Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (tangy + smoky!)
This healthier Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is cooked up in a sweet, tangy, spicy and smoky sauce made without packaged ingredients. The pressure cooker cooks it quickly to fall-apart-tender and juicy perfection!
Servings: 12
Calories: 217kcal
Ingredients
- 13.5 oz can of tomato sauce 398 mL; see note 1
- 1 tablespoon chili powder see note 2
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder see note 3
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2-3 lb pork shoulder see note 4
Instructions
- In the stainless steel insert of a 6 quart Instant Pot, stir together all ingredients except the pork shoulder.
- Add the pork shoulder, flip it over to coat in the sauce.
- Put the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to 'sealed' and pressure cook (high pressure) for 90 minutes. When the 90 minutes is up, release pressure immediately, or you can allow it to release naturally for 10-20 minutes.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the pot and transfer to a clean bowl. Shred with a couple of forks, or an electric hand mixer, then carefully pour cooking liquid over the shredded pork (see note 5).
- Enjoy!
Notes
1- this is puréed tomatoes and does not refer to ketchup; may also be called passata
2- use the paprika-based spice blend, not pure powdered chilies
3- if you can't find chipotle chili powder, add 1 diced adobo pepper + 2 tablespoons adobo sauce for a spicy and smoky flavor
4- I recommend a boneless pork butt, but if you can only find bone-in that's fine (pull bones out after cooking through). Pork picnic will work fine as well; you may need to remove any skin after cooking.
5- add as much or as little cooking liquid as you'd like; if you like it saucy, add all the cooking liquid.
Storage
Cool the pork completely, then add to your favorite larger meal prep container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a non stick pan over medium heat. Use tongs to stir and flip the pork until heated through and loosened up.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/2 cup | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g