Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot pulled pork is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a barbecue dinner without spending hours tending a smoker. The pork turns out fall-apart tender, and the simple homemade dry rub gives it a rich, smoky flavor using everyday pantry spices. While it still takes some time to cook, most of it is hands-off, making this an easy recipe for weeknights or busy weekends.

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My husband makes amazing smoked pulled pork, and we love it when he has time to fire up the smoker. But most weekends, that’s just not possible. This Instant Pot version lets us enjoy one of our favorite family dinners in a fraction of the time, making it much easier to fit into our regular meal rotation.

I like to make a big batch because it gives us easy meals for several days. We usually have it for two nights as a classic barbecue dinner with baked beans, collard greens, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese, then use the leftovers for pulled pork sandwiches at lunch. Recipes like this help us keep eating homemade meals, even when life gets busy.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Enjoy a barbecue dinner without tending a smoker all day
• Tender and easy to shred
• Much quicker than traditional smoked pulled pork
• Great for meal prep
• Makes enough for multiple meals
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Delicious with or without barbecue sauce

Instant Pot pulled pork ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin

For the dry rub

• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

For cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Tools you’ll need

• Sharp knife and chopping board — I can’t live without this 6-inch Victorinox knife!
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowl
• Instant Pot pressure cooker
• Tongs

How to make Instant Pot pulled pork

Cut the pork into several large pieces. Mix together all of the dry rub ingredients and coat each piece evenly.

Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Working in batches, sear the pork until browned on all sides.

Return the pork to the pot, pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke into the Instant Pot.

Lock the lid, and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes. When finished, allow the pressure to release naturally. Transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks. Stir in a little of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist.

Serve plain, topped with homemade vinegar-based barbecue sauce, or tossed with your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce.

What to serve with pulled pork

This quick pulled pork pairs well with all of our favorite barbecue sides, including:

• Stovetop macaroni and cheese
• Cornbread
• Easy Southern collard greens
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Deviled eggs
• Potato salad

Ways to use leftovers

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how many meals it gives us. We typically use leftover pulled pork for pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, but it could also work for:

• Loaded baked potatoes
• Nachos
• Quesadillas
• Tacos
• BBQ pizza
• Grain bowls

If you want to use the leftovers in different meals, wait to add barbecue sauce until you serve them.

Storage

Store leftover pulled pork with some of the cooking liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers along with a little of the cooking liquid to help keep it moist. Freeze for up to 3 months.

This recipe is also great to make ahead for busy seasons. I included it in my postpartum freezer meal prep because it reheats well and can be turned into several quick meals.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?

Yes. Pork shoulder is more traditional and has more fat, but pork loin also works well if you’d like a leaner option.

Can I freeze pulled pork?

Absolutely! Freeze it with a little cooking liquid for the best texture after reheating.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully throughout the week.

What barbecue sauce should I use?

Any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work. We usually have pulled pork with a homemade Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce. I typically serve the pork plain and let everyone add their own sauce at the table.

SHARING IS CARING!