Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, juicy meat in about an hour, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The pork is seasoned with a flavorful rub and slow-cooked with soda and apple cider vinegar to achieve that classic sweet and tangy barbecue taste. Whether you are making sandwiches or adding it to creative dishes, this pulled pork is a weeknight winner that everyone will love.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite after I made it during a busy weeknight. The flavor and ease of the Instant Pot made me wonder why I hadn't tried pulled pork this way sooner.

Ingredients

• Brown sugar: to add sweetness and caramelization look for light or dark depending on your preference
• Smoked paprika: provides a warm, smoky depth Spanish smoked paprika is ideal if available
• Coarse ground black pepper: for a mild kick and spice freshly ground is best
• Kosher salt: to enhance all the flavors coarse salt dissolves evenly
• Chili powder: adds subtle heat and complexity choose a blend you like
• Garlic powder: for savory richness use good quality powdered garlic
• Onion powder: for added umami avoid products with added salt
• Cayenne pepper: for a gentle heat that brightens the rub adjust to your spice tolerance
• Boneless pork butt: also called pork shoulder look for wellmarbled meat with good pink color for the best flavor and tenderness
• Soda: such as root beer Dr Pepper or CocaCola soda adds sweetness and helps tenderize through carbonation and acidity
• Apple cider vinegar: to balance flavors with acidity and tenderize the meat
• BBQ sauce: your favorite BBQ sauce to finish the pulled pork with tangy, smoky flavor homemade or storebought both work great

Instructions

Sunning the Pork:

Pull the pork butt out of the refrigerator a few hours before cooking. Remove packaging carefully over the sink to catch any liquid. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the rub stick better.

Mix and Apply the Rub:

Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a bowl. Rub this seasoning mix all over the pork, making sure to coat every surface well. For deeper flavor, wrap the seasoned pork in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, then take it out a few hours before cooking.

Prepare the Instant Pot:

Pour the can of soda and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of your pressure cooker and stir to combine. Place the rubbed pork butt inside and pour half of the BBQ sauce over the top to infuse flavor as it cooks.

Cooking the Pork:

Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Program the cooker to high pressure for 60 minutes, estimating about 20 minutes per pound of meat. This timing creates tender, shreddable pork.

Pressure Release:

When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining steam. This step keeps the pork moist and tender.

Shred and Serve:

Carefully remove the pork from the pot and place it on a cutting board or large dish. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat or connective tissue. Mix in the remaining BBQ sauce thoroughly and serve immediately on soft hamburger buns with coleslaw or your favorite sides.

I love the smoky paprika in this rub because it gives real depth without the need for a smoker. One time I made a batch for a family gathering, and my uncle said it was the best pulled pork he'd ever tasted. Moments like that make this recipe special for me.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. This pork also freezes well for up to three months just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, though the smoky flavor will be milder. Use apple juice or even a light beer instead of soda for a different tenderizing effect. Pork shoulder can replace pork butt if you prefer leaner meat but adjust cooking time slightly as it may be less fatty.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork sandwiches topped with coleslaw make for a classic lunch or dinner. Try it over rice bowls with pickled vegetables for a different spin or mixed into baked beans for hearty barbecue flavors. Leftovers also shine tossed into tacos or quesadillas.

This Instant Pot pulled pork is a fast, flavorful way to get tender barbecue without a smoker. Enjoy it on sandwiches, tacos, or as a hearty family meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What seasonings are best for pork butt?

A blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper creates a flavorful rub that enhances the pork.

→ How does soda affect cooking pork?

Soda adds subtle sweetness and the carbonation helps to tenderize the meat, making it juicy and soft.

→ What cuts of pork work well for pulled pork?

Boneless pork butt or pork shoulder are ideal choices as they contain enough fat and connective tissue to shred easily after cooking.

→ Can this slow cooking method be done without a pressure cooker?

Yes, using a crock pot can also yield tender results, though the cooking time will be longer.

→ How should I choose the best pork butt?

Look for pink meat with good marbling of fat for flavor and ensure the size fits your cooking vessel.