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Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot: I Don’t Have Time for That!

In our fast-paced world, where time seems to slip through our fingers like grains of sand, the notion of slow-cooked pulled pork might feel like a culinary luxury we simply cannot afford. Traditionally, pulled pork requires an entire day of low and slow cooking, but fear not! Enter the Instant Pot—a multitasking marvel that can transform this beloved dish into a quick and effortless affair.

What is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork originates from the Southern United States, where it has become a staple at barbecues and family gatherings. The dish typically involves slow-cooking a pork shoulder until it is succulent and tender, allowing it to be shredded effortlessly with a fork. The result is a flavour-packed meat that can be served in a variety of ways—be it in sandwiches, tacos, or simply piled onto a plate with some coleslaw.

The Instant Pot Advantage

The Instant Pot has revolutionised home cooking, offering the convenience of a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice cooker, and more, all in one appliance. When it comes to pulled pork, the Instant Pot can significantly reduce cooking time while still producing deliciously tender meat. For those of us who find ourselves strapped for time yet unwilling to compromise on flavour, this kitchen gadget is a game changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make pulled pork in the Instant Pot, gather the following ingredients:

• 1.5 to 2 kg of pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• Optional: your favourite seasoning blend

The Quick and Simple Method

1. Sear the Meat: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up before placing the pork shoulder in the pot. Sear the meat on all sides until it develops a lovely brown crust—this step is crucial for flavour.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Once the pork is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the remaining drippings, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the stock, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release those delightful browned bits that will add depth to your dish.

4. Add the Seasonings: Return the pork to the pot and mix in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the meat is well-coated.

5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the pressure cook function and set it for 60 minutes. While this may still seem like a long time, remember that traditional pulled pork recipes can take up to eight hours!

6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes, before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.

7. Shred and Serve: Carefully remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Mix the shredded meat with extra BBQ sauce to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork is delightful on its own or served in various ways. Consider piling it high on a soft burger bun for a classic pulled pork sandwich. You could also serve it with a side of creamy coleslaw, in soft tacos with fresh toppings, or even atop a baked potato for a hearty meal.

Conclusion

With the Instant Pot, you can savour the rich, smoky flavours of pulled pork without spending an entire day slaving over a hot stove. If you find yourself saying, "I don’t have time for that," the Instant Pot is here to take your culinary skills to the next level—delivering delicious pulled pork in a fraction of the time. So dust off that countertop gadget, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress friends and family with your newfound culinary prowess!

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