This article provides a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this flavorful pulled pork recipe is perfect. It can be made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, and the juicy and tender pork is infused with a combination of BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. The recipe also includes tips for choosing the right BBQ sauce and alternative options for the cooking liquid. This versatile pulled pork can be served on hamburger buns or used in salads, tacos, wraps, and sandwiches.
Key Takeaways:
- Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is a quick and flavorful dish that can be made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
- The recipe includes a combination of BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder for a delicious flavor.
- Choose the right BBQ sauce and alternative options for the cooking liquid to enhance the taste of the pulled pork.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or use it in salads, tacos, wraps, and sandwiches for a versatile meal.
- Customize the recipe by adding spices or adjusting the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to suit your preferences.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, you will need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 pounds of pork shoulder
- A can of Coca Cola (or alternative options like Dr. Pepper or Root Beer)
- BBQ sauce (preferably two different flavors)
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Hamburger buns
- Optional toppings like mayo and coleslaw
Once you have all the ingredients, you can start preparing the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Cut the pork shoulder: Begin by cutting the pork shoulder into four equal pieces. This will help ensure even cooking and tender pulled pork.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce.
3. Season the pork: Place the pork shoulder pieces in the Instant Pot and pour the sauce mixture over the meat, making sure each piece is well coated.
4. Cook in the Instant Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure. Cook the pork for 45 minutes, allowing for a natural release of pressure.
5. Shred the pork: Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the Instant Pot and transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board. Shred the pork using two forks, pulling the meat apart until it is fully shredded.
6. Mix with additional BBQ sauce: To enhance the flavor, mix the shredded pork with a bit more BBQ sauce. This will add extra moisture and tanginess to the pulled pork.
7. Serve on hamburger buns: Finally, assemble your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches by piling the shredded pork onto hamburger buns. For extra flavor and texture, you can add optional toppings like mayo and coleslaw.
Cooking Methods
The Instant Pot method is the main cooking method for this recipe, but if you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also slow cook the pork in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on low for juicy and tender pork. Alternatively, the recipe can be adapted for other cooking methods like a traditional oven or smoker. The Instant Pot method offers the advantage of shorter cooking time and convenience.
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Tenderness | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot | 45 minutes with a natural release | Tender and juicy | Shorter cooking time |
| Slow Cooker | 6-8 hours on low | Tender and juicy | Longer cooking time |
| Traditional Oven | 4-5 hours at 325°F | Tender and flavorful | Requires monitoring |
| Smoker | 8-10 hours at 225°F | Melt-in-your-mouth texture | Enhanced smoky flavor |
If you choose to use the Instant Pot method, follow the recipe instructions for cooking the pulled pork in this versatile appliance. For those who prefer the slow cooker method, simply place the seasoned pork in the crockpot, set it to low heat, and let it cook until tender. If you opt for the traditional oven or smoker, adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to achieve the desired results. Whichever cooking method you choose, the end result will be a delicious and flavorful pulled pork that is perfect for any occasion.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
Make your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork even more delicious with these helpful tips and serving suggestions:
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
- Enhance the flavor: Choose two different flavors of BBQ sauce for a more dynamic taste experience.
- Maximize flavor infusion: Marinate the pork for 30-60 minutes before cooking to ensure it’s packed with mouthwatering flavors.
- Prevent the “burn” warning: Deglaze the Instant Pot with broth before cooking to avoid any potential burn warnings and ensure smooth cooking.
- Tenderness is key: Use thawed pork if possible to ensure tender and succulent pulled pork.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork:
- Sandwich style: Serve the pulled pork on fresh hamburger buns with a dollop of mayo and extra BBQ sauce for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Crunchy and tangy: Top your pulled pork sandwiches with prepared coleslaw to add a delightful crunch and tangy flavor.
- Versatile creations: Get creative with your leftovers by using the pulled pork in salads, tacos, wraps, or sandwiches for a versatile and delicious meal.
These serving suggestions will take your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork to the next level, turning it into a versatile and memorable dish for any occasion.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
The Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe can be customized to suit personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas for variations to create your own unique twist on this classic dish:
Variations:
- BBQ Sauce Flavors: Experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce to add a new dimension to your pulled pork. Try spicy BBQ sauce for a kick of heat or sweet and tangy sauce for a sweeter taste.
