Easy to make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Butt Recipe with only 4 ingredients! We love this mouthwatering, fork-tender pork topped with a zesty Cola BBQ Sauce! It's ready in half the time.
Next time try this recipe for Instant pot BBQ Pork Ribs!
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Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork with Cola
I admit, when I first received my pressure-cooker I was apprehensive and a little scared of of the whole pressure cooker thing. But after I've spent some time with it, I've learned there is nothing to be afraid of.
Ingredients/vartions
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- The best cut of pork is pork butt roast, boneless pork roast, boneless pork shoulder or pork loin is also a good choice.
- Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper or Root Beer - I recommend non-diet versions. I've used diet and it found I prefer the regular soda flavoring.
- barbecue sauce - use your favorite, something sweet with just a hint of spice is my preference!
- spice rub - this sweet, flavorful rub is terrific with this recipe. It has kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper and onion powder. If you prefer a little spice, add some chili powder! This Montreal Steak spice recipe is delicious as well, but if you have a store bought preference, by all means - use that!
Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the pressure cooker if you like a tangy sauce.
If you like a smokey flavor, add liquid smoke, no more than ¼ teaspoon. A little bit goes a long way.
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
Slow Cooker Directions
You can make flavorful pulled pork butt in the crock pot as well. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker. Depending on the size of roast cooking time will be 10-12 hours on low.
Stovetop/Oven Directions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Rub the roast lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning rub. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the roast and sear on all sides. Just a few minutes per side.
- Pour the soda and bbq sauce on top of the roast and place in the oven and roast for 4-5 hours under pork is very tender and will easier shred.
Equipment
- A 6 quart Instant Pot is the one I have and love. It's a workhorse! I highly recommend it.
You'll find the Instant Pot Products I recommend, here in my Amazon Shop.
FAQ's
Pulled pork can be made from any fatty pork roast or even boneless country ribs! Great cuts include Pork Shoulder, Pork Loin Roast, Boston Butt or a Picnic Roast.
Yes, but it's an expensive cut. One of the other cuts are less expensive and a better choice for the cola pulled pork recipe.
Use a standard barbecue sauce. If you have a favorite, now's the time to use it. Not too spicy... not too sweet, use a favorite and you can't go wrong!
This simply means you haven't cooked it long enough. If it's tough, continue cooking until the cola pulled pork shreds easily.
Storage
Refrigerate - store leftovers in an airtight container up to three days.
Freezer - pulled pork freezes great up to three months.
Related Recipes
Here are more easy recipes and great pressure-cooking meals!
- Kauai Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
- Barbecue Pork Ribs that will melt in your mouth!
Serving suggestions
The shredded pork is perfect for quick meals. Here are some great ideas!
- For sandwiches, you'll need ciabatta rolls, sweet pickles, red onions and fresh jalapeños.
- Use the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork to make nachos! YUM!!! For this, I recommend pepper jack or Colby jack cheese, or better yet a combination of the two! Then layer on the pulled pork, add BBQ sauce, top with cheese and bake or microwave until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with your favorite nacho toppings - diced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, olives and chunks of avocado. Top with salsa and sour cream - delicious!
- For a delicious homemade pizza use bbq sauce as the base of the pizza. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, instant pot pork butt, thinly sliced red onions and sliced peperoncini. There's something about this simple combination that is absolutely dynamite!
- Still have leftovers and looking for more ideas to serve pulled pork? How about Pulled Pork Mac 'n Cheese, homemade Quesadillas or even BBQ Shepherd Pie!
What isn't to love about this easy Instant Pot Recipe? I think you'll also love all the different ways to serve it!
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Butt
Ingredients
- 4 pound pork roast boneless pork butt or pork shoulder roast
- 12 ounce Coca-Cola
- 2 cups Barbecue Sauce
- 1 tablespoon spice rub or rib rub
- Optional slurry to thicken sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Add the trivet on the bottom of the pressure cooker and place the roast on top.
- Pour the soda over the pork and top with bbq sauce.  Sprinkle with the spice rub
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and seal. Press manual, set timer to two hours on high pressure.  Allow the steam to natural release at the end of the cooking time.
- After the pressure is released, remove the roast from the pressure cooker. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the pork. Top with juices from the pressure cooker.
- Optional: If you want to thicken the sauce, after removing the roast: Set the pressure cooker to sauté function and bring the cooking liquid to a boil. Scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the cooker. Then add one tablespoon of cornstarch into 1 tablespoon COLD water. Whisk until smooth. Pour into the boiling sauce and cook until thick and bubbly - not long, only 3-5 minutes. Pour over the pulled pork
Notes
- Add the meat to the slow cooker.
- Pour the soda over the meat, bbq sauce and sprinkle with spice rub.
- Depending on the size of roast cooking time will be 10-12 hours on low.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Rub the roast lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning rub. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the roast and sear on all sides. Just a few minutes per side.
- Pour the soda and bbq sauce on top of the roast and place in the oven and roast for 4-5 hours under pork is very tender and will easier shred.
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Nutrition
Originally published Aug 18, 2020 - Updated April 28, 2022 to improve readability.
Patricia Manzer says
can I use cherry coke or should it be classic?
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, you can use Cherry Coke Patricia - it will give a slightly sweet flavor and I bet it will be delish!
Nikki Lee says
Love how tender and flavorful this recipe is in the IP!
Ashley says
Should the roast be thawed? Plan on making this but want to make sure!
Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Yes Ashley, I thaw the roast first. I hope you enjoy this recipe!!
Liza says
Wow! This recipe sounds so simple and it must be SO delicious! Coco-cola for pulled pork - sounds like a a perfect combination for the ultimate flavor! Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Simple and delish, that's how I roll Liza! 🙂 Seriously though be sure to give this meal a try - this pulled pork is sooo good!
Angela Paris says
Pinning! This looks SO yummy! My husband would just gobble it all up... ok, me too 🙂