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Home » Recipes » Pork and Lamb

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Butt

Published: Apr 28, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 8 Comments

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Easy to make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Butt Recipe! Mouthwatering, fork tender pork topped with a zesty Cola BBQ Sauce and made with only four ingredients! It's ready in half the time and so easy anyone can make this recipe!

Next time try this recipe for Instant pot BBQ Pork Ribs!

BBQ pulled pork that has been shredded in white bowl.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Variations
  • Related Recipes
  • Serving suggestions
  • Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Butt

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  

If this is your first time using the pressure cooker, this is an easy recipe to start with!

✔️ The tender meat has so much flavor!

✔️ Tender pork in a fraction of the time.

✔️ It's just so easy to make!

Ingredients

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!

Instructions

Step by step photo instructions to make recipe

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Butt Instructions

  1. Place the trivet on the bottom of the electric pressure cooker.
  2. Add the roast.
  3. Pour one can of Coca-Cola over the pork.
  4. Top with your favorite bbq sauce.
  5. Sprinkle with spice rub.
  6. Seal lid, close pressure release valve.
  7. Set timer for two hours.
  8. Natural pressure release at the end.
  9. After the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat.

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

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • A 6 quart Instant Pot is the one I have and love. It's a workhorse! I highly recommend it.
  • These meat claws make it easy to shred the pork.

FAQ's

What is the best cut of meat for Instant Pot Pulled Pork Butt recipe?

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.

Can I use pork tenderloin?

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.

What kind of barbecue sauce should you use?

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!

Why is my pulled pork meat so tough?

This simply means you haven't cooked it long enough. If it's tough, continue cooking until the cola pulled pork shreds easily.

What can I add to pulled pork to make it moist?

Apple juice will help keep it moist and adds subtle flavor too. Topped with extra bbq sauce and it will taste amazing! This is perfect, especially with meat that has been frozen.

Does cola pulled pork freeze well?

Absolutely, leftovers freeze great! Add to a ziplock bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze up to three months.

Shredded Pork Sandwich topped with a pickle and red onion.
Easy to make pressure cooker pulled pork sandwich!

Variations

  • Rub the roast with dry rub before cooking. The brown sugar and spices will give it even more flavor!
  • If you like a tangy sauce, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the pressure cooker. If you like smokey flavor add liquid smoke, no more than ¼ teaspoon.
A white bowl filled with shredded meat.
Best BBQ Pulled Pork and so easy to make!

Related Recipes

Here are more easy recipes and great pressure cooking meals!

  • Kauai Pulled Pork Sandwiches
  • Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
  • Barbecue Pork Ribs the will Melt in your Mouth

Serving suggestions

For sandwiches, you'll need ciabatta rolls, sweet pickles, red onions and fresh jalapeños.

I love using this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork to make nachos! YUM!!! For this I recommend pepper jack or Colby jack cheese, 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 love all the different ways to serve it as well!

BBQ pulled pork that has been shredded in white bowl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Butt

Easy to make fall apart, fork tender cola pulled pork served with a zesty BBQ Sauce!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time2 hrs
Natural Pressure Release15 mins
Total Time2 hrs 5 mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 340kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

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

If your pork roast doesn't fit into the pressure cooker, cut it into large chunks.
Slow Cooker Directions
  1. Add the meat to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour the soda over the meat, bbq sauce and sprinkle with spice rub.
  3. Depending on the size of roast cooking time will be 10-12 hours on low.
Stovetop/Oven Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1374mg | Potassium: 811mg | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1.4mg
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Originally published Aug 18, 2020 - Updated April 28, 2022 to improve readability.

More Pork and Lamb Recipes

  • One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese
  • Hairy Biker Sausage Casserole
  • Instant Pot Pork Loin with Balsamic Glaze
  • Crockpot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patricia Manzer

    May 23, 2022 at 7:35 am

    can I use cherry coke or should it be classic?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 23, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      Yes, you can use Cherry Coke Patricia - it will give a slightly sweet flavor and I bet it will be delish!

      Reply
  2. Nikki Lee

    August 20, 2020 at 6:22 am

    5 stars
    Love how tender and flavorful this recipe is in the IP!

    Reply
    • Ashley

      September 05, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      Should the roast be thawed? Plan on making this but want to make sure!
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        September 05, 2020 at 7:29 pm

        Yes Ashley, I thaw the roast first. I hope you enjoy this recipe!!

        Reply
  3. Liza

    September 25, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 27, 2018 at 8:41 pm

      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!

      Reply
  4. Angela Paris

    September 21, 2018 at 9:31 am

    5 stars
    Pinning! This looks SO yummy! My husband would just gobble it all up... ok, me too 🙂

    Reply

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