Best 4 Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipes

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Indulge in the tender and flavorful world of pulled pork sandwiches, a delectable dish that promises an explosion of taste in every bite. Prepared using the convenient and time-saving Instant Pot, these sandwiches are a perfect blend of juicy pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and soft, fluffy buns.

The recipes featured in this article offer a diverse range of pulled pork sandwiches, catering to various taste preferences and dietary needs. From the classic Southern-style pulled pork sandwich, bursting with bold and smoky flavors, to the Caribbean-inspired version infused with tropical spices, there's a sandwich here to satisfy every craving.

For those seeking a healthier option, the article also includes a recipe for pulled pork sandwiches made with leaner cuts of meat and a lighter, tangy sauce. And for those with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free pulled pork sandwich recipe is also available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.

Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve pulled pork sandwich perfection. Additionally, helpful tips and tricks are provided throughout the article to guide you in selecting the best cuts of meat, creating the most flavorful sauces, and assembling the perfect pulled pork sandwich.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

INSTANT POT PULLED PORK



Instant Pot Pulled Pork image

This easy, juicy Instant Pot Pulled pork is fall-apart tender pork in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, and perfect for a crowd!

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 to 5 pounds boneless pork loin (or pork shoulder/butt*, cut into 3 evenly sized chunks)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (15-ounce) can low sodium beef broth (or chicken broth, divided)
1 yellow small onion (chopped)
Whole wheat hamburger buns (for serving)
Your favorite coleslaw
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • COOK THE PORK: In a bowl, stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub it all over the outside of the pork.
  • Add the oil to the Instant Pot and turn to SAUTE. Once the oil is hot, add the largest of the pork pieces and brown on two sides. This will take about 2 minutes per side. If your Instant Pot issues a "hot" or "burn" warning, turn the heat down (if you have that option), or if not, turn it off entirely and sear the pork in the residual heat. If the pot cools too much to brown, turn it back on. Remove the pork to a plate. Repeat with the remaining 2 pieces-you can cook the last 2 pieces at the same time as long as they do not overlap. Remove to the plate.
  • Add half of the broth to the Instant Pot. With a wooden spoon, scrape up all of the stuck-on bits of food and seasoning.
  • Add the remaining broth and the onion.
  • Return the pork to the Instant Pot. Cover, seal, and cook on HIGH (manual) pressure for 40 minutes (for pork loin) or 1 hour (for pork shoulder/butt).
  • Once the pressure has built and the cook time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes (do not open right away or the meat may be tough). Vent to release any remaining pressure then carefully open the Instant Pot.
  • Remove the pork to a large bowl. With a slotted spoon, scooped out most of the onions and add them to the bowl with the pork. Carefully pour all but 1 cup of the pork cooking juices into an extra-large measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Keep the extra liquid handy.
  • PREPARE THE BBQ SAUCE: Turn the Instant Pot to SAUTE. Whisk in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, syrup, molasses, Worcestershire, paprika, chili powder, mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Cover the pot loosely with the Instant Pot lid, still leaving some room for steam to escape (this sauce loves to splatter). Let simmer, whisking every few minutes, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Once cool enough to handle, shred the pork with two forks or with your fingers. Stir the shredded pork, onions, and any juices at the bottom of the bowl into the pot with the sauce. If the sauce is too tight to easily coat the pork, splash in additional cooking juices so that the pork is nicely coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Pile onto buns, top with slaw, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 8); with sauce, Calories 416 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 54 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 143 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 13 g

INSTANT POT BARBECUE PULLED PORK SANDWICHES



Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches image

You can thank your Instant Pot for pulled pork in just under two hours. This gadget juggles different cook settings (slow cooking, pressure cooking and stove-top browning) to make favorite dishes that your crowd won't have to wait long to devour.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons hot paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
One 4-pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 6 pieces
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste
3 tablespoons tomato paste
12 hamburger potato buns
1 cup barbecue sauce, for serving
4 cups coleslaw, for serving

Steps:

  • Combine paprika, mustard powder, cumin, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
  • Turn the Instant Pot® (see Cook's Note) to the high saute setting. Add the oil and once hot, add the pork and cook in two batches, turning, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Switch the Instant Pot® to the warm setting, remove the pork and transfer to a plate.
  • Whisk 3/4 cup water into the drippings in the Instant Pot®. Add the vinegar, tomato paste, the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 cups water and whisk to combine. Add the pork back. Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 1 hour.
  • After the pressure cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release and wait until the quick release cycle is complete. Careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid and transfer the pork to a large bowl.
  • Switch the Instant Pot® to the normal saute setting and simmer the juices until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. While the juices are reducing use a ladle to remove any fat that rises to the top. Season to taste with salt.
  • Meanwhile, use 2 forks to shred the pork in to small chunks.
  • Add 3 cups of the reduced cooking liquid to the chunked pork and season with salt and vinegar to taste. Serve in hamburger buns with barbecue sauce and coleslaw.

