The Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork You’ll Ever Make

I’ve made a lot of pulled pork recipes over the years, but nothing beats how quick and easy this one is. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, and the result is the most tender, flavorful pork that practically falls apart with a fork. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took all day to cook, but it’s ready in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like standing over the stove for hours.

I love using pork shoulder steaks for this because they stay so juicy and flavorful after pressure cooking. A quick sear at the beginning locks in all that goodness, and the simple blend of spices gives it that classic smoky BBQ taste without needing a smoker or grill. Once it’s done, the meat shreds beautifully, and you can toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce or keep it plain for a more versatile option.

What I really love about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can pile the pulled pork high on soft buns, use it for tacos, or even spoon it over baked potatoes. It freezes and reheats beautifully too, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Every time I make this, my family ends up asking for seconds, and I have a feeling it’ll become one of your favorites too.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds pork shoulder steaks, left whole – These become melt-in-your-mouth tender after pressure cooking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the pork for that rich, golden flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Brings out the natural taste of the meat and seasonings.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick that balances the smoky flavors.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives the pork that classic BBQ depth without needing a grill.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a warm, savory note to every bite.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Rounds out the seasoning blend perfectly.
• ½ cup chicken broth or water – Creates steam in the Instant Pot to keep the pork juicy and tender.
• ½ cup plain BBQ sauce (for serving) – The finishing touch that ties everything together with smoky-sweet goodness.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.

2. Season all sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add olive oil.

4. Sear the pork steaks for 2–3 minutes on each side, working in batches if needed. When finished, press Cancel to stop sautéing.

5. Pour in the chicken broth or water.

6. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for 60 minutes.

7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15–20 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

8. Shred the pork with two forks.

9. Drain any excess liquid, toss the pork with BBQ sauce if desired, and serve.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pulled Pork

• Sear the pork first to lock in flavor and give it a nice caramelized crust.

• Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally to keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the best texture and flavor.

• If your pork pieces are large, cut them into smaller chunks so they cook evenly.

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid for extra depth.

• Shred the pork while it’s still warm so it pulls apart easily.

• Toss the shredded meat with a little of the cooking liquid before adding BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

• For crisp edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before serving.

• Store leftovers in the cooking juices to help preserve flavor and moisture.

• Make it ahead of time if you’re feeding a crowd because it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Serving

• Pile the pulled pork high on soft sandwich buns and top with coleslaw for a classic combo.

• Serve it alongside mac and cheese, cornbread, or baked beans for a hearty meal.

• Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for an easy twist.

• Spoon it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a cozy dinner idea.

• Make pulled pork sliders for parties or game days.

• Add it to nachos with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

• Serve it plain with a side of roasted veggies or salad for a lighter option.

• Top it with pickles and red onion for a pop of tangy flavor.

• Pair it with a cold drink and call it comfort food perfection.

Storing

• Let the pulled pork cool completely before storing.

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Store the meat with a bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water.

• For longer storage, freeze the pork in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Use freezer bags to save space and make thawing easier.

• Label and date containers so you always know what’s inside.

• Once reheated, use leftovers in sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls for quick meals.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes, pork shoulder or pork butt works best because of the fat content, but you can also use pork loin if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind it may not be quite as tender.

Do I need to sear the pork first?

It’s optional, but highly recommended. Searing adds a deeper flavor and helps create that delicious crust on the meat.

Can I use frozen pork?

You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 20 minutes. It also won’t sear as well, so skip that step if the meat is frozen.

What’s the best way to shred the pork?

Two forks work perfectly, but you can also use a hand mixer on low speed for quick shredding if you have a large batch.

How do I keep the pork from drying out?

Save some of the cooking liquid and mix it back in after shredding. It helps the pork stay juicy and flavorful.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure the meat fits below the fill line in your Instant Pot. The cooking time stays the same, but the pot will take longer to come to pressure.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use any kind you love. A smoky or slightly sweet sauce pairs beautifully with the seasoning in this recipe.