pork
Pulled pork has universal appeal because of its tender texture and versatility. Here’s why this dish stands out:
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Tender Meat: The pressure cooking method of the Instant Pot makes the pork shoulder incredibly tender, allowing it to be easily shredded with just a fork.
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Flavor-packed Sauce: The combination of apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and brown sugar creates a savory-sweet sauce that enhances the flavor of the pork.
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Versatility: Pulled pork is incredibly versatile, whether served on buns, in tacos, or as part of a larger plate with side dishes. It can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
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Quick and Easy: Despite its deep flavors, this dish is easy to make in the Instant Pot, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving comfort food without a long cooking time.
Why Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Cooking a pulled pork dish typically takes hours, but with the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious and tender meal ready in under 90 minutes. This is a great advantage when you’re short on time but still want a hearty, flavorful meal. Unlike traditional slow cooking, which requires long hours of preparation, the Instant Pot provides a quick way to get a rich, slow-cooked flavor.
Another benefit is the hands-off cooking style. After the initial sautéing and seasoning, the Instant Pot takes care of the cooking process. You don’t need to watch it or stir it constantly, making it the perfect dish for multitasking.
Versatility of Pulled Pork Recipes
One of the best aspects of pulled pork is its versatility. This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder can be used in various ways:
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve the shredded pork on soft rolls with your favorite barbecue sauce and a side of coleslaw for a classic sandwich.
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Tacos or Burritos: Add the pulled pork to soft corn tortillas with salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a quick taco dinner.
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Pulled Pork Salad: For a lighter option, serve the pulled pork on top of a salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
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Pulled Pork Nachos: Top crispy tortilla chips with pulled pork, melted cheese, and jalapeños for a fun and flavorful snack.
Perfect Pairings with Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is often paired with flavorful side dishes that complement its smoky, tender meat. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
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Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the richness of the pulled pork.
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Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is a classic side dish for any Southern-style meal, including pulled pork.
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Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside some grilled vegetables such as corn on the cob, asparagus, or bell peppers for a balanced, healthy meal.
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Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet baked beans are another great side dish that pairs perfectly with the flavors of pulled pork.
Why You Should Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder
In conclusion, Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. It combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional pulled pork with the convenience of modern cooking techniques. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, feeding your family, or just craving something hearty, this dish will not disappoint. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and endlessly customizable. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy all the deliciousness of pulled pork without spending hours over a smoker or slow cooker. The Instant Pot is a game-changer, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder is a game-changing recipe that brings together the rich flavors of traditional Southern barbecue with the convenience and speed of modern cooking. This recipe not only saves you hours of cooking time, but it also delivers tender, flavorful pulled pork that rivals slow-cooked or smoked versions.
Whether you’re looking to serve it on soft buns for sandwiches, load it into tacos, or enjoy it as part of a hearty meal, the versatility of this dish makes it a go-to for any occasion. The balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, along with the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the pork, makes this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep.
With the Instant Pot’s ability to create a slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time, this recipe is an ideal solution for anyone craving comfort food without the long wait. So, go ahead and give this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder a try—you won’t regret it! It’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.