Are you ready to transform an 8 lb pork shoulder into the most tender, flavorful pulled pork you’ve ever tasted? This Instant Pot recipe takes all the guesswork out of cooking and delivers mouthwatering results in a fraction of the time. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Imagine juicy, shredded pork that’s infused with spices and served with your favorite barbecue sauce. Whether you pile it high on a bun or enjoy it with a side of coleslaw, this pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser that offers endless possibilities.
Creating the Perfect Pulled Pork
Transforming a pork shoulder into pulled pork involves a few key steps that ensure a delicious outcome. Start by trimming excess fat and cutting the meat into manageable chunks. This prepares the pork for even cooking, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply.
The Instant Pot is an excellent tool for this task, as it locks in moisture and flavor. This method significantly cuts down cooking time while still yielding incredibly tender meat that shreds effortlessly.
Seasoning for Flavor
Seasoning is crucial for achieving mouthwatering pulled pork. A blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper provides a balance of sweetness and smokiness that enhances the pork’s natural flavors.
After searing the meat to create a rich crust, rub this seasoning blend generously over the pork. This step is essential for infusing the meat with flavor, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Cooking in the Instant Pot
Once the pork is seasoned, it’s time to bring it to the Instant Pot. Pour in chicken or beef broth to create steam and moisture that will cook the pork. This step helps to attain that tender texture that pulled pork is known for.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure. The natural release afterward allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it even more succulent.
Shredding the Pork
After cooking, carefully remove the pork from the pot and shred it with forks. Mixing in some of the cooking liquid will enhance the flavor, making the pulled pork even more juicy and satisfying.
This shredded pork can be served in various ways, but piling it onto a soft bun and drizzling it with barbecue sauce is a classic approach that many enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing the pulled pork with vibrant sides can elevate the meal experience. Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture that complements the tender meat, while pickles provide a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the pork.
Setting the scene on a rustic wooden table creates a warm atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings. This setup not only enhances the dining experience but also invites everyone to dig in and enjoy a hearty meal together.
Nutrition and Portioning
This pulled pork recipe serves 10-12, making it an ideal option for gatherings or meal prepping for the week. Each serving is approximately 350 calories without sauce, providing a satisfying dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
With its hearty ingredients and inviting presentation, this pulled pork is sure to please a crowd. It’s comfort food that brings everyone together, one delicious bite at a time.
Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder
This recipe delivers tender, juicy pulled pork that’s seasoned to perfection. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and flavor, making it the ideal method for cooking a large pork shoulder. The result is a savory dish that’s great for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own.
Expect a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the seasoning, balanced by the succulent texture of the pork. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
- 8 lb pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (for serving)
- Optional: buns for serving, coleslaw for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks for even cooking.
- Sear the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil and sear the pork pieces on all sides until browned. Do this in batches if necessary.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the seared pork pieces.
- Add to Instant Pot: Pour the broth into the pot, then add the seasoned pork. Stir to combine, making sure the pork is submerged in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 60-70 minutes on high pressure. Allow for a natural release once the cooking time is up.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Mix in some of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
- Serve: Pile the pulled pork onto buns, drizzle with barbecue sauce, and top with coleslaw if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 servings
- Calories: 350kcal (per serving, without sauce)
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
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