This Instant-Pot Carolina Pulled Pork is a great BBQ pulled pork recipe. It's less sweet and smokey and more tangy and spicy. Make it in under 2 hours!
In This Post You'll Find:
I know I've spent the last 10+ years in Texas and all, but I'm not the biggest fan of sweet BBQ. What I prefer is a good tangy -- maybe even spicy -- flavor to my BBQ. When I first tried Carolina pulled pork, I thought it was perfect. Carolina spices perfectly combine tangy and sweet that pair very well with juicy, tender pulled pork.
When I was learning how to use my Instant Pot, I knew that Carolina Pulled Pork had to be on the list of recipes to make at home. I hope you love this easy recipe as much as I do!
Watch Me Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredient Notes
Pork Loin: I recommend using boneless pork for this Instant Pot Carolina pulled pork recipe because I divide it into sections to evenly brown in the Instant Pot. The best cut for making pulled pork in an instant pot is the pork shoulder (aka pork butt), which is also referred to as a Boston butt or a Boston roast. If you don't see it in your store, I've found the grocery store butchers are often happy to cut it for you.
Spice Rub: What makes a Carolina pulled pork is the spice rub, which consists of a bunch of goodness, including the following:
- onion powder
- paprika
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- sea salt
- ground black pepper
- cayenne powder
- dry mustard
- cumin
- coconut sugar
Vinegar: I use a combination of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar for a touch of tang and a little sweetness. I find this combo makes the best Carolina BBQ flavor.
Coconut Sugar: Carolina BBQ has a touch of sweetness, so I choose to use coconut sugar, which is less processed sugar than brown sugar. You can read more on why I prefer coconut sugar in my post on my favorite natural sweeteners.
Chicken Broth: I add low-sodium chicken broth to the Instant Pot to add more flavor. You can substitute it with water if you prefer.
What Is Carolina Pulled Pork?
From my understanding, the Carolina BBQ style has two types: North Carolina and South Carolina.
In North Carolina, pork is typically brushed with a spice-and-vinegar mop when cooking. Then, it's served with a ketchup-based sauce on the side.
However, South Carolina tends to use the whole pig instead of just the shoulder (I use the shoulder in this recipe). South Carolina style also adds mustard in either the rub or the sauce.
I combine the two styles for my recipe, as I use pork shoulder (North Carolina), but I also add dry mustard to my spice rub mix (North Carolina).
How To Make Carolina Pulled Pork
Making Carolina Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot is shockingly easy. Here are the basic steps:
Prep The Pork
- Divide the pork butt (shoulder) into 4 similar-sized chunks
- Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together.
- Add pork chunks to rub mix and coat well.
Sear The Pork
- Add olive oil to Instant Pot and set to sauté.
- Once it indicates hot, add the pork, but do not crowd.
- Sear on each side for about 2 minutes each.
- Remove pork and set aside on a plate.
- Repeat with remaining pork pieces.
- Once pork is seared and removed from pot.
Prep The Instant Pot
- Use a wooden spoon and deglaze the bottom of the pot with the chicken broth. Make sure to scrape up all the bits.
- Add remaining chicken broth and vinegars.
Cook The Pork
- Place pork chunks directly into the liquid in the pot, spacing out as best possible.
- Secure lid and make sure vent is set to sealing.
- Pressure cook/manual on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes or until pin drops.
- Remove pork to a large bowl and shred with 2 forks.
Check out my post on Instant Pot Pulled Pork for another great pulled pork recipe!
Expert Tips
- Choose The Right Cut: Choose a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt for the best pulled pork. Because of the higher fat percentage of this type of cut, you'll have a juicier, more tender pulled pork.
- Wait To Trim The Fat: You can easily remove any excess fat off the pork after it cooks, so leave it on while in the Instant Pot to add more flavor.
- Sear Before: Searing the spice-rubbed meat beforehand will add flavor to the pulled pork.
- Keep The Liquid: Once you've shredded the pulled pork, return it to the Instant Pot and toss it with the reserved liquids to add even more flavor and juiciness back to the pork.
More Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipes
Check out my Instant Pot Barbacoa Tacos or these other great recipes for another great recipe.
Instant Pot Carolina Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Instant Pot
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork loin boneless or bone-in
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Cut into 4 same size chunks.
- Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together. Add pork chunks to rub mix and coat well.
- Add 2 tbs olive oil to Instant Pot and set to sauté. Once it indicates hot, add the pork, but do not crowd.
- Sear on each side for about 2 minutes each. Remove pork and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining pork pieces.
- Once pork is seared and removed from pot, press cancel and add ½ cup chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon and deglaze the bottom of the pot. Make sure to scrape up all the bits. Then add remaining chicken broth and vinegars.
- Place pork chunks directly into the liquid in the pot, spacing out as best possible. Secure lid and make sure vent is set to sealing. Pressure cook/manual on high pressure for 60 minutes.Then let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes or until pin drops.
- Remove pork to a large bowl and shred with 2 forks.
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