Unlock The Secret: How To Create Mouthwatering Pulled Pork In Your Instant Pot

Pulled pork is a culinary masterpiece that can elevate any meal to new heights. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can now enjoy this savory dish in a fraction of the time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you achieve the most mouthwatering pulled pork every time.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pound pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment:

• Instant Pot
• Tongs
• Two forks
• Serving dish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork: Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Trim off any excess fat.

2. Brown the Pork: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the pork and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.

3. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 75 minutes.

6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.

7. Shred the Pork: Open the lid and remove the pork from the pot. Transfer it to a serving dish and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

8. Simmer in Sauce: Pour the remaining sauce over the shredded pork and stir to coat. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, or until the pork is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Tips for Success:

• Use a bone-in pork shoulder for richer flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot. Cook the pork in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pork shoulder. Add 15 minutes for every additional pound of meat.
• Serve the pulled pork on sandwiches, tacos, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Variations:

• Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Sweet: Add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
• Smoky: Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Sides to Serve with Pulled Pork:

• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Pickles

The Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich:

• To assemble the perfect pulled pork sandwich, start with a toasted bun.
• Spread a layer of barbecue sauce on the bottom bun.
• Add a generous portion of pulled pork.
• Top with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, onions, and pickles.
• Enjoy!

FAQ:

• Q: Can I use frozen pork shoulder?
• A: Yes, but it will take longer to cook. Add 30 minutes to the cooking time.

• Q: Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?
• A: Yes, pulled pork can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

• Q: What is the best way to shred the pork?
• A: Use two forks to pull the pork apart into bite-sized pieces. Do not use a knife, as this will make the pork tough.

• Q: Can I make pulled pork in a slow cooker?
• A: Yes, you can cook pulled pork in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

• Q: What are some other ways to use pulled pork?
• A: Pulled pork can be used in tacos, burritos, pizza toppings, and more.