This Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork is a super simple version of classic barbecue pulled pork – juicy and flavourful, made in the Instant Pot in 60 minutes!
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Pulled pork is one of our family’s favourite meals to enjoy during the warm months of the year, on fresh kaiser rolls with my Best Homemade Coleslaw. This Easy Instant Pot version is the perfect way to enjoy pulled pork all year long, and it can even be made as a simple weeknight meal for the whole family!
Why Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?
It’s a great way to keep the pork nice and juicy and full of flavour without all the time that stove-top braising or slow cooking requires. We love this pulled pork with our family’s favourite Homemade Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce, but you can choose whatever store-bought barbecue sauce your family likes best (Sweet Baby Ray’s is always a hit!). 
How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
It’s SO easy!
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with kitchen paper.
- Combine the dry rub ingredients.
- Rub the dry rub onto the pork.
- Heat up the instant pot on “Saute” mode and add the oil.
- Brown the pork shoulder (in pieces if necessary) on all sides.
- Add the Root Beer (or cola), Worcestershire sauce, and remaining liquid.
- Add and seal the lid, turning the valve to “Sealing”.
- Set to “Pressure Cook” for 60 minutes.
- Once it’s done, release the pressure and remove the lid.
- Remove the pork to a bowl and shred it, adding the barbecue sauce and some of the cooking liquid (if needed).
- Serve on buns with coleslaw!
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I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Let me know in the comments below, what’s your favourite easy meal to make in the Instant Pot? I’d love to know!
Kitchen Tools I Recommend:
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Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see exactly how I make this recipe. You can find more delicious recipe videos on my YouTube channel
Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pound pork shoulder roast cut into 2-3 pieces
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 350 ml can Root Beer (or use a can of Coca Cola if you prefer the taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- rolls and coleslaw for serving
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with kitchen paper, making sure it's cut into at least 2 pieces (to help it fit into the Instant Pot better). Set the pork aside.
- Combine the dry rub ingredients in a bowl, making sure everything is well combined.
- Rub the dry rub onto the pork in an even layer, covering every side.
- Heat up the instant pot on "Saute" mode and add the oil. Brown the pieces of pork shoulder on all sides.
- Add all the pork pieces to the Instant Pot, add the Root Beer (or cola), Worcestershire sauce, and water (or stock).
- Add and seal the lid, turning the valve to "Sealing". Set to "Pressure Cook" for 60 minutes.
- When the Pressure Cook time is finished, carefully turn the release valve to "venting" using a long pair of tongs or another long kitchen tool so you don't burn your hand, arm or face. It's a good idea to do this under an exhaust fan in your kitchen, if you have one.
- Remove the pork to a bowl and shred it, adding the barbecue sauce (try my homemade Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce) and some of the cooking liquid (if needed, to loosen it up). Discard the rest of the cooking liquid.
- Serve on buns with my Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw!
Eileen says
Hi there
Tried your Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork it was wonderful,
but could you please tell us how much Worcestershire sauce to use ?
that would be helpful . 🙂
Chrissie says
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon 🙂
Sarah James says
Oh my! What a tasty recipe, I love pulled pork and yours looks delicious. I really like the idea of cooking in root beer, thanks for sharing.
Chrissie says
I’m so glad you like it!
Denay says
This is the ideal pulled pork recipe for Labor Day! I have my Instant Pot going, and the aroma is so delicious. I can hardly wait until lunch time.
Chrissie says
I’m so glad you like it!!
Emmeline says
Now I really wish I had an instant pot…this is so much faster than making it the traditional way!!
Chrissie says
It is SO much faster! Thanks!!
Amanda Marie Boyle says
Like the pulled pork, and especially love your sauce recipe!
The Busy Baker says
Thank you Amanda!🙂
Cookilicious says
Love that you can make this in the Instant Pot. Thanks for this recipe
Chrissie says
Thanks so much!
The Busy Baker says
You’re welcome!! Thank you for the comment!
Jan says
I would love to try this recipe but I don’t own a instant pot. Can tell me how to do this in a slow cooker?
Thank you
Love your recipes. I bet I do one your recipes a week.
The Busy Baker says
Check out my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Happy cooking! ☺️
https://thebusybaker.ca/easy-slow-cooker-barbecue-pulled-pork-sandwiches/
Kristi says
Just got an instant pot for Christmas and loving it! How long would you pressure cook a 6 pound roast for? Would it be doable the time and would you double ingredients?
The Busy Baker says
Just double all the ingredients. The cooking time doesn’t need adjusting. Enjoy!☺️
Laura says
Loved this recipe!! The family loved every bit of it!! Two thumbs up!
The Busy Baker Team says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
Katherine Westcott says
how much oil?
The Busy Baker Team says
2 tbsp
Kathy says
Could you use Diet soda?
The Busy Baker Team says
Sure!
Lynn Evans says
I found mine was dry and hard to shred 😕
The Busy Baker Team says
Were your pork pieces very small or too big? Dry pulled pork is caused by overcooking; however, hard to shred pork is usually undercooked.
Bran says
Would a Boston butt work for this?
The Busy Baker Team says
Yes!