This Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork is great! Just get some pork shoulder and barbecue sauce, and the pork will fall apart when you cook it under pressure. Serve it on a bun with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce. You get all the flavor of slow cooked pulled pork in a fraction of the time.
This is a pressure cooker twist on a popular slow cooker recipe. The recipe has only three ingredients—vegetable oil, pork, and barbecue sauce. It also doesn’t take long to prepare and is ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make in the slow cooker. It tastes just as good and is just as easy to set and forget.
However, if you don’t have a crowd to feed, it freezes well too. I like to freeze it in single servings so I have extras for lunch or when I need a quick dinner.
Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that’s simple to make but requires time for the pork to become fall-apart tender. While traditional recipes call for slow roasting or smoking the pork shoulder for hours, the instant pot cuts down the cook time drastically while still delivering moist, flavorful pulled pork. But how long should you cook frozen pork in the instant pot to end up with mouthwatering shredded meat for sandwiches and tacos?
As an instant pot enthusiast and pulled pork lover I’ve experimented to find the perfect time and technique for cooking frozen pork shoulder in the instant pot. Follow my tips and timing guidelines below for tender pulled pork from frozen every time.
Benefits of Using the Instant Pot
The instant pot is a game changer for pulled pork thanks to the pressurized environment High pressure and steam help breakdown the pork’s tough connective tissues much faster than low, slow cooking And frozen pork isn’t a problem! The instant pot safely thaws and cooks the pork together.
Cooking frozen pork in the instant pot also helps prevent drying out. The sealed pot keeps all the moisture in so the pork turns out super juicy and tender. No need to babysit a smoker or oven for 8-12 hours. Let the instant pot work its magic in a fraction of the time.
Tips for Success with Frozen Pork
- Use boneless pork shoulder or butt for easier shredding later
- Trim off excess fat before cooking to prevent pressure errors
- Add 1⁄2 cup liquid like broth or apple juice
- Allow natural pressure release to prevent toughness
- Check for 200°F internal temp when done
Cook Time per Pound
The basic timing guideline is 60 minutes per pound of frozen pork shoulder.
- A 2 lb pork roast needs 120 minutes total cook time
- 3 lbs takes about 180 minutes
- A large 4-5 lb roast will need around 240 – 300 minutes.
I recommend cooking frozen pork shoulder for the minimum time, then checking for tenderness before adding more time if needed.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Frozen Pulled Pork
To make foolproof instant pot pulled pork from a frozen roast:
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Season the pork: Rub the frozen pork shoulder with a spice rub or seasoning blend. Try smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
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Add liquid: Pour 1⁄2 cup broth, apple juice or water into the instant pot. This will create steam to help cook the pork.
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Pressure cook: Add the pork directly on top of the liquids. Lock the lid and make sure the valve is sealed. Set to high pressure for the recommended time based on pork’s weight.
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Natural release: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to come down naturally for at least 20-30 minutes before quick releasing.
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Check for doneness: The pork should be fall-apart tender and reach 200°F internally. If not, pressure cook for additional time.
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Shred the pork: Use forks or bear claws to pull and shred the cooked pork. Discard excess fat or bones.
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Toss with sauce: Combine the shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce.
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Serve and enjoy: Pile the juicy pulled pork onto buns, tacos, salads or nachos. Dig in!
The hands-off convenience of the instant pot means you can prep the pork in the morning and then walk away while it cooks. After work, you’ll come home to a meal ready to be shredded and sauced for amazing homemade pulled pork with minimal effort.
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook frozen pork in the instant pot?
Use 1 hour per pound of frozen pork shoulder. A 3 lb roast takes about 3 hours.
Should you thaw pork before cooking in instant pot?
No defrosting needed! Cook frozen pork roasts as is in the instant pot.
Why did my instant pot pork come out dry or tough?
Always use natural pressure release, not quick release, to keep pork moist. And make sure to add liquid to the pot.
What can I season the pork with?
Simple salt and pepper works well, or get creative with spices like garlic, paprika, brown sugar and chili powder.
Can you overcook pork in an instant pot?
It’s difficult to overcook pork in the instant pot. The natural release ensures it stays tender no matter how long it cooks.
With my tips and timing for cooking frozen pork shoulder in the instant pot, you can skip the tedious defrosting step yet still end up with the most insanely delicious and tender pulled pork ever in nearly a quarter of the time. Give your instant pot a try for fast weeknight meals and easy entertaining. In under 3 hours, you’ll be digging into the most flavorful, fall-apart tender pulled pork sandwiches smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce – no smoker required!
How to Cook Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork from Frozen
If you didn’t have a chance to defrost your pork, you can cook from frozen. You will need to add 5 minutes per pound. Note that it will take longer to come to pressure.
How to Double or Half the Recipe for Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork
I have gotten a number of questions about doubling our reducing the size of the recipe. You can add more meat without adding more liquid. Just make sure the pot isn’t more than two-thirds full and that there is room around the sides so that it can build up pressure.
While cooking, you should still use the same amount of time and barbecue sauce for a smaller piece of meat. Just cut the sauce in half.
