Why is my pulled pork tough in the Instant Pot?

No matter which cut of pork you use, DO NOT release the pressure right away. The slow release will keep the meat tender. An immediate release can be why your Instant Pot pulled pork is tough. It will cause the meat to seize and toughen.

What is the best liquid to cook pulled pork in?

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

Is pulled pork better in the Instant Pot or Crock Pot?

Slow cooking the meat means it never has the chance to toughen up and will be extra silky and tender. Pressure cooking is faster, though you may lose a little bit of the tenderness. If you're going for the pressure cook method, be sure to get a pork shoulder or pork butt, as opposed to a pork loin.

What is the secret to tender pulled pork?

Pulled pork is perfect for the slow cooker. Cooking the pork low and very slow is the secret to the juiciest and most tender pulled pork.

Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (2024)

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The ultimate Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe that will make your taste buds dance!

Need dinner quick? With only 5 minutes of prep time and a pressure cooker, this easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe makes the best barbecue sandwiches and tacos.

Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Instant Pot Pulled Pork makes dinner a breeze! When you don’t have time to make dinner, this pressure cooker recipe will come to your rescue!

I’m not kidding when I say this is about the easiest pressure cooker meal I’ve ever made! You can tell from my all of my Instant Pot recipes that I’m a little obsessed with mine.

I’ve made slow cooker pork, but this pulled pork is so much faster and perfect for when you need a fix it and forget meal much quicker!

All you need is about five minutes of prep time, then after your pork soaks up the spices, it’s ready to go into the Instant Pot!

There is no other work besides shredding your pork for sandwiches. Easy peasy, melt in your mouth pork!

What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?

Wondering what cut of meat is best for cooking pulled pork? For this recipe I use a pork shoulder which is the most flavorful cut of pork roast. Thepork shoulder is cutinto two parts, the Boston Butt, and the Picnic Roast.

How long does It take to cook pulled pork in the Instant Pot?

It only takes 90 minutes to cook amazing pulled pork in the Instant Pot!

You’ll have to add at least 30 minutes of time to prepare the pork and for the pressure cooker to pre-heat. Best of all, it’s super easy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious pulled pork recipe! It’s now one of my son’s favorite meals, and that’s saying something because he is literally THE MOST PICKY kid in the world.Pair it with this amazing potato salad recipe and you have a winning meal!

Looking for more Easy dinner ideas? -> Check out our Recipe Index for more ideas!

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How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
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How To Make Pulled Pork in a Pressure Cooker

Watch the video below to see how easy it is to make this tasty pork dish in your Instant Pot! I definitely love making this in my home.

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4.74 from 282 votes

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

With only 5 minutes of prep time and a pressure cooker, this easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe makes the best BBQ sandwiches and tacos!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Active Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Yield: 6

Author: Amy Locurto

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoons sea salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pork shoulder or pork butt 3- 4 pounds boneless
1 cup Coca-Cola
1 cup water or chicken broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cups barbecue sauce optional

Instructions

Mix the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, ground mustard, and salt together in a bowl.
Cut pork in half, then rub the spice blend all over each piece of pork. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or overnight.
Turn the Instant Pot on Sauté and once it says “hot”, add the oil.
Sauté pork 3-4 minutes on each side until it is brown. Turn off Instant Pot.
Add co*ke, water and Worcestershire sauce then close the lid. Make sure the seal is closed.
Cook on “Manual” or “Meat/Stew” button for 90 minutes.
When done, let the pressure naturally release (about 10 minutes).
Turn pressure valve to release any more pressure and open the lid.
Place the pork onto a plate to shred with two forks.
If you like BBQ sauce on your pork, remove the excess liquid in pot and place the pulled pork back into the Instant Pot. Stir in about 1-2 cups of BBQ sauce, close the lid and place on warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Did you make this recipe? Let me know by leaving a comment and rating the recipe below.

Plan To Make This?Please share if you do. Mention @LivingLocurto or tag #LivingLocurto on Instagram. We’d love to see!

CLICK HERE -> To Leave a Comment

Recipe Video

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: barbecue, bbq, instant pot, keto, low carb, pork, pulled pork

Calories: 53kcal

Nutrition

Originally Published on September 11, 2017, updated 2023

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–> Check out my recipe story for amazing easy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites!

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