What To Know
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pork from the Instant Pot or slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can bake the pork in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours (for bone-in) or 2-3 hours (for boneless).
- To reheat, place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pulled pork without the hassle. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of quick and easy pulled pork, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup BBQ rub (your favorite blend or see recipe below)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Optional: Your favorite BBQ sauce
BBQ Rub Recipe
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
- Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
- Trim any excess fat and score the surface of the pork with a sharp knife to create a diamond pattern.
2. Apply the Rub
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the BBQ rub.
- Generously rub the mixture all over the pork, pressing it into the scored surface.
3. Sear the Pork (Optional)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds flavor and color to the final dish.
4. Instant Pot Method
- Place the seared or unseared pork in the Instant Pot.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth.
- Close the lid and set to “Manual” mode on high pressure for 60 minutes (for bone-in) or 50 minutes (for boneless).
5. Slow Cooker Method
- Place the seared or unseared pork in the slow cooker.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours (for bone-in) or 4-6 hours (for boneless).
6. Shred the Pork
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pork from the Instant Pot or slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
7. Add BBQ Sauce (Optional)
- If desired, add your favorite BBQ sauce to the shredded pork and stir to coat.
Tips for Success
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the pork overnight in the BBQ rub.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can bake the pork in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours (for bone-in) or 2-3 hours (for boneless).
- Serve the pulled pork on buns, tacos, or sandwiches with your favorite toppings.
The Ultimate Pulled Pork Sandwich
- 1 cup pulled pork
- 1 hamburger bun
- 1/4 cup coleslaw
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Optional: Sliced pickles, onions, or jalapeños
How to Store and Reheat
- Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: Yes, you can use pork loin or pork tenderloin for a quicker cooking time. However, the pork shoulder is the most flavorful cut for pulled pork.
Q: What is the best way to shred the pork?
A: Using two forks is the easiest and most effective way to shred the pork. You can also use a meat shredding tool or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
Q: Can I cook the pulled pork in advance?
A: Yes, you can cook the pulled pork up to 3 days in advance. Simply reheat it before serving.
