Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Introduction
Are you craving a delicious and satisfying pulled pork sandwich but don’t want to spend hours cooking? Look no further than these easy Instant Pot pulled pork sandwiches. With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can have tender and flavorful pulled pork ready in no time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want a comforting meal, these sandwiches are sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and your Instant Pot, you can have a mouthwatering pulled pork filling for your sandwiches. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function ensures that the pork cooks quickly and becomes tender and juicy.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a smoky barbecue flavor or a tangy and spicy kick, you can easily adjust the ingredients to create your perfect pulled pork. Plus, this recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on how many people you’re serving.
Additionally, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of pulled pork and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the pulled pork:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the barbecue sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder or pork butt.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring that it’s evenly coated.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
5. Place the seasoned pork shoulder or pork butt into the Instant Pot.
6. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 60 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
8. Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce.
10. Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot and pour the barbecue sauce over it. Stir well to coat the pork with the sauce.
11. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and cook the pork and sauce mixture for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
12. Serve the pulled pork on your favorite buns or rolls, and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
– For even more flavor, marinate the pork in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
– If you prefer a spicier pulled pork, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice rub or barbecue sauce.
– If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same instructions, but cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.
Variations and Substitutions
There are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences:
– If you don’t eat pork, you can use boneless chicken thighs or beef chuck roast instead.
– Experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavors. Try adding chipotle powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for a twist.
– If you prefer a tangier barbecue sauce, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or add a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These pulled pork sandwiches are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with some tasty sides:
– Coleslaw: The creamy and crunchy texture of coleslaw complements the tender pulled pork perfectly. Serve it on the side or pile it high on the sandwich.
– Pickles: Add some tang and crunch with dill pickles. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory pork.
– Sweet Potato Fries: Serve the pulled pork sandwiches with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: While pork shoulder or pork butt are the traditional cuts for pulled pork, you can use other cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may result in slightly drier pulled pork.
Q: Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The barbecue sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it before adding it to the shredded pork.
Q: Can I freeze the pulled pork?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These easy Instant Pot pulled pork sandwiches are a game-changer when it comes to quick and delicious meals. With minimal effort, you can enjoy tender and flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even pizza toppings. The customizable spice rub and barbecue sauce allow you to tailor the flavors to your liking, and the serving suggestions provide ideas for creating a complete meal. So fire up your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches.
We hope you enjoy this recipe and have a great time experimenting with different variations and serving ideas. Don’t forget to share your experience and tag us on social media!
Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Tender and flavorful pulled pork sandwiches made quickly and effortlessly using an Instant Pot. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a comforting meal, these sandwiches are versatile and customizable with a homemade barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
-
Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder or pork butt.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
-
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring that it's evenly coated.
-
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
-
Place the seasoned pork shoulder or pork butt into the Instant Pot.
-
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode for 60 minutes.
-
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
-
Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce.
-
Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot and pour the barbecue sauce over it. Stir well to coat the pork with the sauce.
-
Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and cook the pork and sauce mixture for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
-
Serve the pulled pork on your favorite buns or rolls, and enjoy!