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The Best Damn Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a mouth-watering pulled pork recipe that’s both simple and quick to prepare, look no further. The Instant Pot has changed the game for home cooks, making it possible to achieve tender, flavourful pulled pork in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This recipe delivers succulent, smoky pork that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or even enjoyed on its own. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish.

Ingredients

To make the best damn Instant Pot pulled pork, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 250 ml (1 cup) chicken broth
• 125 ml (½ cup) apple cider vinegar
• Your favourite BBQ sauce (for serving)

Method

Step 1: Searing the Pork

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.

2. Sear the Pork: Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the pork to the pot. Sear each side for about 3–4 minutes until browned. This step caramelises the meat, intensifying the flavour.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

1. Add Onion and Garlic: Remove the pork and set it aside on a plate. In the remaining oil, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Mixing the Spices

1. Create a Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, ground cumin, ground coriander, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring well to coat.

Step 4: Adding Liquid

1. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to ensure no caramelised bits stick. These bits pack a tremendous amount of flavour!

Step 5: Pressure Cooking

1. Return the Pork: Nestle the seared pork shoulder back into the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid as much as possible. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure for 60 minutes.

Step 6: Natural Release

1. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. After this, carefully turn the steam release valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Shredding the Pork

1. Shred the Pork: Open the lid and remove the pork shoulder, transferring it to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix with Juices: Optional: you can return the shredded pork back to the pot to soak up some of the cooking juices or serve it with your favourite BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have the most succulent pulled pork, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few ideas:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve the pork on soft buns topped with coleslaw and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
• Tacos: Use small tortillas and add toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and lime for a fresh twist.
• On a Plate: Pair the pulled pork with sides like cornbread, baked beans, and a refreshing salad.

Conclusion

This Best Damn Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe will soon become a staple in your cooking repertoire. The combination of the Instant Pot’s efficiency and the rich flavours from the seasoning ensures a dish that’s not just quick to make but utterly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this pulled pork is guaranteed to satisfy. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy the fantastic results!