How to Cook Frozen Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot

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

• Use boneless pork shoulder or pork butt Bone-in cuts can make removing and shredding the pork trickier,
• Trim off any excess fat before cooking. Too much fat can prevent the pot from coming up to pressure properly.
• Add 1⁄2 cup liquid like chicken or vegetable broth to help create steam. The pork will release liquid as it cooks.
• Use a cooking time of 60 minutes per 1 pound of frozen pork. A 3 pound roast needs 180 minutes.
• Allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 20-30 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
• Check for doneness after cooking. Internal temp should be 200-205°F.
• 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:

1. 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.
2. Add the broth to the pot and place the seasoned frozen pork roast directly on top. Do not trim off any fat before cooking.
3. 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).
4. When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 20-30 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure.
5. 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.
6. Remove and discard any excess fat, bones or unappetizing pieces.
7. Place the shredded pork in a bowl and toss with the barbecue sauce until fully coated.
8. 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.