Oh, let me tell you about these instant pot pulled pork sandwiches! They’re unbelievably tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for any day you crave something hearty but don’t have hours to spare. I adore how my Instant Pot transforms a simple pork shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece in just over an hour! Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible. Plus, the best part? You don’t have to babysit it like you would with traditional methods. Just set it and let the magic happen! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these sandwiches are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients List
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large pieces for even cooking
- 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice—go for something you love!
- 1 onion, sliced thin to infuse that sweet flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for a punch of deliciousness
- 1 cup chicken broth to keep the pork moist and tender
- 1 tsp salt, because seasoning is key!
- 1 tsp black pepper for that perfect kick
- 4 hamburger buns—gotta have something to hold all that goodness!
How to Prepare Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Alright, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering instant pot pulled pork sandwiches! I promise, it’s going to be a breeze. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have tender, juicy pulled pork ready in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, season the pork shoulder generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor starts!
- Next, set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, add the pork shoulder and brown it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This caramelization is key for depth of flavor!
- Now, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for another 2 minutes. Can you smell that? It’s heavenly!
- Pour in the chicken broth and your BBQ sauce. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—these are flavor gold!
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Don’t worry; it’ll do all the heavy lifting for you!
- Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. After that, switch to quick release to let out any remaining steam.
- Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the pot and shred it using two forks. Mix it back into that delicious sauce—it’s the moment of glory!
- Now, serve that glorious pulled pork on your hamburger buns, and enjoy every single bite!
Tips for Success
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! A good seasoning base elevates the entire dish and brings out the pork’s natural flavors.
- Adjust for Size: If your pork shoulder is larger or smaller than 3 lbs, adjust the cooking time. For every pound over, add about 10-15 minutes, and for less, reduce accordingly.
- Let it Rest: After shredding, let the pork sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce really makes a difference! Choose one that you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s tangy, smoky, or sweet. You could even mix two types for a unique flavor!
- Don’t Rush the Pressure Release: Allowing a natural release helps keep the meat tender and juicy. If you’re short on time, a quick release is fine, but patience pays off!
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your sandwiches! Try adding coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños for an extra kick and crunch.
- Keep it Moist: If you find your pulled pork is a bit dry, mix in a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce before serving to boost that juicy goodness.
Variations
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just one way to enjoy instant pot pulled pork sandwiches! There are so many delicious variations you can try to keep things exciting. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- BBQ Sauce Swap: Don’t feel tied to one BBQ sauce! Experiment with different flavors like mustard-based, vinegar-based, or even a sweet and spicy sauce. Each one adds its own character to the pulled pork!
- Coleslaw Topping: For that perfect crunch, top your pulled pork with a fresh coleslaw mix. The creamy, tangy slaw balances the rich flavors of the meat beautifully—it’s a match made in heaven!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of your sandwich. It’s an easy way to spice things up!
- Different Buns: Try serving the pulled pork on different types of buns like brioche, pretzel, or even a hearty whole grain. Each type of bun brings a new texture and flavor to the dish!
- Sweet and Savory: Mix in some pineapple or mango chunks with the pulled pork for a tropical twist! The sweetness complements the smoky BBQ beautifully.
- Loaded Sandwich: Go all out and create a loaded sandwich by adding cheese, sautéed onions, and crispy bacon. It’s a decadent treat that’s sure to impress!
- Make it a Bowl: If you’re in the mood for something lighter, serve the pulled pork over a bed of rice or quinoa with some roasted vegetables on the side. You’ll still get all that amazing flavor without the bread!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your ultimate pulled pork sandwich experience. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious pulled pork leftovers—lucky you! Properly storing them means you can enjoy these tasty instant pot pulled pork sandwiches even after the initial meal. Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Let the pulled pork cool completely before storing it. Transfer the shredded pork along with any leftover sauce into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to really seal it tight to keep all that moisture in!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day, freeze the pulled pork in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll last for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date so you know when it was made!
- Reheating on the Stove: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheat on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or BBQ sauce to keep it nice and juicy. Stir occasionally until warmed through—this usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe bowl, splash a bit of broth or sauce over it, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it may dry out!
- Oven Reheating: For a more thorough option, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pulled pork in a baking dish, cover with foil to keep moisture in, and heat for about 20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor those instant pot pulled pork sandwiches all week long! Enjoy every bite just as much as the first time around!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Remember, nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these estimates as a guideline rather than a hard rule. Each instant pot pulled pork sandwich comes in at approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 30g
So, as you whip up these delicious sandwiches, keep in mind what works best for your dietary needs. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making these instant pot pulled pork sandwiches? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries that might help you out:
Can I adjust the cooking time?
Absolutely! If your pork shoulder is bigger than 3 lbs, add about 10-15 minutes for each extra pound. For smaller pieces, reduce the time accordingly, but keep it at least 50 minutes for a tender result.
What are the best sides to serve with pulled pork?
You can’t go wrong with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. A fresh corn salad or some crispy fries also make great companions!
Can I use other meats?
Sure! You can try this recipe with chicken thighs or beef chuck roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
No worries! You can make your own quick sauce with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Or try a marinade of your choice—get creative!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! The pulled pork can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving, and you’re all set!
These tips should get you rolling smoothly on your pulled pork journey. Happy cooking!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Now that you’ve got those delicious instant pot pulled pork sandwiches ready to go, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them. Trust me, the right sides can elevate your meal from great to absolutely unforgettable! Here are some of my favorite pairings that complement those savory sandwiches perfectly:
- Coleslaw: A classic! The crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pulled pork.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans bring a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
- Mac and Cheese: Indulgent and cheesy, this comfort food is a hit with everyone and makes for a filling meal!
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, sweet corn is a perfect summer side that adds a pop of sweetness.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries offer a delicious twist to the traditional French fry.
- Pickles: A side of dill pickles adds a nice tart crunch that cuts through the richness of the pork.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can be a great way to cleanse the palate between bites.
Feel free to mix and match any of these sides to create a feast that everyone will love. Enjoy your meal and the happy smiles that come with it!
Imprimer
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Tender pulled pork cooked in an instant pot served on buns.
Ingrédients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
- Set the instant pot to sauté and brown the pork on all sides.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce.
- Seal the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix with sauce.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
Notes
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Adjust cooking time for larger or smaller pork pieces.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: instant pot pulled pork sandwiches
