Learn how to cook pulled pork in the Instant Pot for the best pork sliders! Instant Pot pork is fast and easy to make. It’s so easy you can make it in about 30 minutes, making it a great dinner for busy weeknights.
Tender and juicy pulled pork does not have to take hours to make. I love to cook the pork in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy dinner.
Usually, pulled pork needs to cook for hours in the oven, but you can cut that time down to almost nothing with a pressure cooker. It cooks in about 15 minutes for a fast and easy dinner that’s great for weeknights.
You don’t compromise on the flavor or texture either. It tastes like it was slow cooked but in a fraction of the time. It’s why I love cooking with my Instant Pot so much. It just makes everything easy.
Recipe Notes
- For this recipe, I like to use pork tenderloin because it’s leaner but still really flavorful. It’s also smaller than other cuts, so it cooks in less time.
- For extra flavor, I mix up an easy spice rub with simple pantry spices.
- The pork is seared first to lock in the flavor, and then it goes in the IP for 15 minutes.
Pile the shredded meat on rolls for easy sliders or use it the same way you would use shredded chicken – I’m sharing a few ideas at the end of the post.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Olive oil
- Pork tenderloin – slice it in half so it will fit in the Instant Pot.
- Chicken broth – or you can use water instead.
- Shredded green cabbage
- Hawaiian rolls
How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
Mix the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin in a small bowl. Rub half of the spice mixture on the pork, reserving the rest.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork in the hot skillet and sear it on all sides. You don’t need to cook it all the way through, just long enough to get it nicely browned on the outside. It usually takes about two to three minutes on each side.
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add the rest of the seasonings and then place the pork tenderloin in the broth.
Lock the lid in place and close the steam vent. Set the IP to cook on high pressure for five minutes. Once it’s done, do a natural release for ten minutes before opening the steam vent.
Remove the lid and transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board. Shred the meat, and then it’s ready to serve.
How to Make the Sliders
Place some pulled pork on the Hawaiian rolls. Top each slider with some cabbage.
You can also add some BBQ sauce or other condiments like mayo or mustard. I also like to drizzle a little bit of the broth over the top of the pork.
Recipe FAQs
Can you brown the pork in the Instant Pot? Technically, you can, but it doesn’t do a great job searing the meat, so I do it in a skillet on the stove. Getting the nice golden-brown crust adds lots of flavor.
How long does pulled pork last? I like to store leftovers in a container with the broth. That will keep the pork from drying out. It will keep for three to four days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze pulled pork? Yes, it freezes well. I recommend freezing it in the broth in a freezer bag or container. It will freeze well for two to three months.
Can you use another cut of pork to make pulled pork? I like tenderloin because it’s leaner. You can also use pork shoulder, which has more fat.
Different Ways to Use Instant Pot Pulled Pork
We love these sliders, but this dish is versatile and can be used in several different ways. Here are other ways you might like to serve your pulled pork:
- Make Instant Pot BBQ pulled pork and mix the shredded meat with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- You can use the shredded meat to make wraps. Roll the meat up in flour tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add mayo, mustard, or BBQ sauce.
- You can also use it as a pizza topping like you would with shredded chicken.
- Use it to make nachos. Spread it over tortilla chips and add some salsa and cheese. Bake them until the cheese melts, and then add sour cream, guacamole, and more salsa for toppings.
However you decide to serve this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe, I think you’ll really enjoy it. I like to make a batch and keep it in the fridge for easy meals during the week. It’s versatile and delicious. I hope you enjoy it!
More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound pork tenderloin cut in half
- 3 cups green cabbage shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 8 Hawaiian rolls
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, pepper, garlic and cumin.
- Take half of the seasoning and pat on the pork tenderloin. Heat one teaspoon of olive oil in a medium skillet on medium high heat. Add pork tenderloin and sear on all sides. About 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add broth to instant pot and mix in the other half of the seasoning. Add pork tenderloin into the broth.
- Cook on high for 5 minutes. Then do a 10 minute natural release.
- Transfer pork tenderloin to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
- To build the slider add pork on the bottom followed by cabbage on top. You can top with barbecue sauce, or your favorite condiment. You can also drizzle a little of the left over juice from the instant pot. Just be careful not to add too much to make it soggy.
Recipe Nutrition
Making Instant Pot Pulled Pork is a convenient, smart decision. I like to make a batch and keep it in the fridge for easy meals during the week. It’s versatile and delicious!