Pulled pork in the Instant Pot takes only a few simple ingredients to create a dish that is juicy and delicious.

Get the low-and-slow cooked flavor of BBQ pulled pork in less than an hour in the Instant Pot!

Serve on slider buns topped with tangy coleslaw and enjoy.

a serving dish of instant pot pulled pork

Instant Pot Pulled Pork!

  • This easy recipe can be doubled up and served all week long as the flavors just blend even more!
  • Instant Pot pulled pork is perfect for Sunday supper, tailgating, or picnics (on slider buns)!
  • Cook Instant Pot pulled pork and serve it straight from the Instant Pot! Set out toasted buns or slider buns, tortillas, coleslaw or cabbage, and some sliced pepperoncini for a tangy twist to the sweet and smoky pork.
a serving dish of instant pot pulled pork with a serving spoon

Ingredients and Variations

Pork – The best cut of meat is either a pork shoulder roast (AKA Boston Butt) or a pork butt because both have lots of marbling, unlike a pork tenderloin. Bone-in cuts are also great choices. Frozen pork should be cut into pieces before it’s frozen so it cooks evenly through.

Sauce – Apple cider vinegar or soda helps tenderize the meat under the pressure of the Instant Pot. This also helps the other ingredients infuse flavor into the pork as it cooks. Feel free to use your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce, if desired!

Seasonings – Go for a zesty Cajun, a BBQ blend, or even a little liquid smoke.

Variations – Go for zestier rather than sweeter sauce and add ½ cup of chili sauce in Step 1.

Ingredients to make instant pot pulled pork labeled: olive oil, soda, pork shoulder, bbq sauce, bbqpork rub, mustard, garlic powder, and worcestershire sauce

How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot

  1. Combine soda or vinegar with ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce together.
  2. Place the pork in the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over the pork.
  3. Rub the seasoning into the pork.
  4. Cover and cook per recipe directions below.
  5. Shred the pork and serve as desired.
pork shoulder being marinated in a bowl
pork shoulder cooked in an instant pot with juices
pork shoulder cooked in an instant pot
the cooked pork shoulder being pulled for pulled pork

Storing Pulled Pork

  • Keep leftover Instant Pot pulled pork in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork in a serving dish

Side Dishes with Pulled Pork

a serving dish of instant pot pulled pork with a serving spoon
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Instant Pot Pulled Pork

A pulled pork sandwich is a recipe that whole whole family will enjoy.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Pressure Build And Release Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Holly

Equipment

6 qt Instant Pot

Ingredients  

  • 4 – 4½ pound pork shoulder
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ pork rub (or use spice blend in notes)
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can cola or Dr. Pepper or Root Beer
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions 

  • Cut pork into large 4" chunks and coat all sides with the mustard and pork rub.
  • Turn Instant Pot on to sear and add oil. Working in batches, sear pork on all sides until browned. Set aside
  • Add water to the instant pot, scraping up all the brown bits on the bottom of the pan (to avoid a burn notice). Add the cola, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and the browned pork to the pot.
  • Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow to natural release.
  • Remove the pork from the instant pot and shred using two forks. Stir in BBQ sauce and ¼ cup of juices from the pot.

Notes

Buns and coleslaw are not included in nutritional facts.
Pulled pork will keep in the refrigerator for 4 days and in the freezer for 1 month. 
Pork Rub:
  • 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 401mg | Potassium: 995mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 313IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American

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