Imagine sinking your teeth into the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder that's bursting with flavor and requires minimal effort. This Instant Pot recipe transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by patting it dry with paper towels and trimming excess fat if desired.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Slice the onion and mince the garlic cloves, setting them aside for later use.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of oil and brown the seasoned pork shoulder on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side to develop a rich, golden crust.
- Remove the browned pork shoulder and set it aside on a plate.
- Add sliced onions to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine and deglaze the pot.
- Return the pork shoulder to the Instant Pot, placing it on top of the onions and liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the pork shoulder and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding with two forks.
- Optional: Reduce the remaining liquid in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function to create a rich sauce.
- Serve the tender, flavorful pulled pork with the reduced sauce and your choice of sides.
Tips
- Always pat the pork shoulder dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and help the spices adhere better.
- Don't skip browning the meat - this crucial step develops deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for food safety.
- For extra tenderness, choose a pork shoulder with good marbling, which helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the Sauté function after cooking to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.
- Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
- This pulled pork is incredibly versatile - use it in tacos, sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
