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Instant Pot Pulled Pork: A Perfectly Tender Delight

Pulled pork is a beloved dish that has earned its place in the hearts and stomachs of many food enthusiasts. The traditional method of slow cooking can take hours, but with the advent of the Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, flavourful pulled pork in a fraction of the time. This article will guide you through the process of creating this succulent dish in a matter of minutes, while also offering some tips and tricks to elevate your culinary creation.

What You Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 kg pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), boneless and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock or unsalted broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• BBQ sauce (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by cutting the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 5 cm in size. This will help it cook quicker and more evenly.

2. Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil. Brown the pieces of pork on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavour to your pulled pork. Remove the pork and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Ensure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot – this is where much of the flavour resides.

4. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned pork to the pot. You’ll then add in the chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chilli powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until the pork is well coated in the mixture.

5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the timer for 60 minutes. It may take a few minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the countdown begins.

6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. After that, you can carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.

7. Shred the Pork: Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and take out the pork pieces. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. This should be effortless; the meat should fall apart with little resistance.

8. Serving Suggestions: Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix it with the cooking juices for extra flavour. Serve it on soft buns with a drizzle of barbeque sauce, or simply enjoy it on its own with sides like coleslaw and cornbread.

Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork

• Allow for Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Adding a dash of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavour if you’re craving that classic barbecue taste.

• Leftovers: Pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Use it in sandwiches, tacos, wraps, or even atop a baked potato. It freezes well too, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.

• Homemade BBQ Sauce: If time allows, whip up a quick homemade BBQ sauce to complement your pulled pork. A mixture of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, honey, and some spices will do the trick.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot has revolutionised the way we cook, allowing for traditional recipes to be prepared with ease and speed. This Instant Pot pulled pork recipe celebrates the rich flavours and textures of this classic dish without requiring hours of preparation. With minimal effort and maximum flavour, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again, delighting family and friends alike with your culinary prowess. Whether it’s a casual family meal or a festive gathering, pulled pork is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy!

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