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    Home » Recipe Index » Pork Dishes

    Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork

    January 20, 2020 Updated August 10, 2022 By Rebecca Entrees, One Pot/One Pan Meals, Pork Dishes, Prep Ahead Meals

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pressure cooked pulled pork and onions on a cream oval plate
    instant pot pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on a plate with pineapple and a text overlay

    Make this easy pressure cooker pulled pork and use it in tacos, sandwiches, or a pulled pork sandwich with rainbow coleslaw and pineapple to make a truly delicious summer entertaining meal. It's a super versatile meat and recipe!

    pressure cooked pulled pork and onions on a cream oval plate

    [This recipe was originally posted in November 2018. It has been updated with cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]

    PIN HERE to add to your recipe box.

    Table of contents

    • How will this Instant Pot pulled pork make your life easier?
    • What makes this pulled pork recipe so good?
    • How do I make this Instant Pot pulled pork?
    • Substitutions/Tips
    • FAQ
    • What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    How will this Instant Pot pulled pork make your life easier?

    This pressure cooker pulled pork is so easy. Throw it + salt + an onion + garlic into a pressure cooker/Instant Pot. Let it cook for about 60 minutes, then shred it to make lots of different dishes for the week.

    Even though I usually create 1-2 serving recipes, this pulled pork recipe that makes 12-ish servings is a great option, even if you're cooking for one. Make it and enjoy it in different dishes (ideas below!) throughout the week or freeze for later.

    How to enjoy:

    • Make it into pulled pork sandwiches. Sandwiches with pressure cooker pulled pork are great with BBQ sauce, this red wine vinegar slaw, and a thick slice of pineapple
    • Add it to tacos like these veggie tacos, or make it into a burrito bowl
    • Add it to a salad like this grapefruit & avocado salad or this beet & arugula salad.
    • Serve with roasted vegetables.

    What makes this pulled pork recipe so good?

    • Pork shoulder
    • White onion 
    • Garlic

    How do I make this Instant Pot pulled pork?

    pork shoulder and onion in an instant pot

    Start making your pressure cooker pulled pork by cutting a 2 lb pork shoulder into 2-3 pieces. Spray bottom of Instant Pot bowl with cooking spray. Place pork pieces in pressure cooker bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add white onion, garlic, water.

    Instant Pot monitor set to MEAT/STEW for 50 minutes

    Cover with lid, and set to MEAT/STEW setting and set timer to 40 minutes. 

    cooked pork shoulder and onions in an instant pot bowl

    When timer goes off, open valve to quick release steam. Once steam is done releasing, open lid. Check doneness of your pressure cooker pulled pork by gently shredding with your fork, if it shreds easily, it's ready. Cook 10 more minutes if not.

    shredded pulled pork and onions in a glass bowl with tongs in it

    Transfer meat to a bowl to shred. You can turn the Instant Pot back onto SAUTEE to reduce the sauce, and add to shredded meat. Refrigerate meat or add to a dish to eat immediately.

    Substitutions/Tips

    • Wipe oil around pressure cooker bowl if you don't use cooking spray.
    • Don't brown meat before cooking. I've tried it both ways and didn't notice a difference in the final product.
    • Check doneness of meat by shredding with a fork. If meat breaks apart easily, it's done, if not. Reseal lid and cook for another 10+ minutes.
    • Other Great Add-ins: Add chiles or carrots and celery for 2 different flavor profiles. Toss your pressure cooker pulled pork in BBQ sauce for a classic dish or add salsa to use in tacos or taco salad.

    FAQ

    Is it better to slow cook or pressure cook pulled pork?

    Either works, just make sure to add enough water if you're making pressure cooker pulled pork so it doesn't burn, and remains tender. Making Instant Pot or pressure cooker pulled pork is much faster than slow cooker pulled pork.

    How to pressure cook pulled pork?

    4-5 lbs of pork shoulder should cook for about 40-50 minutes in a pressure cooker. Cook smaller cuts for less time. Add seasonings and water to it. No need to brown the meat before cooking it, I feel like the flavor is similar either way.

    What are some good recipes using a pressure cooker?

    This pulled pork recipe is great, so are these recipes- Instant Pot (IP) Mushroom Chicken Soup, IP Chicken and Yellow Rice, IP Fish from Frozen, IP Chicken Fried Rice, IP "Boiled Potatoes", IP Lentil Stroganoff, and IP Crispy Chicken Wings.

    Instant Pot pulled pork sandwich on a plate with a side of pineapple

    What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    • Onion: Spicy Pickled Onions, Turkey Pumpkin Chili, and Instant Pot Mushroom Chicken Soup.
    • Pork Shoulder: cook it all and freeze for later, or divide into smaller portions and freeze for later.

    Did you make this pressure cooker pulled pork? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

    pressure cooked pulled pork and onions on a cream oval plate
    Print Pin
    5 from 8 votes

    Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork

    Pulled pork is one of the easiest and most versatile meats. Make this pressure cooker pulled pork into a pulled pork sandwich with rainbow coleslaw and pineapple to make a truly delicious summer entertaining meal. 
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 12
    Author Rebecca

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • cutting board
    • knife
    • tongs

    Ingredients

    • cooking spray
    • 2-3 pounds pork shoulder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ whole white onion roughly chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions

    • Cut a 2 lb pork shoulder into 2-3 pieces. Spray bottom of Instant Pot bowl with cooking spray. Place pork pieces in pressure cooker bowl, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add ½ whole white onion (ends chopped off) and 2 cloves of garlic then add 1 cup of water to bowl.
    • Cover with lid, and set to MEAT/STEW setting and set timer to 40 minutes. 
    • When timer goes off, open valve to quick release steam. Once steam is done releasing, open lid.
    • Transfer meat to a bowl to shred. You can turn the Instant Pot back onto SAUTEE to reduce the sauce, and add to shredded meat.
    • Refrigerate meat or add to a dish to eat immediately.

