Name: Instant Pot Recipes Pulled Pork Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Buns, for serving; Coleslaw, for topping (optional)

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Let’s be honest. Few things beat a pulled pork sandwich that’s tender enough to fall apart the second you look at it. That’s where the Instant Pot steps in and saves the day. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had guests coming over and suddenly realized my smoker dreams would take ten hours. Not today. With this method, dinner shows up in less than two. The best instant pot recipe isn’t always the fanciest. Sometimes it’s about flavor, patience, and a bun that doesn’t give up halfway through the meal. This instant pot pulled pork does all of that without asking for too much back. I call that a win. Here’s my quiet confession: I once tried making pulled pork in the oven and ended up eating pizza instead. The Instant Pot fixed that problem for me. When friends ask for the Best Instant Pot Recipe, this one always makes the list. Whether you’re new to Instant Pot Recipes Easy meals, looking for another instant pot recipe to add to your week, or you secretly scroll chicken instant pot recipes for fun—you’ll find this one hits the sweet spot. It’s simple, forgiving, and downright tasty.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers Recipe
3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers
4) How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers
5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers
6) Making Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Why the Instant Pot makes pork tender and quick.
How a few pantry spices create big flavor.
Why leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ways to serve pork beyond a bun.

2) Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers Recipe

I’ve always loved pulled pork, but patience has never been my strong suit. Smoking pork for ten hours? I admire people who do it, but my stomach just won’t wait. The Instant Pot gives me the same tender results in less than two hours. This recipe is proof that instant pot recipes don’t have to be complicated. They can be fast, flavorful, and flexible.

The beauty here comes from the balance. Pork shoulder is rich and forgiving, onions and garlic build a sweet base, and spices wake everything up. Add broth and sauce, and the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting while I sip iced tea. It feels like cheating, but the good kind.

I call this my weeknight magic. Guests think I worked all day, but the truth is, I barely lifted a spoon. If you’ve been searching for the best instant pot recipe that doesn’t stress you out, this one deserves a spot on your table.

3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers

Pork Shoulder: This cut is marbled with fat, which melts and keeps the meat juicy. Don’t swap it out if you want that classic pulled pork texture.

Olive Oil: Just a little coats the pot and helps the meat brown. Browning means flavor, so don’t skip this step.

Onion: Sliced thick, the onion softens into the sauce and adds a hint of sweetness.

Garlic: Four cloves sound like a lot, but garlic softens in flavor as it cooks. It makes the pork taste deep and warm.

Chicken Broth: The liquid that keeps the pork tender and prevents burning. It also brings a gentle savory note.

Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade. This ties the pork together with tang and smoke.

Brown Sugar: Just two spoons sweeten the sauce and balance the spices.

Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness. It tricks your taste buds into thinking you smoked the pork outdoors.

Cumin: Earthy and grounding, cumin deepens the flavor without overpowering it.

Chili Powder: A touch of heat for balance. It doesn’t make the pork fiery, just lively.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Start light, then adjust after shredding.

Buns: Soft buns soak up the sauce without falling apart. They’re the stage for the star of the show.

Coleslaw: Optional, but the crunch and creaminess make each bite feel balanced.

4) How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers

Step 1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil. Add pork chunks in batches and brown them on all sides. Set browned pork aside.

Step 2. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and scrape the bottom so those flavorful browned bits mix in.

Step 3. Pour in chicken broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce looks smooth.

Step 4. Return pork to the pot. Lock the lid and set to high pressure for 60 minutes.

Step 5. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release the rest. The smell filling the kitchen tells you it’s ready.

Step 6. Remove pork and shred it with two forks. Mix the shredded pork back into the sauce until every strand is coated.

Step 7. Pile pork onto buns and add coleslaw if you like crunch. Take a big bite, and try not to smile too much.

5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers

Don’t crowd the pot when browning the pork. Work in small batches, so each piece develops that golden crust. That crust is pure flavor, and flavor is what makes this dish stand out among Instant Pot Recipes Easy choices.

Spice levels are personal. If you like more heat, toss in cayenne. If you want it sweeter, add extra brown sugar. This recipe bends to your taste without breaking.

Buns matter more than you think. Choose sturdy but soft buns. No one enjoys losing half their sandwich to soggy bread halfway through a meal.

6) Making Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers Ahead of Time

I’ve learned that pulled pork tastes even better the next day. The flavors marry overnight, turning good pork into great pork. If you know you’ll serve it later, cook as directed, shred, and store in the sauce.

When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the pork from drying out. Warm it gently, and it will taste like it just came out of the pot. I’ve served leftovers at parties, and no one knew they weren’t cooked that same day.

This recipe works for busy weeks. Make it on Sunday, enjoy sandwiches through Wednesday, and maybe toss some into tacos for variety. It’s flexible and forgiving, just like the best instant pot recipe should be.

7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers

Store pork in an airtight container with sauce. Refrigerated, it lasts up to four days. Frozen, it stays good for three months. Always keep the meat with its sauce so it doesn’t dry out.

Leftover pulled pork makes quick meals. Try it on baked potatoes, in quesadillas, or stirred into pasta. Instant pot recipes shine when they can stretch beyond one meal, and this pork proves that point well.

If the sauce thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating. It brings the pork back to life in minutes.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burgers Recipe