Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chipotle powder (if using), and salt/pepper- to taste. Stir the spices well to thoroughly combine.

Step 2

Place the pork shoulder chunks into a large bowl and sprinkle the spice blend over the pork. Use your hands (fitted with disposable gloves, if desired) to massage the spices into the pork. Make sure all pork pieces are nicely saturated in the spice blend. Then set seasoned pork aside.

Step 3

Set a 6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot to the high sauté function. Add the oil into the pot to heat. Once the oil shimmers, work in batches (careful not to overcrowd the pot), add seasoned pork into the pot in an even layer. Cook the pork on all sides until a deep brown crust appears, about 1 minute on each side. Then transfer the browned pork to a clean plate/platter and repeat the process with the remaining batch of pork.

Step 4

With all seared pork set aside, add the onion and garlic into the pot. If the pot looks dry, coat with a bit more oil, only as needed. Sauté the onion and garlic, stirring every so often, until tender and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the stock, vinegar, worcestershire, and mustard into the pot and use a wooden utensil to scrape up any bits on the bottom, stir well to combine. Then carefully place the browned pork chunks back into the pot along with any residual juices.

Step 6

Cover the IP and set to the manual high pressure function, set the time for 45 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, let pressure release naturally in the “vent” position or according to manufacturer’s instructions, until all steam has ceased.

Step 7

Remove the pork chunks from the pot and place onto a large baking sheet/platter. Then use two forks or your hands (fitted with disposable gloves, if desired) to shred the meat. Note: I like to save some of the cooking liquid (au jus) in the pot to pass over the pulled pork to keep it juicy when storing/ not serving right away- highly recommended, but optional.

Step 8

Taste the pork and adjust seasoning to preference by adding more salt/pepper, as desired. Feel free to pour full BBQ sauce over the pulled pork, to preference- or top pulled pork with BBQ sauce when assembled in sandwiches/sliders, etc. Enjoy!