    Notes

    • Wipe oil around pressure cooker bowl if you don't use cooking spray.
    • Don't brown meat before cooking. I've tried it both ways and didn't notice a difference in the final product.
    • Check doneness of meat by shredding with a fork. If meat breaks apart easily, it's done, if not. Reseal lid and cook for another 10+ minutes.

    Want to get more single serving recipes and others like this pressure cooker pulled pork delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

    Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started. 

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    About Rebecca

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pam says

      April 18, 2018 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      We are all about pulled pork around here. I haven't jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet, but the more I see that you can do with them, the more I want one.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:47 pm

        there are so many things you can do with them 🙂 but you can also use a slow cooker too

        Reply
    2. Veena Azmanov says

      April 18, 2018 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious instant pot pulled pork sandwiches! I simply cannot wait to try it! Very interesting combination of ingredients. I am saving this recipe for later. YUM!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:46 pm

        thanks! make sure to tag #nourishnutrico if you make it 🙂

        Reply
    3. Katie Uhran says

      April 18, 2018 at 9:37 am

      This looks absolutely amazing and I think my stomach just started growling! I want to make this all summer long! Pinned for later...Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:45 pm

        thanks katie!

        Reply
    4. Elaine @ Dishes Delish says

      April 18, 2018 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      I've made pulled pork in my slow cooker but haven't ventured to make it in my instant pot. Not sure why as your pork looks so delicious! Don't you just love the IP? I'm glad you've ventured before me in the IP PP realm, so now I can follow your recipe!!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:44 pm

        yay! enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    5. Claudia Lamascolo says

      April 18, 2018 at 10:02 am

      I just love how colorful and full of flavors this is!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:43 pm

        thanks!

        Reply
    6. Swati Saxena says

      April 18, 2018 at 10:25 am

      Ip has made our lives so easier isn't it? Your pork pulls apart sandwich looks so delicious and filling.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:42 pm

        right?! so much easier! and thanks

        Reply
    7. Elysia | Haute & Healthy Living says

      April 18, 2018 at 10:44 am

      I LOVE pulled pork!! This looks like such a great recipe! I always use my slow cooker and haven't yet experimented with an instant pot! Maybe I should start so I can make awesome recipes like these!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:40 pm

        yes! it's exactly the same except takes 90 minutes instead of hours and hours

        Reply
    8. Abbey Sharp says

      April 18, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      These sammies look out of this world delicious! Definitely need to get an Instant Pot and whip these up!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:39 pm

        yes! instant pots are awesome! there are so many things you can do with it

        Reply
    9. Deborah Brooks says

      April 18, 2018 at 5:47 pm

      My son would love this on a sports practice night. Looks easy and tasty

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:38 pm

        ohh ya! it's totally kid friendly 🙂

        Reply
    10. Rachel says

      April 18, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      I love my instant pot and I love that I already pinned this for later because I need to make it!!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 19, 2018 at 3:36 pm

        yay! let me know how it turns out

        Reply
    11. Farrah says

      April 19, 2018 at 7:20 pm

      These look so good! Love that you can make em in an instant pot!!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 20, 2018 at 8:06 am

        right?! IPs are THE BEST

        Reply
    12. jill conyers says

      April 19, 2018 at 7:22 pm

      My family would love this. Looks delicious Rebecca.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 20, 2018 at 8:06 am

        Thanks Jill!

        Reply
    13. Tina says

      July 09, 2018 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      I remember making something like this a long time ago, it was so good. Going to have to make this one, definitely going to print this and save. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 10, 2018 at 12:24 pm

        that's awesome! thanks for letting me know, Tina

        Reply
    14. Claudia Lamascolo says

      July 09, 2018 at 3:28 pm

      Oh wow now this is calling my name I love sandwiches with slaw and this bbq is perfect! I love the sweetness of the pineapple

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 10, 2018 at 12:24 pm

        me too! thanks

        Reply
    15. kim says

      July 09, 2018 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      These look so perfect! I love all of the colors and that you made it in the instant pot.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 10, 2018 at 12:23 pm

        thanks so much!

        Reply
    16. Vicky says

      July 09, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love using my pressure cooker to make pork for tacos and gives me another idea for the shredded pork. I bet the the slaw really gives this a great flavor as well.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 10, 2018 at 12:22 pm

        totally! and ahhhh pressure cookers are amazing for shredded pork. sooo amazing

        Reply
    17. Tisha says

      July 09, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      Love pulled pork! That rainbow coleslaw is gorgeous!!!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm

        me too! and thanks! it's delicious

        Reply

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    Rebecca, MS, RDN
    of Nourish Nutrition

    At Nourish Nutrition, you'll find bold, flavorful recipes for one. Most are single serving, and all have suggestions to use up the leftover ingredients so you can stop throwing away unused ingredients & leftovers!

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