Pulled pork is a classic crowd-pleaser, but not many people realize you can cook frozen pork shoulder in an Instant Pot for incredibly convenient meals. With the right timings and techniques, your frozen pork will transform into fall-apart tender pulled pork in a fraction of the time.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook delicious frozen pulled pork in an Instant Pot, including:
- Thawing vs cooking frozen pork
- Exact timings for frozen pork on high and low settings
- Step-by-step Instant Pot setup instructions
- Natural vs quick pressure release methods
- Shredding and serving tips
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- FAQs answered
So let’s get started – here’s how to make perfect pulled pork from frozen meat in your Instant Pot!
Should You Thaw Pork Before the Instant Pot?
Many people wonder if you need to thaw frozen pork shoulder before pressure cooking. The good news is you can absolutely cook frozen pork in an Instant Pot without thawing first.
However thawing does offer some benefits
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Thawed pork cooks faster. Frozen pork needs extra time to come to pressure and to cook through.
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Thawed pork absorbs flavors better. Spices and sauces penetrate into the meat better when thawed.
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Less risk of undercooking. Small frozen sections may not get up to food safe temps.
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Meat shreds easier when thawed. Fibers break down more after thawing.
For best results, thaw frozen pork in the fridge overnight. But you can skip this step if you’re in a time crunch.
How Long to Cook Frozen Pork on High
For frozen pork shoulder on the high setting, the cook time is:
- 1.5 pounds pork – 25 to 30 minutes
- 2 pound pork – 35 to 40 minutes
- 3 pound pork – 45 to 55 minutes
- 4 pound pork – 60 to 70 minutes
Always add at least 5 extra minutes per pound as the meat is frozen. Then start checking tenderness after the minimum time.
For thawed pork, reduce cook times by 10 minutes per pound.
How Long to Cook Frozen Pork on Low
On the low setting, frozen pork shoulder cook times are:
- 1.5 pounds pork – 1 hour
- 2 pound pork – 1 hour 15 minutes
- 3 pound pork – 1 hour 30 minutes
- 4 pound pork – 1 hour 45 minutes
As with high pressure, add at least 5 minutes per pound of frozen meat. Then check frequently after the minimum time.
For thawed pork, you can subtract 15 minutes per pound on low.
Step-By-Step Instant Pot Frozen Pork Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect pulled pork every time:
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Season pork with dry rub, browning if desired. No need to thaw.
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Pour 1 cup broth or water in Instant Pot. This creates steam to build pressure.
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Place seasoned pork in pot and lock the lid. Select high or low pressure and set time.
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Allow natural release for at least 10 minutes before quick releasing.
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Check for doneness. Pork should be very tender when poked with a fork.
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Shred pork with forks and mix with BBQ sauce.
That’s all there is to it! With the right cook times and preparation, you’ll have amazing pulled pork from frozen.
Quick vs. Natural Pressure Release
After pressure cooking frozen pork, you have two options to release the pressure:
Natural release means allowing the pressure to come down naturally over 10-30 minutes. This leads to more tender and juicy meat.
Quick release is manually releasing the valve to quickly drop the pressure. This saves time but can make the pork slightly tougher.
For frozen pulled pork, natural release is highly recommended. Quick release only if you’re in a hurry.
Shredding and Serving Juicy Pulled Pork
Follow these tips when shredding and serving:
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Let pork rest 10-15 minutes before shredding. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Shred pork with two forks rather than hand mixing. Fork shredding preserves more tender chunks.
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Mix in BBQ sauce after shredding. Added earlier, sauce can burn.
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Serve pulled pork piled high on buns or over cornbread. Provide extra sauce.
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Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days. Freeze for even longer storage.
Your cooked frozen pork will shred into mouthwatering, juicy pulled pork perfect for sliders, tacos, nachos, baked potatoes and more!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking frozen pork in an Instant Pot is simple, but watch out for these minor mistakes:
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Not adding extra time per pound for frozen meat. This leads to undercooked pork.
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Releasing pressure too quickly. Natural release is best for tender meat.
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Shredding pork when it’s too hot. Let it rest 10-15 minutes first.
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Over-shredding the meat into mush. Gentle fork shredding maintains texture.
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Adding barbecue sauce too early. Mix it in at the end to prevent burning.
FAQs About Cooking Frozen Pork in an Instant Pot
How much extra time is needed for frozen pork?
Add 5 minutes per pound of frozen meat. So a 3 lb pork shoulder needs an extra 15 minutes.
Do I need to add extra liquid for frozen pork?
No, the normal 1 cup of broth or water is fine. The frozen pork will release liquid as it cooks.
Should I thaw pork in the fridge or microwave first?
Fridge thawing is best, but you can cook frozen pork directly with no issues.
Is it safe to cook frozen pork in an Instant Pot?
Yes, Instant Pots are designed to safely thaw and cook frozen meats with no problems.
Can I quick release pressure after cooking frozen pork?
Natural release is highly recommended for tender meat. Quick release only if in a hurry.
So there you have it – everything you need to know to cook delicious, fall-apart tender pulled pork from frozen meat in your Instant Pot! With the right timings and preparation, you’ll have mouthwatering pulled pork in no time.