Brown Pork And Onions
Turn on the Saute setting on your electric pressure cooker.
Once its hot, add the vegetable oil. You could use any neutral oil, such as grapeseed, or even avocado or olive oil if you like.
Brown the pork pieces on all sides in batches, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove browned pieces to a plate.
Add the onions and saute until they are softened and starting to brown, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the broth and vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the insert. These are whats known as fond, and theyre super tasty!
Turn off the Saute function.
Cooking Pork In An Instant Pot
You wont believe how easy it is to make tender pulled pork in the Instant Pot:
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes. Keep in mind you need to allow extra time to brown the meat, for it to come to pressure and to naturally release for 15 minutes.
What Cut Of Meat For Pulled Pork
The best cuts of meat for pulled pork in the instant pot are PorkButt/Boston Butt and Pork Shoulder. They are both similar to each other and are from the same part of the pig.
They are not lean cuts of meat that get tougher as they cook too long, but instead are a more fatty cut which is just what you need for pulled pork.
When the meat cooks down over a long period of time, like in a slow cooker, or under pressure from the instant pot, it gets more tender because of the fat.
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How To Make The Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork
This is a super easy recipe to make. For the best results, follow the below steps. Also, I have included the recipe video in the post to make it easier for you guys to understand.
Recommended Pressure Cooking Time:
The cooking time might vary based on how thick the pork shoulder pieces are cut. In my opinion, its better to undercook the meat than overcooking as you can add additional cooking time later. Below you can find the general cooking time:
- Meat cut into 8 pieces: roughly 55 60 minutes pressure cooking time.
- If its cut into 4 pieces: roughly 60 70 minutes pressure cooking time.
- If its cut into 2 pieces: roughly 70 80 minutes pressure cooking time.
How To Reheat Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker
A slow, but successful way to reheat pulled pork is to use your slow cooker. Yes, it takes a few hours but the pulled pork is delicious and exactly how it was before you stored it in the fridge or freezer. It will take 2-4 hours but the pulled pork will be perfectly heated through and tasty as can be. Heres how to do it:
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How To Make Pulled Pork In A Pressure Cooker
Ok, so weve all heard how amazing Instant Pots are but how do you make pulled pork in an Instant Pot?
For a traditional pulled pork recipe, you are required to cook the meat slowly to allow the pork protein to break down properly and achieve that juicy tenderness pulled pork is known for. However, since well be making an Instant Pot pulled pork recipe theres no need to stress about this part. The Instant Pot takes care of it.
All you have to do is
What To Serve With Pulled Pork
- Serve pulled pork on hamburger buns, with coleslaw if desired. On the side, try sweet potato fries, fruit salad, Instant Pot potato salad or macaroni salad.
- Try it on top of nachos or rice.
- Pulled pork is also delicious served in tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Shredded pork is a great way to add protein to a salad.
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How Do You Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Start by cutting a piece of pork shoulder into 3-4 large chunks. Mix together a homemade spice blend to use on the pork. Heat a little oil in the Instant Pot, then brown the meat on all sides. You may need to work in batches. Coat the browned meat in the spice rub. Place chicken broth and BBQ sauce in the bottom of the pressure cooker, then whisk to combine the two. Place the pork back in the pot, then seal the pot. Cook the pork, then let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Manually release any pressure thats left, then open the pot. Shred the meat with two forks. Add more BBQ sauce until you reach the desired flavor and consistency, then serve.
Pork Shoulder Or Pork Butt
This is the classic choice and the best choice. Oddly enough, theyre nearly the same thingdont know what genius came up with the names, but it is what it is. They are a little bit different, but theres a good chance that youre going to find one or the other at your grocery store, not both. Either one will work great for this recipe. I always use pork shoulder or pork butt when Im using my smoker to make pulled pork, or when Im serving a crowd. Because it really is the best and tastiest choice.
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Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork
Pressure cook the pork for 60 minutes on high pressure. If you are using pork tenderloin, cook it for 45 minutes on high pressure. When the cook time ends, let the Instant Pot sit for 15 minutes to naturally release most of the pressure. A natural release makes the meat more tender, and the pork will continue to cook during this time.
After 15 minutes, carefully turn the steam valve to venting and allow the rest of the steam and pressure to escape. Carefully open the lid of your Instant Pot and shred the pork. If desired, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. See the full recipe with ingredients and instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Instant Pot Bbq Pork
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Want To Maximize Flavor Try Brining Your Meat
Brining your pork shoulder overnight will not only lock in flavor, but it will ensure a really juicy and moist end product.
Brine solution
- 3 tablespoons of your dry rub mix
Brine your pork
In a big pot prepare the brine solution and add the pork shoulder to the brine, throw in a couple bay leaves, cover the pot and put in the fridge overnight. You can also place the brine solution and pork in a big ziploc bag. In the morning, take the meat out and pat it dry. Put the meat in your Instant Pot and start rubbing in the dry rub all over the meat.
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The Best Way To Reheat Pulled Pork
But when you reheat pulled pork in the Instant Pot, the moist environment helps to keep the meat juicy and tender, exactly as it should be!
In fact, I think using the Instant Pot is the best way to reheat pulled pork, because it preserves the texture of the meat so well.
Today Im sharing how I use the Instant Pot to reheat pulled pork, including the tips and tricks and tweaks that make this method SO easy!
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Why Are My Instant Pot Pork Chops Tough
Pork chops are usually quite lean and will become tough once they are overcooked. For best result, you will want to use bone-in pork chops that are well-marbled. The bone will act as a shield for the surrounding meat. A thicker cut of pork chop will work better in the Instant Pot as it is less likely to overcook.
