Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork: A Foolproof Guide To Delicious, Fall-off-the-bone Goodness!
What To Know
- The high pressure and steam in a pressure cooker help to break down the connective tissues in the pork, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the pressure cooker and shred it using two forks or a meat shredder.
Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is loved by many. However, traditional methods of cooking pulled pork can be time-consuming. Pressure cooking is a great way to speed up the process and still achieve that tender and juicy flavor. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to pressure cook pulled pork.
Benefits of Pressure Cooking Pulled Pork
There are several benefits to pressure cooking pulled pork:
- Time-saving: Pressure cooking can significantly reduce the cooking time compared to traditional methods.
- Tenderness: The high pressure and steam in a pressure cooker help to break down the connective tissues in the pork, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Flavorful: Pressure cooking allows the pork to absorb the flavors of the spices and seasonings more deeply.
Ingredients for Pressure Cook Pulled Pork
To make pressure cook pulled pork, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Pressure Cook Pulled Pork
1. Brown the Pork
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the pork with salt and pepper.
- Sear the pork on all sides until it is browned.
2. Deglaze the Pan
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Transfer to Pressure Cooker
- Transfer the pork, onion, and garlic to the pressure cooker.
4. Add Liquid and Seasonings
- Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pressure cooker.
- Pour in enough water or broth to cover the pork by about 1 inch.
5. Pressure Cook
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
6. Shred the Pork
- Remove the pork from the pressure cooker and shred it using two forks or a meat shredder.
7. Serve
- Serve the pulled pork with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
Tips for Perfect Pressure Cook Pulled Pork
- Choose the right cut of meat: The best cut of meat for pulled pork is boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt). It is a tough cut of meat with a lot of connective tissue, which is what makes it so tender when cooked under pressure.
- Don’t overcook the pork: Overcooked pork will be dry and tough. Cook the pork for 60 minutes on high pressure, and then let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
- Shred the pork: Once the pork is cooked, shred it using two forks or a meat shredder. This will help to separate the fibers and make the pulled pork easier to eat.
- Serve with your favorite sides: Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular sides include coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread.
Variations on Pressure Cook Pulled Pork
There are many different ways to make pressure cook pulled pork. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy pulled pork: Add a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the pressure cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Sweet pulled pork: Add a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the pressure cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Smoky pulled pork: Add a few hickory or mesquite chips to the pressure cooker along with the other ingredients. This will give the pulled pork a smoky flavor.
In a nutshell: The Art of Pressure Cooking Pulled Pork
Pressure cooking pulled pork is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and tender meal. By following the tips and variations in this blog post, you can create a pulled pork dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. So next time you’re craving pulled pork, reach for your pressure cooker and give this recipe a try.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of meat for pressure cook pulled pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts of meat for pressure cook pulled pork, but boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the best cut for this dish. Other cuts of meat, such as pork loin or pork tenderloin, will not be as tender when cooked under pressure.
2. How long should I cook pulled pork in a pressure cooker?
Cook the pulled pork for 60 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
3. How do I shred pulled pork?
Once the pulled pork is cooked, shred it using two forks or a meat shredder. This will help to separate the fibers and make the pulled pork easier to eat.