- Spices and Seasonings: Enhance the flavor profile of the pulled pork by adding additional spices and seasonings. Consider adding cayenne pepper for extra heat, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or cumin for a touch of earthiness.
- Sweetness and Spiciness: Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to suit your taste. Increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar or add hot sauce to achieve the desired balance.
- Alternative Meats: Don’t limit yourself to pork. Try making BBQ pulled chicken or beef using the same cooking method and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Different Cuts of Pork: Experiment with different cuts of pork, such as pork loin or pork tenderloin, to achieve varying textures and flavors.
Cooking Time:
The cooking time can also be adjusted based on your preference for the level of tenderness in the pulled pork. For a more tender and fall-apart texture, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, reduce the cooking time slightly.
With these variations and customizations, you can create a pulled pork recipe that is uniquely yours. Have fun experimenting and enjoy the delicious results!
| Variation | Idea |
|---|---|
| BBQ Sauce Flavors | Spicy BBQ sauce |
| Sweet and tangy sauce | |
| Spices and Seasonings | Cayenne pepper |
| Smoked paprika | |
| Cumin | |
| Sweetness and Spiciness | Adjust brown sugar |
| Add hot sauce | |
| Alternative Meats | Pulled chicken |
| Pulled beef | |
| Different Cuts of Pork | Pork loin |
| Pork tenderloin |
Quote:
“By customizing the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe, you can create a dish that perfectly suits your taste buds and makes every bite a unique and delicious experience.”
Conclusion
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is the ultimate recipe for delicious and hassle-free pulled pork. With its quick and easy preparation, it is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. The combination of the tender and juicy pork, infused with the tangy and sweet BBQ sauce, creates a mouthwatering dish that is guaranteed to please everyone’s taste buds.
Whether you prefer to use the Instant Pot or the slow cooker, this recipe delivers exceptional results. The cooking methods ensure that the pork is cooked to perfection, allowing it to effortlessly fall apart with every bite. The versatility of this dish is also a major plus, as it can be served on hamburger buns, in salads, tacos, wraps, or sandwiches, making it a go-to option for any meal or occasion.
What makes Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork even more appealing is the ability to customize and adapt the recipe to suit your personal preferences. Whether you want to experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce, add extra spices or seasonings, or adjust the sweetness and spiciness levels, the possibilities are endless. This allows you to tailor the recipe to your exact liking and create a truly unique and memorable dining experience.
In conclusion, Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is a versatile, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing recipe that is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes. So, grab your Instant Pot or slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the smoky, flavorful, and juicy pulled pork sandwiches that will leave everyone wanting more.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
To make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, you will need pork shoulder, Coca Cola (or alternative options like Dr. Pepper or Root Beer), BBQ sauce (preferably two different flavors), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, hamburger buns, and optional toppings like mayo and coleslaw.
How do I prepare Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
Start by cutting the pork shoulder into four equal pieces. Then, combine the BBQ sauce, Coca Cola, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the sauce over the pork, and cook it in the Instant Pot for 45 minutes with a natural release. After shredding the pork, mix it with additional BBQ sauce and serve it on hamburger buns.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot to make BBQ Pulled Pork?
Yes, if you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also slow cook the pork in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on low for juicy and tender pork.
Are there alternative cooking methods for making BBQ Pulled Pork?
Yes, the Instant Pot method is the main cooking method for this recipe. However, you can also adapt the recipe for other cooking methods like a traditional oven or smoker.
What are some tips and serving suggestions for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork?
Some helpful tips for making the perfect Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork include choosing two different flavors of BBQ sauce, marinating the pork before cooking, deglazing the Instant Pot with broth, and using thawed pork for tender results. As for serving suggestions, the pulled pork can be served on hamburger buns with mayo and extra BBQ sauce, topped with prepared coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
Can I customize the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe?
Yes, the recipe can be customized to suit personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Some possible variations include using different flavors of BBQ sauce, adding spices or seasonings, or adjusting the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce. The recipe can also be adapted for different types of meat and different cuts of pork.