Add Favorite Bbq Sauce And Serve
At this point, your pulled pork will already be full of flavor. Just try a piece and you will be amazed! You can serve just like this . Or, you can add your favorite BBQ sauce. Add the sauce in small amounts to start. You dont want the pork swimming in the sauce, but rather the sauce complimenting the pork.
One of my very favorite ways to enjoy pulled pork is with some BBQ sauce and heaped onto a good piece of white bread. Use a fork to enjoyed this open-faced sandwich approach. Add a little coleslaw on top too for added flavor and texture. Be sure to have some pickle slices on the side too.
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Why Should You Use Pork Instead Of Beef For Pulling
- Pork is easier to cook.
- Pork is more tender.
- Pork is cheaper.
- A shoulder of Pork is forgiving. If you overcook it, it will just break apart more, not harden like beef would.
- Pork is easier to shred.
- Pork takes on flavors like a champ!
Pulled pork is great for beginners, so take this opportunity to get the kids involved for a culinary class at home this summer.
Is It Pork Butt Or Pork Shoulder
So what do your buy at the store to make pulled pork: pork butt, pork shoulder, or Boston butt? Bone-in or boneless?
Buying any of these options will result in the same flavorful pulled pork. Butt, shoulder and Boston butt are pretty much the same thing.. confusing, isnt it!?
All three are actually cut from the shoulder, hence pork shoulder. The pork butt, also known as Boston butt, comes from the same area but is a little higher on the foreleg.
Buying boneless or bone-in is up to you. Both will cook perfectly fine in your Instant Pot. Since you will be cutting the pork butt into cubes, you could cut the bone out if you prefer, but it is not totally necessary.
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What Cut Of Meat To Use For Pulled Pork
Pork shoulder is the best cut of meat to use for pulled pork.
This part of the pig has the best amount of fat content to turn into super tender, juicy, and melty meat.
You can use pork loin for this recipe but it is a much leaner cut of meat so it can turn out less tender and juicy.
The most important thing to do to your pork is to simmer, so the protein in the pork allows it to break down properly.
Or you use the pressure cooker to help you in this process.
Can I Cook The Pork In Bbq Sauce
I have seen some pulled pork recipes that do cook the pork butt in BBQ sauce.
However, some cooks feel that because of the high amount of sugar and the thickness of the sauce, your Instant Pot BBQ pulled pork will burn unless the BBQ sauce is diluted down with water or stock.
Then there’s the matter of BBQ sauce itself. Do you make it spicy, sweet, or vinegary?
Since my family is very particular about BBQ sauce I cook the pork and shred it.
Then I have everyone add their own favorite BBQ sauce to the pulled pork sandwiches.
Looking for a sugar free BBQ sauce? Try this 5-minute homemade no sugar barbecue sauce recipe.
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How Long Does It Take To Cook Pulled Pork In A Pressure Cooker
The general rule of thumb for a roast is that it will take around 40-60 minutes. We are going to use a 3-4 pound roast and since we want it nice and tender, I suggest 60 minutes.
When you cut the meat into smaller pieces, you can reduce the cooking time. But though trial and error, I’ve found cutting the pork into about 4 pieces and sticking with a 50-60 minute cooking time is best for amazingly tender and flavorful pulled pork.
What Kind Of Pressure Release To Use For Instant Pot Pulled Pork
With long cooking meats, a natural pressure release is always best to lock in the flavor and prevent the meat from drying out. If you are in a hurry, Ive found that a 10 minute natural release, followed with a quick release gets similar results.
Learn more about natural verse quick pressure release in my post.
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Pressure Cook With Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is the perfect liquid for pressure cooking pork. It adds flavor that you simply cannot get with water. To round out the flavors, well be adding some Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke. These flavors work together to bring about a boldness and savory aspect that youd normally get from the smoking/slow roasting methods of traditional BBQ. Naturally were going to emulate those flavors and the combination of Worcestershire and Liquid Smoke in the pressure cooker works wonders.
After youve deglazed the pot, add the rest of the wet ingredients and place the chunks of pork directly into the liquid. Dont stack it, spread it out as best possible. Secure the lid, close the vent and pressure cook on high for 1 hour. After the hour is up, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes you can quick release any remaining pressure.
Pulled Pork Instant Pot Frozen
Description:
Did you know that you can use frozen pork for your delicious pulled pork instant pot recipe? Of course! All you need to be aware of is that when making your frozen pulled pork instant pot recipe, you are to skip the browning step as frozen pork does not require that. Also note that you are to cut the pork into a 4-inch cubes before freezing. This is so because cooking large cuts of meat in the instant pot is not advisable. Finally, it is necessary to state that instant pot will take longer to come up to pressure if you are using frozen pork.
Course: Main course
1. 3 ½ to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
2. 3 tablespoons pork rub
3. 1 can root beer, cola or Dr. Pepper
4. 2 cloves garlic minced
5. 1 cup BBQ sauce or to taste.
All ingredients can be added to your shopping list.
Step by step instructions
1. Cut pork into large cubes about 4-inch each. Season generously with pork rub.
2. Turn Instant Pot onto sear and add 2 tablespoons oil.
3. Brown pork in batches until browned
4. Add ½ cup water to the bottom of the Instant Pot and be sure to scrape all of the brown bitsoff
5. Add garlic and root beer.
6. Add pork and cook on high pressure for just 45 minutes.
7. Allow it to release pressure using the natural-release method for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and use two forks to shred the meat.
9. Add about ¼ cup juices from the Instant Pot and discard remaining juices as theyre not needed
10. Stir in BBQ sauce.
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