Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): Sweet, juicy, moist pulled pork is deliciously satisfying to eat!

Make this sweet & juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork (Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork)! Kid-friendly, easy & deliciously satisfying flavors made with simple ingredients.

Check out Our Handpicked Instant Pot Accessories

When you need to feed a crowd, Pulled Pork is definitely a winning answer. It’s a crowd-pleasing party favorite that is versatileeasy to make!

Instead of taking hours with the Slow & Low method to make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, why not speed up the process with the Fast & High method – Instant Pot Pulled Pork? ?

Yes!! You can make deliciously tender & moist pulled pork in just an hour and a half!

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): Sweet, juicy, moist pulled pork is deliciously satisfying to eat!

We’re in love with our BBQ Pulled Pork, but as an alternative, we created a simple yummy Maple Dijon Sauce to complement the Instant Pot Pulled Pork for a change.

You’ll Enjoy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Because:

  • An alternative to the usual BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork (we still love our BBQ Pulled Pork! :P)
  • The whole family will enjoy this deliciously sweet, juicy & moist pulled pork
  • Made with simple ingredients – you probably already have in your pantry!
  • Easy to make & done in ~95 mins

Instant Pot Pulled Pork is Great for:

  • Burgers, wraps, lettuce wraps, sliders, tacos, over rice…
  • Outings, Picnics, Potlucks…
  • Game Days, Football Parties, Superbowl Parties, Men’s/Ladies’ Night, Taco Bar Parties…
  • Holidays, Dinner Parties, Gatherings…

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe


Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork) Ingredients

  • 3 ¼ pounds (~1475g) pork shoulder (pork butt meat), cut into 2 – 2 ¼ inches cubes
  • 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 1 small onion, roughly sliced
  • 1 – 2 tablespoon(s) peanut oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Kosher salt & ground black pepper to taste

Chicken Stock Mixture

Thickener

  • 3 tablespoons (45g) cornstarch + 3 tablespoons (45ml) cold water

Tools for Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe


  • Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
  • Pyrex glass measuring cup
  • Fat separator – This is such a handy tool to have. Instead of scooping the fatty oil a little at a time with a ladle or spoon, you can quickly separate the fat/oil from the sauce with this fat separator.
  • Optional Fun Tool: BEAR PAWS Shredder Claws – If you’re a fan of pulled pork or a Wolverine-wannabe ;), get these claws to shred your meat! It makes pulling pork easier and FUN. Some users use them to pick up hot food too.

Step-by-Step Guide: Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe


Step 1
Prepare Pressure Cooker


Heat up your pressure cooker.

  • Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker: press “Sauté” button and click “Adjust” button to go to Sauté More function.

Make sure your pot is as hot as it can be.

  • Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker: wait until indicator says HOT.

Step 2
Brown Pork Shoulder


Generously season the pork shoulder with kosher salt & ground black pepper.

Add 1 tbsp (15ml) of peanut oil in the pot. Ensure to coat oil over whole bottom of the pot.

Add in the seasoned pork shoulder, then let it brown for exactly 6 minutes on each side (don’t need to keep flipping the meat).

*Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step. Be patient and allow the maillard reaction to take place! 🙂

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): brown pork shoulder (Boston butt)

Remove and set aside to rest for 5 minutes on a chopping board.

Step 3
Create Chicken Stock Mixture


While the pork shoulder is browning in the pressure cooker, mix 1 tbsp (15g) Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, ¼ cup (63ml) maple syrup, and 1/3 cup (83ml) unsalted chicken stock in a large glass measuring cup.

You can also roughly chop the garlic and slice the onion at this time.

Step 4
Sauté Onions & Garlic


Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): saute onions and garlic

If necessary, pour another tbsp (15ml) of peanut oil in your pressure cooker.

Add in the sliced onions and sauté for 1 – 2 minutes.

Season with a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper.

Add in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 5
Cut Pork Shoulder


Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): browned pork shoulder (Boston butt)

While the onions are sautéing in the pressure cooker, cut the pork shoulder into 2 – 2 ¼ inches cubes.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): cube pork shoulder

Step 6
Deglaze the Pot


Pour in half of the chicken stock mixture and fully deglaze the pot with a wooden spoon.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): deglaze the pot with chicken stock mixture

Add in the rest of the chicken stock mixture.

Add 1 tsp paprika, taste and season with salt & black pepper if necessary.

Step 7
Pressure Cook Pork Shoulder Cubes


Add cubed pork shoulder with all the meat juice in the pressure cooker.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): fat cap side up

*Pro Tip: Skin on vs Skin off – Keeping the skin and fat cap on will keep the nearby meat very moist. Make sure to have the skin side facing up when you put it in the pressure cooker.

However, the sauce will be very oily when you leave the skin and fat cap on. But, you can use a fat separator to remove the oil from the sauce before serving.

Instant Pot Ultra: Pressure Cook function

Close the lid and pressure cook at:

  • Pressure Cooking Method: High Pressure for 28 minutes, then 15 minutes Natural Release

Release the remaining pressure by turning the venting knob to venting position. O

pen the lid carefully.

Step 8
Shred the Pork & Thicken the Sauce


Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): shred pork shoulder (Boston butt)

Place cubed pork shoulder meat in a large mixing bowl and shred them with two forks.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): shred pork shoulder meat (Boston butt) with forks

Step 9
Thicken the Sauce


If the sauce is oily, use an oil separator to separate the oil with the sauce.

