Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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If you love tender, juicy pulled pork but don’t want to wait all day for it to cook, this Instant Pot recipe is your new best friend. With simple ingredients and a fraction of the time compared to a slow cooker, you can enjoy flavorful barbecue pork sandwiches any night of the week. This is a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or even meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Recipe

This easy recipe turns a simple boston butt or boneless pork shoulder into tender, shredded pork bursting with flavor. Thanks to pressure cooking, you’ll get the same results you’d expect from a bbq restaurant or crock pot, but in less time. The high pressure helps the pork cook evenly while keeping it moist and juicy. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• 3 lb pork butt (boston butt or pork shoulder roast)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: your favorite pork rub or hickory spice blend
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade, Sweet Baby Ray, dr. pepper, or your favorite bbq sauce)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, liquid smoke, and worcestershire sauce

How to Make Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Preheat and Sear the Pork

Set your electric pressure cooker to the sauté setting. Melt the butter, then sear both sides of the pork roast until browned. Browning adds great flavor and helps build those browned bits on the bottom of the pan that make the sauce richer. Remove the browned pork and set aside on a large baking sheet or plate.

Deglaze and Add the Liquid

Add apple cider vinegar to the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. This step prevents the dreaded burn warning and adds tangy flavor to the cooking liquid.

Slice and Season

Slice the pork into large pieces or 1-inch thick pork pieces so it cooks evenly. Return the pork to the Instant Pot. In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and beef broth (or cup of water if needed). Pour the mixture over the pork.

Pressure Cook

Close the lid and make sure the vent is sealed. Set to manual high pressure for a 25-minute cook time. When finished, allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes before performing a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.

Shred and Serve

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the pork from the pot. Shred the pork with two forks or a hand mixer. If there’s too much fat in the cooking liquid, pour it through a fat separator before returning the shredded pork to the sauce. Let it soak up all that delicious barbecue flavor.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Pile the shredded pork onto hamburger buns, add a scoop of creamy coleslaw, and drizzle with enough bbq sauce to your liking. Serve alongside potato salad or even potato chips for the ultimate backyard meal.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: Mix small amounts of chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder into your spice rub for extra depth.
• Sweeten the sauce: Substitute coconut sugar or brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.
• Add smoky flavor: A dash of liquid smoke brings that outdoor smoker flavor indoors.
• Try different cuts: This recipe works great with pork tenderloin, pork loin roast, or pork sirloin roasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Use leftovers creatively: Leftover pulled pork is delicious in pork nachos, tacos, or even breakfast burritos the next day.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container wrapped with plastic wrap or covered with aluminum foil. Reheat gently with a splash of cooking liquid or barbecue sauce to keep it moist. It’s one of those favorite dishes that tastes even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes! Follow the same steps but cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. The pork cooks slowly, developing that same great flavor over a long time.

What’s the best way to reheat pulled pork?

Warm in a skillet with a touch of cooking liquid or water over low heat. This keeps the shredded pork juicy without drying out.

Can I make this without much fat?

Yes, just trim off excess fat from the pork shoulder roast before searing. If there’s too much fat in the sauce, use a fat separator before serving.

What should I serve with it?

Potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob are perfect pairings. For something simple, potato chips or coleslaw make a quick side.

Final Thoughts

Making barbecue pulled pork sandwiches in the Instant Pot is hands down my favorite way to get tender, flavorful pork in a fraction of the time. The high pressure breaks down the pork butt beautifully, turning it into juicy shredded pork that tastes like it cooked all day in a slow cooker. Whether you use a boston butt, boneless pork shoulder, or even pork loin roast, this easy recipe delivers great flavor every single time.

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