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Instant Pot Pulled Pork: A Quick and Tasty Delight

Pulled pork has long been a favourite dish across the globe, cherished for its tender, flavourful meat and versatility. Traditionally, making pulled pork can be a time-consuming affair, often requiring long hours in the oven or a slow cooker. However, with the advent of the Instant Pot, you can whip up this delectable dish in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll explore a simple yet delicious recipe for Instant Pot pulled pork that is sure to impress both family and friends.

Why Choose an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has revolutionised home cooking with its ability to combine several kitchen appliances into one. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and more, all packed into one device. The advantage of using an Instant Pot lies in its speed without sacrificing flavour or tenderness. The pressure cooking process locks in moisture, ensuring that the dish turns out succulent and delicious.

Ingredients

To create your own Instant Pot pulled pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 250 ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable stock
• Barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork: Begin by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut it into large chunks to ensure even cooking.

2. Create the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the pork pieces, ensuring they are well coated.

3. Sauté the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, brown the pork pieces on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavour of your pulled pork.

4. Deglaze the Pot: After browning the meat, remove the pork and set it aside. Pour the chicken or vegetable stock into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This adds great depth of flavour to your dish.

5. Cook Under Pressure: Return the pork to the pot, securing the lid tightly. Make sure the valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and adjust the time to 60 minutes.

6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes before carefully switching the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.

7. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the pot and transfer it to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a saucier pulled pork, you can return the shredded meat to the Instant Pot with some of the cooking liquid, or mix in your favourite barbecue sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on soft buns with coleslaw for a classic sandwich, or pile it onto a baked potato for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside rice, in tacos, or as part of a BBQ platter.

For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or additional barbecue sauce, and don’t forget to provide pickles or jalapeños for a bit of zing!

Conclusion

With this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe, you can enjoy the rich, comforting flavours of this classic dish without the long cooking times traditionally associated with it. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s a dish that delivers on both taste and convenience. Embrace the ease of modern cooking with your Instant Pot and elevate your home dining experience with tender, succulent pulled pork. Enjoy!