Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork

Introduction

Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork is the answer when you crave tender, flavorful pork that falls apart with every bite—all in a fraction of the time of traditional slow cooking. Thanks to the high pressure and even heat distribution, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or want an easy weeknight dinner with leftovers, this pulled pork is sure to be a hit. The pressure cooker turns tough pork shoulder into a succulent, juicy dish in under an hour, and the seasonings infuse every strand of meat.

Why Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork Is Unbeatable

The magic of this recipe lies in its blend of savory spices and the speed with which the pork reaches peak tenderness. The pressure cooker not only shortens cooking time but also locks in all the flavors, resulting in juicy pulled pork every single time. This foolproof method is perfect for summer BBQs, winter comfort food, and any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing main.

Choosing and Preparing the Pork

Start with a well-marbled pork shoulder or butt. Trim excess fat but leave enough for moisture and flavor. For the fastest, cleanest prep, use a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 to carve your meat and chop onions or garlic for the seasoning blend.

Once the meat is prepped, generously rub it with a spice mix of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne for some kick. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to help the spices penetrate.

Pressure Cooking and Shredding

Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to ‘Sauté’ mode to quickly sear the pork and lock in those savory flavors. After browning, add your liquid—such as chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of BBQ sauce—before switching to high-pressure cooking. In just about an hour, the pork becomes fall-apart tender.

Shredding the pork is a breeze with a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black, which makes quick work of large chunks and leaves you with perfectly pulled strands.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

Pile your pulled pork onto toasted buns, into soft tortillas, or over a fluffy bed of rice. For crisp, tangy slaw, dice vegetables using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Serve alongside pickled onions, sliced cucumbers, or fresh greens for extra brightness.

Planning to meal prep? Store leftovers in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep your pork juicy and flavorful for days.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 hearty servings. Each contains approximately 350–400 calories, depending on your sauce and any side dishes. It’s a protein-rich main event that balances lean pork with just the right touch of fat for maximum juiciness.

Unmatched Flavor, Less Time: Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork Recap

This pressure cooker pulled pork brings together smoky, sweet, and savory notes in every bite, with fork-tender meat in far less time than oven roasting or slow cooking. Perfect for any meal, it’s sure to become your go-to recipe for effortless BBQ bliss.

Instructions

1. On your bamboo cutting board, trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 3–4 large pieces for even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub this mixture thoroughly all over the pork pieces.
3. Select ‘Sauté’ mode on your Instant Pot and heat olive oil. Brown the pork on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
4. Pour chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce into the pot. Scrape up any browned bits, then return the pork to the pot.
5. Lock the lid and set pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow a natural release for 15 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Remove pork to a large bowl. Shred using a chicken shredder tool or two forks. Return pulled pork to the pot and mix with juices and extra barbecue sauce to taste.
7. Serve immediately on buns, in tortillas, or with your favorite sides. Store leftovers in food storage containers for up to 4 days.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes pressure build/release)

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Enjoy fork-tender, incredibly flavorful Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork whenever you want—no smoker or hours of babysitting required!