Instant Pot Pulled Pork
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Pressurizing time
10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
278 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Description
Instant Pot Pulled Pork involves coating boneless pork shoulder pieces with a spice rub consisting of brown sugar, paprika, cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. The pork is browned in batches using the sauté function to develop a crust.
After browning, sliced onions are sautéed, then liquids including water, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice are added to deglaze the pot. The pork is returned, and it cooks under high pressure for 60 minutes.
The pressure cooking produces tender meat that easily shreds. This method shortens traditional slow-cooked pulled pork times significantly. The recipe suggests serving with coleslaw and slider buns for sandwiches.
Alternative cooking methods include Dutch oven baking and slow cooker preparation, with adjusted times. Leftovers freeze well in cooking liquid for up to 6 months. Adjust pressure cooking time by 15 minutes per pound of pork for similar tenderness across different quantities.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 4 lb. pork shoulder cut into 4-5" pieces, boneless, skinless
- pork rub spice mixture recipe below, or 4-5 tablespoons of your favorite pre-mixed pork rub
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or other oil
- 1 onion halved and sliced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- slider buns optional, for serving
- coleslaw optional, for serving
For the rub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar omit for paleo/whole30
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Spread the pork rub spice mixture all over each surface of the pieces of pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat so it sticks.
- Turn on the sauté function on your instant pot. Once it's hot, add the vegetable oil and brown the pork shoulder pieces in batches, about 3-4 minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust forms on the outside. If the bottom of the pot starts to burn, add a bit more oil, or add a little water to deglaze, scraping up the bits with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onions to the instant pot and sauté until softened and starting to brown (about 3 minutes). Add the water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, orange juice, and the pork to the instant pot. Turn off sauté function, cover, and set pressure to manual on high for 60 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure when the 60 minutes is up. Open carefully once the float valve has depressed. Remove the pork to a rimmed baking sheet (or something else with a rim, to catch the liquids).
- Turn the instant pot to sauté once again. Allow the mixture to simmer until it has reduced in volume by about half.
- Meanwhile, use two forks to pull apart the pork shoulder to desired texture.
- Add the pork back into the reduced liquid and turn instant pot off.
- Serve on slider or hamburger buns with your favorite coleslaw, if desired.
Notes
- Oven method: Brown pork and onions, then bake covered at 325°F for 4 hours until tender.
- Slow cooker method: Brown pork and onions, then cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Freeze leftovers in cooking liquid for up to 6 months in airtight containers.
- Adjust cooking time by 15 minutes per pound of pork shoulder for portions other than 4 lbs.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 278 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 278kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 799mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 766mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 419IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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