Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

I have a love/hate relationship with my Instant Pot. I feel fooled every time I use it. People who sing its praises talk about how you can make dinner in under 10 minutes and I get excited about that, but then I try it and I'm waiting 10 minutes for the dang thing to just start to warm up and count down. I digress. Though I did write my thoughts about the Instant Pot here, so if you want to commiserate with me, go check that post out. All that to say, I use my Instant Pot at least once a week and this instant pot pulled pork recipe is one of our favorites. I can often find pork on sale at my local grocery for cheap, and when I do, I often freeze it for an easy weeknight recipe. If you're looking for something easy you can whip together, check out this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

What is the Difference Between Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder?

I don't know a lot about the different cuts of meat out there, so I had to do a little research for you. You're welcome. Pork butt and pork shoulder {also called picnic shoulder or picnic roast} both come from the shoulder of the pig. What? Not the butt? Nope. Whoever named this needed an anatomy lesson apparently. Both cuts are tough and fatty and both benefit from being cooked slowly either in a slow cooker or in an instant pot. 

Pork butt is way better if you want that shredded meat, so if you have a choice, pick up the pork butt.

The Secret to a Good Pulled Pork Recipe

Want to know the secret to a good pulled pork recipe? It's all in the rub. This is the absolute best way to get the most flavorful piece of meat for the perfect sandwich. As you can see, it doesn't take a lot of ingredients either. You probably have all that you need for making a good rub in your pantry.

The other secret is to sear your meat. The best flavors for barbeque come from slow roasting or smoking and no one has time for that! At least no one who wants to whip up an instant pot recipe! So we are searing the flavors by searing the meat in our instant pot before we start cooking. 

Still need to buy an Instant Pot? This is the one I have.

Are you ready to try out this delicious pulled pork recipe?

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Yield: 6

Author: Rachel Teodoro

Prep time: 10 min cook time: 1 hour total time: 1 H & 10 M

Ingredients

For the Spice Rub

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Additional Ingredients

• 1 Small Pork Butt (about 3-4 pounds) cut into 2” cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 cup chicken stock or beer
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups barbeque sauce, divided
• Buns and coleslaw-- or whatever else you like on your BBQ sandwiches!

Instructions

1. Make the Spice Rub
2. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Make the Pulled Pork
4. Cut the Pork Butt into large pieces (about 2” cubes). Season on all sides with the spice rub.
5. Heat the Instant Pot using the Saute-High function. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes. Next, add half of the pork butt and allow it to sear for 2 minutes per side. Once the first batch of pork has been seared on all sides, remove the meat to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and repeat the browning process with the remaining pork butt.
6. When the second batch of pork has been browned on all sides, remove it to a plate as well. Add the chicken stock (or beer) and gently scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot with a wooden spoon to release any bits that may be stuck on the bottom.
7. Next, whisk in the apple cider vinegar. Add the pork butt to the sauce and try to push the pork into the liquid as much as possible. Cover the pork with 1 ½ cups of barbeque sauce. Don’t stir!
8. Attach the lid and ensure the valve is in the “sealing position”. Set the timer for 45 minutes. When the timer finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually by switching the valve to the “venting” position. Be careful-- it may steam!
9. Remove the pork to a cutting board. Shred the meat and place it in a large bowl.
10. Whisk together the remaining 1 cup of barbeque sauce with 1 cup of cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. Add the mixture to the pulled pork and toss to combine.
11. Serve immediately. Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Looking for more Instant Pot Recipes? Check these out!

Instant Pot Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Instant Pot Beef and Bean Chili made with Dry Beans

Instant Pot Applesauce

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal Recipe

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