Instant Pot Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Carolina Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (3- to 4-lb.) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4 equal pieces; 8 garlic cloves, cut in halves lengthwise; 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar; 2 cups apple cider vinegar; 4 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Servings: persons

1 (3- to 4-lb.) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4 equal pieces
8 garlic cloves, cut in halves lengthwise
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar
2 cups apple cider vinegar
4 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1
["Using a small knife, make small cuts in the pork pieces. Stuff garlic clove halves into cuts, using 4 pieces of garlic per pork piece. Stir together paprika, chili powder, 2 teaspoons of the kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of the pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over pork pieces, coating all sides.", "Press ""Saute"" on an Instant Pot, and allow to heat 2 to 3 minutes. Add olive oil to hot insert of the Instant Pot, and place 2 pieces of coated pork to pot; cook, turning to brown all sides, about 4 minutes total. Transfer browned pieces to a plate, and repeat with remaining 2 pieces of prepared pork. Combine water and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve sugar.", "Add all pieces of browned pork back to Instant Pot, and add water-brown sugar mixture to pot. Press ""Cancel"" on Instant Pot. Place top on Instant Pot, locking into place, and setting the release valve to ""Sealing"" position. Set to ""High Pressure"" for 65 minutes. While pork cooks, stir together apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, crushed red pepper, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until salt and sugar dissolve.", "Carefully release the pressure release valve, and let steam escape from pot. Open top, and remove pork pieces from liquid in Instant Pot, discarding liquid. Transfer pork to cutting board or plate, and shred with a fork or hands. Serve pork with vinegar sauce."]

509

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (3- to 4-lb.) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4 equal pieces, 8 garlic cloves, cut in halves lengthwise, 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, and more.

Yes, Instant Pot Carolina Pulled Pork falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Instant Pot Carolina Pulled Pork

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions