Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Name: Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Total time: 80 min
Yield: Party
Ingredients: 1.3 kg pork shoulder, cubed; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 onion, sliced; 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instant Pot pulled pork turns a humble pork shoulder into smoky, tender shreds in about an hour instead of all day. The pressure cooker melts the connective tissue so the meat falls apart at the touch of a fork. Pile it onto buns, tacos, or rice bowls for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free High-Protein Instant Pot Dinner Family Meal Prep Party Pork

⏱ 80 min
📊 easy
🍽 Party

Ingredients

1.3 kg pork shoulder, cubed
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 onion, sliced
1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

Rub the pork cubes with the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Set the Instant Pot to saute and brown the pork in batches, then add the onion and broth.
Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.

Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick-release the rest.
Remove the pork and shred it with two forks, discarding excess fat.
Toss the shredded pork with barbecue sauce and a splash of the cooking juices, then serve.

💡 Chef's tip

After shredding, broil the pork for a few minutes with a little of the cooking juices to get the caramelized, crispy edges that make pulled pork special.

A pork shoulder that would need 8 hours in a smoker becomes meltingly tender in 60 minutes of pressure, because the high heat and moisture rapidly break down the collagen.