Fat Separator

Sale
OXO Good Grips 4-Cup Fat Separator
  • Quickly separates unwanted fat from flavorful juices
  • BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic

Taste the sauce and season with more salt if necessary.

Mix 3 tbsp (45g) of cornstarch with 3 tbsp (45ml) of cold water and stir the mixture into the sauce one third at a time until desired thickness.

Add shredded pork meat back in the pot and mix well with the sauce.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): add pulled pork into maple dijon sauce

Step 10
(Optional Flavor Enhancing Step) Caramelize Pulled Pork in Oven


Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): Sweet, juicy, moist pulled pork is deliciously satisfying to eat!

Place the Instant Pot Pulled Pork on a baking tray under a broiler or top rack of a preheated 450°F oven until the surface is caramelized. Roughly 8 – 15 mins.

*Love the roasted caramelized boost of flavors ? Highly recommended!

Step 11
Serve Instant Pot Pulled Pork


Serve piping hot Instant Pot Pulled Pork with your favorite side dishes!

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): Sweet, juicy, moist pulled pork is deliciously satisfying to eat!

Enjoy your Instant Pot Pulled Pork! 😀

4.98 from 46 votes

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Author: Amy + Jacky
Make this sweet & juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork)! Deliciously satisfying flavors with simple ingredients.
Subscribe for Free Recipes & Tips
Servings 6
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 25 mins
Total Time 1 hr 35 mins
Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 ¼ pounds (~1475g) pork shoulder (pork butt meat) , cut into 2 – 2¼ inches cubes
  • 5 cloves garlic , roughly chopped
  • 1 small onion , roughly sliced
  • 1 - 2 tablespoon(s) peanut oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste

Chicken Stock Mixture

Thickener

  • 3 tablespoons (45g) cornstarch + 3 tablespoons (45ml) cold water

Share this Recipe so We can create more yummy recipes for you.  Thank you 🙂

Instructions 

  • Prepare Pressure Cooker: Heat up your pressure cooker (Instant Pot: press Sauté button and click adjust button to go to Sauté More function). Make sure your pot is as hot as it can be (Instant Pot: wait until indicator says HOT).
  • Brown Pork Shoulder: Generously season the pork shoulder with kosher salt & ground black pepper. Add 1 tbsp (15ml) of peanut oil in the pot. Ensure to coat oil over whole bottom of the pot. Add in the seasoned pork shoulder, then let it brown for exactly 6 minutes on each side (don’t need to keep flipping the meat). Remove and set aside to rest for 5 minutes on a chopping board.
  • Create Chicken Stock Mixture:
    While the pork shoulder is browning in the pressure cooker, mix 1 tbsp (15g) Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, ¼ cup (63ml) maple syrup, and 1/3 cup (83ml) unsalted chicken stock in a large glass measuring cup.
  • Sauté Onions & Garlic: If necessary, pour another tbsp (15ml) of peanut oil in your pressure cooker. Add in the sliced onions and sauté for 1 – 2 minutes. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper. Add in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Cut Pork Shoulder: While the onions are sautéing in the pressure cooker, cut the pork shoulder into 2 – 2 ¼ inches cubes.
  • Deglaze the Pot: Pour in half of the chicken stock mixture and fully deglaze the pot with a wooden spoon. Add in the rest of the chicken stock mixture. Add 1 tsp paprika, taste and season with salt & black pepper if necessary.
  • Pressure Cook Pork Shoulder Cubes: Add cubed pork shoulder with all the meat juice in the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook at High Pressure for 28 minutes + 15 minutes Natural Release. Release the remaining pressure by turning the venting knob to venting position and open the lid carefully.
  • Shred the Pork: Place cubed pork shoulder meat in a large mixing bowl and shred them with two forks.
  • Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is oily, use an oil separator to separate the oil with the sauce. Taste the sauce and season with more salt if necessary. Mix 3 tbsp (45g) of cornstarch with 3 tbsp (45ml) of cold water and stir the mixture into the sauce one third at a time until desired thickness. Add shredded pork meat back in the pot and mix well with the sauce.
  • (Optional Flavor Enhancing Step) Caramelize Pulled Pork in Oven: Place the Instant Pot Pulled Pork on a baking tray under a broiler or top rack of a preheated 450°F oven until the surface is caramelized. Roughly 8 – 15 mins.
  • Serve: Serve piping hot pulled pork with your favorite side dishes!

Notes

*Rate Recipe: If you've tried the recipe, don't forget to Rate the Recipe in the Comments Section. Thank you!
Calories: 294kcal
Course: Appetizer, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: instant pot pulled pork

Nutrition

Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 626mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 3.7mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork): Sweet, juicy, moist pulled pork is deliciously satisfying to eat!

Other Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe


Crispy Mexican Pulled Pork Recipe: Instant Pot Carnitas

Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe (Pressure Cooker Carnitas): Cut short cooking time and make this crispy and Juicy Mexican Pulled Pork! Perfect with tacos, burritos, or tamales.

Rate the Recipe




Please read before leaving a comment :)

1) If you have a question, it'll be great if you can try to search for the answer first by checking the comments below. Thank you so much. :)

2) We’re super thankful for all the reviews. We may not be able to reply to all of you, but we read and enjoy every single one of them.

96 Comments
newest
oldest most helpful
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

SUBSCRIBE FOR

FREE RECIPES & TIP

100% Free! Tested recipes to your inbox weekly.

Close This