Instant Pot Pulled Pork (with Country Style Ribs)

There's nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of tender, juicy pulled pork. But if you don't have hours to spend using a slow cooker or smoker, the Instant Pot will deliver tender, juicy pulled pork from country style ribs in a fraction of the time, without compromising on taste.

Whether you're planning a barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or a gathering with friends, this Instant Pot pulled pork is the perfect solution. All meals should be this easy!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

It's such a time saver! Say goodbye to long hours of slow cooking or smoking. Using the Instant Pot and country ribs results in tender, perfectly shredded pork in about an hour, vs. all day.

It's foolproof! The magic of pressure cooking produces tender morsels of meat infused with flavor and cooked to perfection.

It's versatile! This recipe offers a classic base that you can easily customize with your favorite seasonings, sauces, or spices. You can make it your own!

Ingredients

Pork - I use boneless country-style ribs.

Seasoning - my blend includes brown sugar, paprika(smoked), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Broth or water -the Instant Pot needs a little liquid to cook properly.

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork from Country Style Ribs

First, the dry rub. A couple of years ago, I started using dry rub and was hooked! Talk about easy!! I use it to marinate the meat before cooking and it helps infuse wonderful flavor into every bite.  

I make my own sweet dry rub from spices I always have on hand. But if you have a favorite seasoning mix from the store, feel free to use it!

Sprinkle the seasoning all over the strips of meat, then cover and let them marinate for a bit. I recommend at least 30 minutes, 60 is even better if you have the time. If you are someone who plans ahead you could season the meat the night before and refrigerate overnight for this step.

Preheat your Instant Pot by selecting the "Saute" function. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil and sear the pork pieces for a few minutes on each side. This step will lock in the juices and enhance the overall flavor.

I usually do this in a couple batches, depending upon how many strips of pork I have.

Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and set it aside momentarily. Then add a little broth to the pot to deglaze, and scrape up any of the browned bits sticking to the bottom.

I've used chicken broth or beef broth for this, whatever is in my fridge basically. And in a pinch, water works too. 😁

Put the seared pork back in the pot with the liquid. Seal and set Instant Pot to the Meat/Stew setting (18 minutes on high pressure) and let it cook.

When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to vent naturally before opening.

Shred meat using two forks. You can remove the meat to a pan to do this or shred right in the Instant Pot if you prefer.

Serve the pulled pork on buns, sliders, or alongside your favorite side dishes. Don't forget to spoon some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the meat for an extra burst of juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Once you've made this delicious pulled pork, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve on soft buns with coleslaw and pickles for a classic pulled pork sandwich experience. Add your favorite barbecue sauce to taste.
• Wrap the pulled pork in tortillas or lettuce cups for a lighter option.
• Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.
• Use the pulled pork to make air fryer nachos, the perfect game day munch!

Substitutions and Variations

The classic meat choice for pulled pork is a shoulder roast. Most recipes tell you to start by cutting up your roast. Feel free to use this option if you prefer.

I use boneless country-style ribs, which are strips of meat cut from the blade end of the loin close to the shoulder. Since country-style ribs are already cut up, you can skip cutting up the meat and get right to cooking!

A purist will tell you that pulled pork is best made long and slow.  So if you have the time, you have a couple choices. You can use this rub, sauté your meat on the stove top and then place it in a crock pot with some liquid on low for 10-12 hours.

Or, you can try Crockpot Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork for some extra - special flavor in your meat.

Storage

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, place the cooled pulled pork in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or barbecue sauce to maintain moisture.

For longer-term storage, store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This delicious meat is perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you crave that delicious pulled pork experience.

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Serving ideas

If you need some more salads to go with your pulled pork, try a Greek Cucumber Salad or an easy Potato Salad. I also love Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad and Corn Salad. They are sure to please any crowd.

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