What To Know
- With the advent of the Instant Pot, you can now enjoy tender, juicy pulled pork in a fraction of the time.
- Once the pork is browned, pour in the apple cider vinegar and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Pour the shredded pork back into the Instant Pot and simmer it in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, slaving over a traditional pulled pork recipe? With the advent of the Instant Pot, you can now enjoy tender, juicy pulled pork in a fraction of the time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the art of “how to instant pot pulled pork,” providing you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to achieve mouthwatering results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork: Remove the pork shoulder from the packaging and trim any excess fat. Season the pork liberally with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the Instant Pot and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Once the pork is browned, pour in the apple cider vinegar and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This will add flavor to the sauce.
5. Add the Liquid: Pour in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Cook on High Pressure: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure. Cook for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of your pork shoulder.
7. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually.
8. Shred the Pork: Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat.
9. Simmer in the Sauce: Pour the shredded pork back into the Instant Pot and simmer it in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork:
- Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder (pork butt) is the ideal cut for pulled pork because it has ample fat, which melts during cooking and results in tender meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: The pork shoulder should fit snugly in the Instant Pot, but it shouldn’t be overcrowded. If necessary, cut the pork into smaller pieces.
- Experiment with BBQ Sauces: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce or create your own. Different sauces will impart unique flavors to the pulled pork.
- Add Other Ingredients: For extra flavor, you can add other ingredients to the Instant Pot, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Shred the Pork Correctly: To achieve tender, juicy pulled pork, shred it against the grain of the meat.
Serving Suggestions:
Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and onions.
- Tacos: Use pulled pork to make flavorful tacos with tortillas, salsa, and toppings of your choice.
- Nachos: Top nachos with pulled pork, cheese, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
- Pizza: Spread pulled pork on a pizza crust and top it with your favorite toppings for a unique and delicious meal.
- Salads: Add pulled pork to salads for an extra burst of protein and flavor.
Beyond Pulled Pork: Other Instant Pot Pork Delights
The Instant Pot is not just limited to pulled pork. Here are a few other pork recipes you can try:
- Instant Pot Pork Chops: Juicy and tender pork chops cooked in the Instant Pot in minutes.
- Instant Pot Pork Belly: Crispy and flavorful pork belly made easy in the Instant Pot.
- Instant Pot Pork Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone ribs cooked in the Instant Pot, perfect for a backyard barbecue.
- Instant Pot Pork Roast: A classic pork roast made in the Instant Pot, perfect for a family meal.
Wrap-Up: Savor the Instant Delight
With the Instant Pot, you can create mouthwatering pulled pork in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, juicy pulled pork that will delight your taste buds. Experiment with different BBQ sauces, toppings, and serving options to find your favorite combinations. So, fire up your Instant Pot and prepare to savor the instant delight of pulled pork!
Questions You May Have
Q: How long can I store leftover pulled pork?
A: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use frozen pork shoulder in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder in the Instant Pot. Increase the cooking time to 75-90 minutes on high pressure.
Q: How do I make a homemade BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
A: To make a simple homemade BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and spices in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
