Pulled pork is a classic American barbecue dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd The pork shoulder is slowly cooked until tender and able to be easily pulled apart or shredded. The succulent meat is then tossed in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce Pulled pork sandwiches piled high are the quintessential summer food.
While traditionally pulled pork is smoked or roasted low and slow in the oven for hours, using an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker allows you to cook pulled pork in a fraction of the time without sacrificing any of the flavor. The pressurized environment helps break down the tough connective tissues quickly so the pork ends up fall-apart tender and ready to be pulled and sauced
Benefits of Cooking Frozen Pork in the Instant Pot
One of the biggest benefits of using an Instant Pot to make pulled pork is that you don’t have to fully defrost frozen pork before cooking. The intense heat of the pressurized pot thaws and cooks the pork at the same time. This makes it easy to get dinner on the table even when you forgot to move the pork from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before.
Cooking frozen pork in the Instant Pot also helps prevent the pork from becoming dry and overcooked. The moist environment ensures the pork stays juicy and tender. Just be sure to use natural pressure release once the cook time is complete to prevent the pork from seizing up and getting tough.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Pork in the Instant Pot
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Use boneless pork shoulder or pork butt Bone-in cuts can make removing and shredding the pork trickier,
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Trim off any excess fat before cooking. Too much fat can prevent the pot from coming up to pressure properly.
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Add 1⁄2 cup liquid like chicken or vegetable broth to help create steam. The pork will release liquid as it cooks.
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Use a cooking time of 60 minutes per 1 pound of frozen pork. A 3 pound roast needs 180 minutes.
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Allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 20-30 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
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Check for doneness after cooking. Internal temp should be 200-205°F.
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Remove any bones, fat, or unappetizing bits after shredding pork.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder roast, frozen
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Directions:
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Turn the Instant Pot on to the sauté function and heat 2 tsp oil. Season the frozen pork roast all over with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder.
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Add the broth to the pot and place the seasoned frozen pork roast directly on top. Do not trim off any fat before cooking.
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Lock the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is in the sealing position. Select high pressure and set the cook time to 1 hour and 30 minutes for a 3 pound roast (add 15 minutes for each additional pound).
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When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 20-30 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure.
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Carefully remove the pork from the pot and transfer to a cutting board or platter. Use 2 forks to shred and pull the pork apart.
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Remove and discard any excess fat, bones or unappetizing pieces.
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Place the shredded pork in a bowl and toss with the barbecue sauce until fully coated.
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Serve the juicy pulled pork on hamburger buns or over cornbread. Top with extra barbecue sauce, pickles and coleslaw.
Making pulled pork in the Instant Pot from frozen pork shoulder or butt roast allows you to skip the tedious defrosting step while still ending up with insanely delicious and tender pulled pork in a fraction of the traditional cook time. The key is using the right amount of liquid and fully natural pressure release. In around 2 hours or less you can be enjoying quintessential barbecue flavor without spending all day tending a smoker or waiting for the oven to work its magic. Pull out your Instant Pot and embrace the ease of frozen to fork-tender pulled pork.
Frequency of Entities:
how to cook frozen pulled pork in instant pot: 7
frozen pulled pork: 4
instant pot: 13
pork shoulder/butt: 5
pressure cook: 3
cook time: 3
barbecue sauce: 2
natural pressure release: 2
Instant pot Pulled pork from FROZEN – paleo
FAQ
Can I cook pulled pork from frozen?
How long do you cook a frozen pork shoulder in the Instant Pot?
Why did my Instant Pot pulled pork come out tough?
Can you make pulled pork in the Instant Pot?
Making pulled pork in the Instant Pot is so simple. Start with basic seasoning, and then add in some apple juice and apple cider vinegar. This Instant Pot Pulled pork recipe is so simple! Place it in the Instant Pot and allow it to pressure cook your pork roast. It will get it super tender and moist. I used my meat claws to shred my meat easily.
How do you cook pork in an Instant Pot?
Add the seasoned pork to the Instant Pot. Place all the seasoned pork pieces in the pot (in the liquid or on the trivet) Close the lid and set to cook Pop the lid on your IP and turn the pressure valve to seal. Set to cook for 40 minutes. Do a 10 minute natural release and then release any remaining pressure with a quick release.
Can you cook pulled pork from frozen?
To heat from frozen, place the frozen pulled pork in the instant pot with 1 cup of apple juice and cook on high for 10 minutes. Alternatively, thaw the pork overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes per cup of pork. Add in a splash of apple juice, water, or stock to loosen up the pork if needed.
How long do you Pressure Cook pork in Instant Pot?
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Cook Time: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 35 minutes, then Natural Release for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of natural release, release the remaining pressure by turning Venting Knob to Venting Position. When Floating Valve drops, open the lid carefully. Check if the pork is tender enough.