Instant Pot Pulled Pork (Printer-Friendly)

Flavorful pulled pork rubbed and slow-cooked to tender perfection using an Instant Pot.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Seasoning Rub

01 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt
03 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
04 - 1 tablespoon onion powder
05 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Main

08 - 3 pounds boneless pork butt (pork shoulder)

→ Liquid

09 - 12 fl oz can root beer (or Dr Pepper, Coca-Cola)
10 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
11 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus additional for serving)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Remove pork butt from refrigerator 2-3 hours before cooking, unwrap and pat dry with paper towels.
02 - Combine brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to create the rub.
03 - Generously coat pork butt all over with seasoning rub, massaging it into the meat thoroughly.
04 - Pour root beer and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the pressure cooker and stir to combine.
05 - Place seasoned pork butt into the Instant Pot and pour half of the barbecue sauce evenly over the top.
06 - Secure lid and set pressure release valve to 'SEAL'. Program manual high pressure for 60 minutes.
07 - Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
08 - Remove meat, shred using two forks, discard cooking liquid, remove any excess fat, then stir in remaining barbecue sauce.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For enhanced flavor, rub pork the night before, wrap tightly and refrigerate, removing a few hours prior to cooking.
02 - Estimate cooking time at approximately 20 minutes per pound of meat.

Go Back