If you love fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, but don’t want to wait all day for it to cook, this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is a game-changer! In just about an hour, you’ll have juicy, tender pork smothered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce—perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even over mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super fast & easy – Pressure cooking cuts hours off the cook time.
Incredibly tender – Comes out just as good as slow-cooked pulled pork.
Great for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it all week.

Ingredients

(A quick preview—find the full ingredient list below!)

Pork shoulder (or pork butt), cut into chunks
BBQ seasoning or dry rub
Onion and garlic
Chicken broth or apple cider vinegar
Your favorite BBQ sauce

Directions

Step 1: Season the Pork

Rub the pork generously with BBQ seasoning on all sides. This builds deep flavor.

Step 2: Sauté for Extra Flavor

Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add a little oil, and brown the pork pieces for a few minutes. This step adds a nice caramelized layer but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Until Tender

Add the onion, garlic, and broth (or vinegar) to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set to Pressure Cook (High) for 60 minutes, and let it do its magic.

Step 4: Shred and Sauce It Up

Once done, quick release the pressure, remove the pork, and shred it with two forks. Toss it back into the pot with BBQ sauce, mix well, and let it soak up all that goodness.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra flavor, let the pork marinate with the seasoning overnight.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of broth for a tangier kick.
Make it crispy – Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before adding BBQ sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Spicy pulled pork – Add cayenne or hot sauce for a kick.
Use different cuts – Pork butt is ideal, but pork loin works too (though leaner).
Swap the sauce – Try a Carolina vinegar sauce for a tangy twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Classic sandwich – Pile it onto brioche buns with coleslaw.
Tacos – Stuff into warm tortillas with pickled onions.
Over mac & cheese – The ultimate comfort food combo!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pork?
Yes! Increase the cooking time to 90 minutes if using frozen pork.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or tangy—it’s all good.
Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?
Absolutely! Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
How do I make it less greasy?
Trim excess fat before cooking, or skim the fat off the top after shredding.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is the ultimate quick and easy way to get tender, flavorful pulled pork without waiting all day. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just eating by the forkful—it’s a guaranteed hit!

The Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork – Juicy, Tender, and Flavor-Packed

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If you love fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork but don’t want to wait all day for it to cook, this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork is a game-changer! In just about an hour, you’ll have juicy, tender pork smothered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce—perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even over mashed potatoes.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Pork
Rub the pork generously with BBQ seasoning on all sides to build deep flavor.

Step 2: Sauté for Extra Flavor
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add olive oil, and brown the pork pieces for a few minutes on each side. This adds a nice caramelized layer but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Until Tender
Add the onion, garlic, and broth (or vinegar) to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set to Pressure Cook (High) for 60 minutes, and let it do its magic. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Shred and Sauce It Up
Remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Toss it back into the pot with BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well and let it soak up all that goodness.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the pork marinate with the seasoning overnight.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of broth for a tangier kick.
Make it crispy – Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before adding BBQ sauce.