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Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Dinner

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Pork shoulder seasoned with a dry rub, pressure-cooked until it shreds effortlessly, then tossed with a simple sauce. The Instant Pot delivers pulled pork that rivals hours of slow-cooking in a fraction of the time.

352calper serving 52gprotein 14gcarbs 8gfat 15min prep 90min cook 8serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Instant Pot Pulled Pork — common questions

Can I make pulled pork ahead and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely. Store shredded pork with sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water over low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?

Use white vinegar (slightly sharper) or omit the vinegar and add 0.5 cup more water or chicken broth; the pork will still be tender, but lack the tangy depth. Do not use balsamic vinegar—it is too sweet.

What's the most common mistake that ruins it?

Not cooking to the correct internal temperature (190°F minimum). Undercooking leaves the meat tough and stringy. Always use a meat thermometer and do not rely on cooking time alone; pork shoulder thickness varies.

Can I use a boneless pork shoulder instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless works fine; the cooking time remains the same at 60 minutes under pressure. Bone-in adds slight flavor but requires removing before shredding anyway.

What should I serve pulled pork with?

Soft brioche or hamburger buns, classic coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based), pickles, jalapeños, or onions. Also excellent in tacos with cilantro, lime, and Mexican crema, or on nachos with cheese.

Can I cook a smaller or larger pork shoulder?

Yes. A 2–3 pound shoulder cooks in 45 minutes; a 5–6 pound shoulder needs 75 minutes. Always check the internal temperature at the thickest point—that is the only reliable indicator of doneness.

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