Busy moms know the feeling—it’s 2 PM, and you forgot to take anything out of the freezer for dinner. That’s where this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe saves the day! Whether you’re using fresh or frozen meat, this dish comes together quickly and tastes amazing. Serve it as pulled pork sliders with BBQ sauce or use it for tacos with fresh pico de gallo and tortillas.
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Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork Recipe
- No planning required. Perfect when you’re short on time.
- Works with frozen meat. No need to worry if you forgot to thaw your pork roast.
- Meal versatility. Use it in sliders, tacos, burritos, or even salads.
If you’re looking for more stress-free meal ideas, check out my meal planning guide for simple tips to stay organized and save time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Pork roast. The main ingredient for tender, flavorful pulled pork.
- Onion powder and garlic powder. Add depth of flavor and enhance the meat’s natural taste.
- Paprika. Provides a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
- Salt and pepper. Essential for balancing and enhancing the seasonings.
- Brown sugar. Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Apple cider vinegar. Helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy kick.
Tools You’ll Need
- Instant Pot or pressure cooker
- Tongs for handling the meat
- Mixing bowls for seasoning
- Measuring spoons for spices
How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Season the Meat
Generously season the pork roast with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Rub the seasonings well into the meat to ensure maximum flavor.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Place the seasoned pork roast into the Instant Pot. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and a small amount of water or broth if desired.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
For thawed pork roast: Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 60 minutes.
For frozen pork roast: Pressure cook on high for 2 hours and 30 minutes (2:30).
Step 4: Natural Release
After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10–15 minutes. Carefully use the quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Shred the pork using two forks. Toss it in BBQ sauce for sliders or serve it with fresh pico de gallo and tortillas for tacos.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Freeze shredded pork in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to retain moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! Pork shoulder or pork butt works best for pulled pork, but you can also use pork loin if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Double the ingredients, but keep the cooking time the same.
How do I make this ahead of time?
You can cook and shred the pork, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready. It’s great for meal prep and can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week.
How to Use Leftover Pulled Pork
- Pulled pork sliders with BBQ sauce
- Tacos with pico de gallo and tortillas
- Pork nachos with cheese and toppings
- Loaded baked potatoes
- Pulled pork quesadillas
For more meal ideas, be sure to explore my 7-day meal plan which incorporates easy, time-saving meals like this one.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
This Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is a quick and easy dinner solution, perfect for busy days. Whether you're using fresh or frozen pork, the meat comes out tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Pork roast (3–4 lbs)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the pork: Rub the pork roast with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Make sure to coat the pork evenly on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Add to Instant Pot: Place the seasoned pork roast in the Instant Pot. Pour in apple cider vinegar and add 1/2 cup of water or broth (if desired).
- Pressure cook: For thawed pork: Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 60 minutes. For frozen pork: Set to Pressure Cook on high for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Natural release: Once the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10–15 minutes.
- Shred the pork: Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
- Serve: Toss the shredded pork with BBQ sauce for sliders, or use it in tacos with fresh pico de gallo and tortillas. Enjoy!
Notes
- Frozen pork: If you're starting with frozen meat, there's no need to thaw it in advance. Just increase the cook time to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Moisture: If you prefer more moisture in your pulled pork, add 1/2 cup of broth or water before cooking.
- Storage: Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Serving suggestions: Pulled pork can be used in many dishes, such as sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or even salads. For a complete meal, try pairing it with potato salad or a fresh side salad.
This Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is the perfect solution for a quick, delicious, and versatile meal, whether you’re using fresh or frozen pork. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be enjoyed in various ways, from sliders to tacos. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, ensuring you have leftovers to use throughout the week. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for a stress-free dinner or someone who enjoys meal prepping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the tender, flavorful pulled pork in your next meal!
