Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This pulled pork recipe makes a tender, flavorful meal you can enjoy any day of the week without hours of slow cooking. It’s perfect for a quick barbecue fix and turns out juicy and shreddable in about an hour using the Instant Pot. Whether you want to pile it on a sandwich or enjoy it as a main dish, this method saves you time while keeping all that classic southern pork goodness.

I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how tender and flavorful the pork turned out without any fuss. Now it’s a go to whenever we crave pulled pork but don’t have a whole afternoon to cook.

Ingredients

• Boneless pork butt: the marbling of fat here keeps the meat moist and tender, look for a piece that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot
• Brown sugar, garlic and onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne powder: together these spices balance sweetness and warmth, creating a rich, smoky rub
• Root beer, Dr Pepper or CocaCola: adds sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the pork during cooking
• Apple cider vinegar: enhances the tang and helps break down the meat for shredding
• Your favorite BBQ sauce: for finishing with that signature smoky, tangy flavor

Instructions

Savor the Rub:

Mixing the seasoning blend is key. Use half immediately and save the rest in an airtight jar for your next pulled pork adventure. This saves time and keeps the flavors handy.

Prepare the Pork:

Take your pork butt out of the fridge a few hours before cooking. Remove packaging and pat dry with paper towels which helps the rub stick. Generously coat the pork all over with the rub mixture pressing it in to build flavor. For an even deeper taste wrap the rubbed pork in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove it a few hours before cooking to come back to room temperature.

Add Liquid to Instant Pot:

Pour your chosen soda and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the Instant Pot and stir together. This mix creates a flavorful braising liquid that keeps the pork tender.

Load the Meat:

Place the seasoned pork butt into the pot. Pour half a bottle of BBQ sauce over the top if desired to kick up the flavor.

Pressure Cook:

Secure the lid set the valve to seal and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 60 minutes. This cooks roughly 20 minutes per pound ensuring tenderness without dry spots.

Natural Release:

After cooking allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This prevents the meat from drying out and continues the gentle cooking process. After 10 minutes manually release any remaining pressure.

Shred and Sauce:

Take the pork out and shred it with two forks discarding leftover liquid and trimming any fatty bits if you like. Mix in the rest of your BBQ sauce for that classic pulled pork bite.

My favorite part about this recipe is the rub. It’s a simple but powerful blend that brings out the best in the pork every time. One year my family devoured an entire batch at a backyard party and it became a request for every gathering after that.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist. For longer storage freeze shredded pork in freezer safe bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have root beer or similar soda try using ginger ale or apple juice as a milder sweetener and tenderizer. If fresh pork butt is not available pork shoulder will also work but may have a slightly different texture due to a leaner cut. Adjust cooking time slightly if you use a thicker or thinner piece.

Serving suggestions

Pile the pulled pork on toasted buns with crunchy coleslaw for a classic sandwich. You can also serve it over rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a lowcarb option. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce adds that finishing touch whether you serve it hot or cold.

Serve warm on toasted buns with coleslaw or alongside roasted vegetables. Leftovers freeze well for up to three months.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What seasonings are ideal for pork butt?

A blend of brown sugar, garlic and onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne creates a flavorful, balanced rub without overpowering heat.

→ How does soda enhance the cooking process?

Soda adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat thanks to its acidity and carbonation, with favorites like root beer and cola commonly used.

→ Can this be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, the same seasoning and method can be adapted for a slow cooker, though cooking times will be longer compared to pressure cooking.

→ What's the difference between pork butt and shoulder?

Pork butt comes from the thicker part of the shoulder and is fattier, making it ideal for shredding, while shoulder is leaner and thinner.

→ How to select the best pork butt?

Choose a cut with good pink color and marbling of fat to ensure flavor and tenderness, sized to fit your cooking pot.