PRESSURE COOKER PULLED PORK SANDWICHES



Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup olive oil
One 5-pound pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
5 cloves garlic, peeled
1 large onion, quartered
3 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups bottled barbecue sauce, such as Head Country
24 soft hamburger buns
Pickled Jalapenos and Onions, recipe follows
3 jalapenos, sliced
1 large red onion, sliced into half-moons
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Heat an electric pressure cooker on the saute mode. When hot, add half of the olive oil. Add half of the pork along with half of the salt, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Saute until the meat is very crisp and brown, about 10 minutes. Set the meat aside on a plate. Add the remaining olive oil, meat, salt, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder and cook until the meat is crisp and brown, another 10 minutes.
  • Add the first half of the meat back to the pressure cooker. Add the garlic and onions and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock. Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on manual for 40 minutes.
  • After the pressure-cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for natural release. After 15 minutes, release the rest of the steam using quick release.
  • Remove the lid from the pressure cooker. Remove the pork and onions to a baking sheet. Shred the pork with 2 forks, pour over the barbecue sauce and toss to coat. Serve with the buns and Pickled Jalapenos and Onions.
  • If not serving right away, transfer to a 9-by-13-inch disposable aluminum pan, cover with foil and keep warm in the oven at 300 degrees F until ready to serve.
  • Put the jalapenos and red onions in a 16-ounce wide-mouth mason jar.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
  • Pour the hot liquid over the veggies in the jar, screw on the lid and set aside. When it has cooled to room temperature, transfer the jar to the fridge to chill for a minimum of an hour, which will allow the vegetables to pickle. The pickles will last in the fridge for 3 days. Serve them on pulled pork sandwiches.

INSTANT POT® PULLED PORK



Instant Pot® Pulled Pork image

This pulled pork dish is a blend of a couple other recipes, made in the Instant Pot®. We had this on the Fourth of July, and it was a huge hit! Serve on warmed hamburger rolls, top with the thickened sauce, bread and butter pickles, or cole slaw as desired.

Provided by Julie Tramp

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pork     100+ Pulled Pork Recipes

Time 10h20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 17

¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (4 pound) pork shoulder roast, trimmed, or more as desired
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chicken stock
2 cups water
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, divided
1 large sweet onion, quartered, or more to taste
½ cup ketchup, divided
½ cup brown sugar

Steps:

  • Combine brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub the dry rub mixture all over the trimmed shoulder roast. Pierce roast with a fork to help seasoning penetrate meat. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add olive oil. Cut pork into 4 to 6 pieces and add to the hot oil. Cook a few pieces at a time until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer cooked meat to a plate.
  • Add chicken broth to the pot and deglaze the browned bits from the bottom by stirring constantly with a whisk until smooth. Turn Instant Pot® off.
  • Add water, apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, onion, and 2 tablespoons ketchup. Top with browned pork. Close and lock the lid, making sure the vent is closed. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 60 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Remove meat and onions and cover to keep warm.
  • Set Instant Pot® to saute and add remaining tomato paste, remaining ketchup, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Use a ladle to skim excess fat from the top of the liquid and discard it. Cook until sauce is reduced in volume by about 1/2, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, use 2 forks to shred cooked pork into small chunks. Serve meat as desired, topped with the thickened sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316.3 calories, Carbohydrate 17.8 g, Cholesterol 64.9 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 15.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 1777.4 mg, Sugar 15.6 g

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

  • Choose the right pork roast. A boneless pork shoulder roast (also known as a pork butt) is the best cut of meat for pulled pork. It's a tough cut of meat, but it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in the Instant Pot.
  • Don't skimp on the spices. A good rub is essential for flavorful pulled pork. Use a blend of spices that you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
  • Cook the pork on high pressure. This will help to quickly tenderize the meat. You can cook the pork for 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of the roast.
  • Let the pork rest before shredding it. This will help to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. Let the pork rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
  • Serve the pulled pork on your favorite bread roll. You can also serve it on buns, tortillas, or even rice.
  • Top the pulled pork with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickles.

Conclusion:

Instant Pot pulled pork is an easy and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can have a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich that will be the hit of your next party or gathering. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

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