BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot: Easy Recipe & Cooking Tips

Spicy Peanut Noodles: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate – the creamy richness of peanut butter harmonizing with a fiery kick of chili, all coating perfectly cooked noodles. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of spicy peanut noodles are debated, similar dishes have been enjoyed throughout Asia for centuries. Peanut sauces, in particular, are a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, often paired with noodles, vegetables, and grilled meats. This dish represents a delightful fusion of culinary traditions, bringing together the best of Asian flavors in one satisfying bowl.

What makes these noodles so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The smooth, slurpable noodles are coated in a luscious, slightly sticky sauce. The peanuts provide a delightful crunch, while the chili adds a welcome warmth that lingers on the tongue. Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is incredibly convenient. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you can easily whip up a batch of these delectable noodles and impress your friends and family. Get ready to experience the magic of spicy peanut noodles!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Hamburger Buns, for serving
• Coleslaw, for topping (optional)

Preparing the Pork and Sautéing

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our pork shoulder. I like to trim off any really thick pieces of fat, but don’t go overboard – a little fat is good for flavor and helps keep the pork moist during cooking. Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 3-4 inches each. This will help it cook more evenly and shred easier later.

1. Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two. You want it nice and hot so we can get a good sear on the pork.
2. Season the pork chunks generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to build flavor.
3. Working in batches, sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the pork will steam instead of sear. Remove the seared pork from the Instant Pot and set aside.
4. Now, add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – those are packed with flavor!
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Pressure Cooking the Pork

Alright, we’ve built a great flavor base. Now it’s time to let the Instant Pot do its magic!

1. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, making sure to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom. This will help prevent the “Burn” notice.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is our delicious BBQ sauce blend!
3. Return the seared pork to the Instant Pot. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork, making sure all the pieces are coated.
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
5. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 75 minutes on high pressure.
6. Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release for 15 minutes. This means you let the pressure release on its own without touching the valve. After 15 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!

Shredding and Finishing the Pork

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s shred that pork and get ready to enjoy some amazing BBQ.

1. Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and place it in a large bowl.
2. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should be incredibly tender and easy to shred.
3. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot. You can use a spoon or a fat separator for this.
4. Pour some of the cooking liquid (about 1-2 cups, depending on your preference) over the shredded pork. This will keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Taste the pork and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Now for the best part – serving! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Pile the pulled pork high on hamburger buns.
2. Top with your favorite coleslaw for a classic BBQ experience.
3. Serve with a side of potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob.
4. Get creative! Use the pulled pork in tacos, quesadillas, or even on top of nachos.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
• Sweeten it up: Use a sweeter BBQ sauce or add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce mixture.
• Add some smoke: If you have liquid smoke, add a teaspoon to the BBQ sauce mixture for a smoky flavor.
• Use different cuts of pork: While pork shoulder is the most common choice, you can also use pork butt or picnic roast.
• Make it ahead: Pulled pork is great for making ahead of time. Simply shred the pork and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: You can also freeze pulled pork for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Troubleshooting:

• “Burn” notice: If you get a “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot, don’t panic! Turn off the Instant Pot and carefully release the pressure. Remove the pork and check the bottom of the pot for any burnt bits. Add a little more chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot. Return the pork and continue cooking.
• Pork is dry: If the pork is dry after cooking, add more of the cooking liquid or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
• Pork is tough: If the pork is tough, it may not have been cooked long enough. Return it to the Instant Pot and cook for another 15-20 minutes on high pressure.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for BBQ Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot! It’s a simple and delicious way to make tender, flavorful pulled pork that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone who loves tender, flavorful pulled pork without the all-day commitment. Forget babysitting a smoker or slow cooker for hours; this method delivers incredible results in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it locks in all those delicious juices and infuses the pork with smoky BBQ goodness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.

But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the speed and convenience, it’s the sheer flavor explosion that will win you over. The combination of spices, the tangy BBQ sauce, and the pressure cooking process work together to create a depth of flavor that rivals traditional methods. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! Of course, the classic pulled pork sandwich is always a winner. Pile that juicy, tender pork high on a toasted bun with your favorite coleslaw and maybe a few pickle slices for that perfect tangy crunch. But don’t stop there!

Think outside the bun! How about using this BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot creation to top nachos? Imagine layers of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, pulled pork, jalapenos, sour cream, and guacamole. It’s a party in your mouth! Or, you could stuff it into tacos for a delicious and unexpected twist on taco night.

For a lighter option, try adding the pulled pork to a salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The smoky flavor of the pork pairs beautifully with fresh greens and vegetables. You could even use it as a filling for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different BBQ sauces? Try a sweet and tangy sauce, a spicy chipotle sauce, or even a mustard-based sauce. Each sauce will impart a unique flavor profile to the pulled pork, allowing you to customize it to your liking. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne pepper to the rub.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what you love. I encourage you to try this recipe and see for yourself how easy and delicious it is to make restaurant-quality pulled pork at home.

I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by the results. The tender, flavorful pork, the quick cooking time, and the endless serving possibilities make this recipe a true winner.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of BBQ Pulled Pork Instant Pot! I’m so excited for you to try it.

And most importantly, please share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. Leave a comment below, tag me in your social media posts, or send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!