Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Sauce and Dry Rub

Looking for a simple, best, and easy recipe for instant pot pulled pork, here I present you the best recipe to give you the best BBQ pulled pork in pressure cooker.

This tender and juicy instant pot pulled pork is the recipe to go for. Let me teach you how you can easily make pulled pork with sauce in a pressure cooker.

Can Frozen Pork Roast be used for Pulled Pork?

Yes. You can use a frozen pork roast for pulled pork. However, for the best result, I will advise you to go for thawed pork, as it saves you more time.

For frozen pork, you will need an additional cooking time of about 45 minutes to get it done.

What is the Best Pork Cut for Pulled Pork?

People are often confused about what cut of pork is the best for pulled pork. As for me, I prefer the pork shoulder to any other pork cut for pulled pork meal.

I have also used pork butt on many occasions in the past, but, yeah, I prefer pork shoulder to any other pork cut to get the job done for me.

Some people prefer pork loin for pulled pork. I have also tested this before on two or three occasions, and it came out well too.

One thing I noticed, however, is that the flavors and tastes of all are a little bit different, with pork shoulder and pork butt being more similar and tasting a lot better.

On the other hand, the pork loin is a healthier cut of pork as it contains less fat than other pork cuts.

Let’s Talk about Ingredients for Instant Pot Pulled Pork

• Pork Shoulder
• Olive Oil

For Homemade Pulled Pork Dry Rub

• Brown sugar
• Black pepper
• Fennel seed
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin seed
• Kosher salt

For Homemade Pulled Pork BBQ Sauce

• Ketchup
• Maple syrup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic cloves
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Medium onion

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork with Sauce and Dry Rub

• Servings: 6
• Total time: 85 minutes
• Course: Dinner, Lunch
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder (cut into 2/4/8 pieces)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

For Pulled Pork Dry Rub

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon fennel seed
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin seed

For Pulled Pork BBQ Sauce

• 1/6 cup honey
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ cup water

Instructions

• Mixing and rubbing pulled pork dry rub: The first thing to do is to mix all the dry rub ingredients and rub them all over the pork shoulder pieces. Then keep in the fridge for at least 40 minutes or overnight.
• Heat up the instant pot: Light and heat up your pressure cooker by pressing the Saute button. Please wait until your indicator indicates hot on the instant pot and ensure your pressure pot is very hot before placing the pork shoulders in it.
• Brown pork shoulder: This step is optional. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to coat the entire bottom of the pot and add the pork shoulder pieces. Allow to brown on both sides before removing and keeping aside.
• Deglaze the pot: Pour half of the BBQ sauce to deglaze the pot.
• Add BBQ sauce: Add the remaining half of the BBQ sauce to the pot.
• Pressure cook pork shoulder: Put all the pork pieces in the pot, and allow the skin part to face up (that is if you leave the skin on). Shut the lid and pressure cook at high (60 minutes for 8 pieces cut), (65 minutes for 4 pieces cut) and (75 minutes for 2 pieces cut).
• Turn off the heat: Turn off the heat and allow the natural release of pressure for about 15 minutes.
• Fork tender: Carefully open the lid, take one piece and try checking if you can shred it with a fork. If not, cook at high pressure for another 15 minutes, and allow to release naturally and fully.
• Shred pork: With a fork or pulled pork shredder claws; you should shred the pork meat.
• Separate fat from barbecue sauce: Separate fat from the BBQ sauce by using a fat separator.
• Taste and augment: Taste the BBQ sauce, and add additional kosher salt or brown sugar to fit your taste. Also, you should reduce the BBQ sauce to get your preferred sauce.
• Serve: Serve as you desire.

Notes

• If cut into 8 pieces – cook for approximately 60 minutes.
• If cut into 4 pieces – cook for approximately 65 minutes.
• If cut into 2 pieces – cook for approximately 75 minutes.

How can you Serve Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork can be served with so many dishes. They can be spooned over mashed potatoes, sweet corn fritters, onion and tomato curtido salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and more.

You can as well serve pulled pork in a pressure cooker with sandwiches, between buns, with an omelet for morning dishes, with empanadas, and more.

Can I freeze Instant Pot Pulled Pork?

If you are thinking of freezing pulled pork in order to increase its shelf life, of course, you are on the right path. Leftover pulled pork can be frozen.

They can stay in the freezer for more than 3 months if they are kept in a sealed vacuum. You can always eat it again afterward. All you need to do is to thaw it by moving it to the refrigerator overnight, then heat it.

Do you get more Tender Meat when you Pressure Cook?

With an instant pot pressure cooker, you will make tender meat faster – that is if you do it correctly. The high amount of moisture kept in there will keep it tender.

What are the other Ways to Make Pulled Pork?

In case you don’t have an instant pot or you stumbled here without the intent of pressure cooking pulled pork, there are other methods of making this delicious dish without having the pressure cooker machine.

Slow Cooker

You can make pulled pork with a slow cooker, only it takes more time to get it done. (Here is a guide on making pulled pork in a crock pot-slow cooker).

Oven

You can also make pulled pork in an oven. (This recipe is the best guide for pulled pork in an oven).

Final Thoughts on Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork with Sauce and Dry Rub

Try as much as you can to follow the directions precisely, and you will get the best result for your dish. You can check out our other instant pot/pressure cooker recipes below.