Imagine the rich, savory aroma of pulled pork wafting through your home, making everyone’s mouth water. These Instant Pot recipes are not just quick; they are bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family. Let’s explore some delicious options that will have you eager to cook and your loved ones excited to eat!
The Family Favorite Instant Pot Pulled Pork That Always Satisfies
One of my fondest memories is the first time I made Instant Pot pulled pork for a family gathering. The moment I released the steam and opened the lid, the fragrant aroma filled the kitchen and drew everyone in like a magnet. The joy on my family’s faces as they took that first bite was priceless, and I knew I had struck gold with this recipe.
This recipe has remained a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only quick and easy, but it also delivers that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves. I can throw it together in the morning and let the Instant Pot work its magic while I manage other tasks, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile; you can serve it on buns for sandwiches, over rice, or even in tacos. Plus, there are countless variations to explore—whether you prefer a smoky flavor with chipotle or a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, there’s an Instant Pot pulled pork recipe for everyone!

Quick Look at What You’ll Get
- ⏱ Cooking time: 90 minutes
- 🔥 Difficulty level: Easy
- 💰 Estimated cost:
- 🍽 Servings: 6
- 🎯 Best for: Family dinners and gatherings
Essential Ingredients for Success
- Pork shoulder. This cut is perfect for pulled pork due to its marbling, which keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- Barbecue sauce. Adding your favorite barbecue sauce infuses the pork with rich flavor and sweetness.
- Onions. Sautéed onions add depth and a savory sweetness that complements the pork beautifully.
Fun Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Experiment with different spice rubs, like a smoky chipotle or a sweet brown sugar blend.
- Top with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast that enhances the flavor and texture.
- Try using different sauces, such as a spicy mustard or a honey garlic glaze, for a unique twist.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
- Always sear the pork before pressure cooking to develop a deeper flavor.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
- Shred the pork with two forks while it’s still warm for easier handling.
- Add a bit of the cooking liquid back to the shredded pork to keep it moist.
- Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning after cooking to suit your personal taste.
These recipes are curated from across the web and around the world, offering quick solutions and inspiring ideas that save you time and elevate your cooking experience—enjoy every moment in the kitchen!
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork
Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches from House of Nash Eats
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Boneless pork shoulder, dry rub, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper Total Time: 16 hr 10 min.
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork from NeighborFood
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Pork shoulder, apple cider vinegar, bbq sauce, coleslaw, smoked paprika Total Time: 8 hr 10 min.
Slow Cooker Spicy Pulled Pork from Slender Kitchen
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Lean pork tenderloin, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, whole Total Time: 8 hr 5 min.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Made with a blend of brown sugar, spicy barbecue sauce, and a hint of cayenne, the flavors meld beautifully as the pork cooks. What makes this recipe special is the caramelized edges that develop during the cooking process, giving every bite a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the pork on all sides.
- Add the sliced onion and brown sugar, then pour in the barbecue sauce.
- Lock the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 60 minutes.
- Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then shred the pork and mix with sauce.
Classic Carolina Pulled Pork
Classic North Carolina Pulled Pork from Martha Stewart
Ingredients: 32 h 30 min Total Time: 32 h 30 min.
This recipe is all about the tangy vinegar-based sauce that defines Carolina-style barbecue. The pork absorbs the zesty flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. What truly makes this recipe shine is the simplicity of the ingredients, allowing the quality of the pork to take center stage.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork butt
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Rub the pork butt with salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
- Put the pork in the Instant Pot and pour the mustard and vinegar over it.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow a natural pressure release, then shred the pork and mix it with the cooking liquid.
Mexican-Style Pulled Pork Tacos
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN PULLED PORK TACO RECIPE (COCHINITA) from Helen Tzouganatos
Ingredients: 1 ч 10 мин
Transport your taste buds south of the border with this flavorful pulled pork taco recipe. Infused with cumin, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime, this dish is vibrant and zesty. What makes it special is the addition of fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro, ensuring every bite is a fiesta!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 2 limes
Instructions:
- Season the pork with cumin and chili powder.
- In the Instant Pot, sauté the onion until translucent, then add the pork and chicken broth.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Release pressure, shred the pork, and mix in lime juice before serving in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Maple Mustard Pulled Pork
Maple-mustard pulled pork from BBC Good Food
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Skinless pork shoulder, maple syrup, wholegrain mustard, muscovado sugar, english mustard powder Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Maple-Mustard Pulled Pork from The Kitchn
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Boneless pork shoulder, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, dijon mustard
Sticky maple and mustard pulled pork wraps from Tesco Real Food
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Pork shoulder, guinness, maple syrup, dark brown sugar, dijon mustard Total Time: 5 hrs 40 mins.
This unique recipe combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of mustard for an unforgettable flavor. It’s a delightful blend that will surprise and please your family’s taste buds! What’s special about this dish is how the maple syrup caramelizes during cooking, creating a luscious glaze that coats the pork.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
- Mix maple syrup, mustard, and vinegar, then pour over the pork in the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release, shred the pork, and drizzle with remaining sauce.
Garlic Herb Pulled Pork
Instant Pot Pulled Pork from The Salty Marshmallow
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Boneless pork roast, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, beef broth Total Time: 50 min.
Best Damn Instant Pot Pulled Pork from Recipe Teacher
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pork butt roast, liquid smoke, bbq sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.
Recipe: Easiest-Ever Instant Pot Pulled Pork from The Kitchn
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Boneless pork shoulder, dark brown sugar, barbecue sauce, black pepper, vegetable oil Total Time: 1 hr 34 min.
If you’re a fan of fragrant herbs and garlic, this pulled pork recipe is made just for you! The pork is infused with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, making it aromatic and inviting. What makes this dish stand out is the herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with a side of creamy coleslaw.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the pork with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Place in the Instant Pot with chicken broth.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally, shred, and serve with your favorite sides.
Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Asian Shredded Pork from Joyous Apron
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 4 h 40 min Total Time: 4 h 40 min.
Slow Cooker Asian Pork (Caramelized Pork) from Carlsbad Cravings
Ingredients: 5 h 10 min Total Time: 5 h 10 min.
For a taste adventure, this Asian-inspired pulled pork recipe is a must-try. With soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, this dish offers a delightful twist on classic pulled pork. What makes it particularly exciting is the option to serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps, making it a versatile addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
- Season the pork with salt and pepper.
- In the Instant Pot, sauté the onion until soft, then add the pork.
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger, then pour over the pork.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, shred, and serve over rice or in lettuce wraps.











