If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into tender, juicy pulled pork that bursts with sweet and tangy flavors, you’re going to absolutely love this Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes where simple ingredients come together in the Instant Pot’s perfect pressure environment, creating an effortless meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day. The honey adds a delightful sweetness that balances out the smoky BBQ tang, making every bite a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is delightfully straightforward because this recipe depends on a handful of ingredients that truly shine through, each bringing its own unique taste, texture, and color to the dish.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the pork for a beautiful color.
- Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors and season the pork evenly.
- Ground cumin: Gives a warm, earthy undertone to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a mild punch of savory richness without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor enhancing the pork’s natural taste.
- Ground mustard: Brings a slight tang and complexity to the spice mix.
- Ground paprika: Offers a smoky, slightly spicy backdrop and vibrant color.
- Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and freshness to the spice rub.
- Boneless pork roast (shoulder preferred): The star of the dish, tender and perfect for shredding when cooked slowly.
- Oil: For browning the pork to lock in flavor and create a golden crust.
- Chicken stock: Provides moisture and a savory base for the cooking liquid.
- BBQ sauce (divided): Essential for that signature tangy, smoky flavor – part goes in cooking, part finishes the dish.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, acidic note balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and enriches the overall flavor complexity.
- Honey: The magic ingredient for that inviting sweet glaze and sticky finish.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce for that perfect clingy consistency over the pulled pork.
How to Make Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step 1: Season the Meat
First things first, create your spice mix by combining the brown sugar, salt, and all the warming spices. Toss the pork roast in this dry rub to coat it evenly, then let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to sink into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with that beautiful blend of sweetness and spice.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Set your Instant Pot to “sauté” and drizzle in the oil. Brown the pork roast in batches if necessary, taking your time to develop a deep golden crust. This step is crucial – it seals in juices and creates those irresistible caramelized bits that add rich flavor to both meat and sauce. Set the browned meat aside once done.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
After removing the meat, pour the chicken stock into the Instant Pot to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck on the bottom – this step prevents burn warnings and transforms those caramelized bits into flavorful magic. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce, the apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well before returning the browned pork back to the pot, nestled right into that tangy, savory bath.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Pork
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Use the “pressure cook” or “manual” setting on high for 60 minutes. This slow, intense cooking under pressure will melt the pork’s connective tissues, turning it exquisitely tender and easy to shred. Prepare yourself for some seriously mouthwatering anticipation.
Step 5: Release Pressure Naturally
When the cooking time finishes, do a natural release for 10 minutes. This little pause is key – it helps the pork relax and stay tender rather than toughening up. After the 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid to reveal your perfectly cooked pork.
Step 6: Shred the Meat
Lift the pork out of the pot and grab two forks to shred it into juicy, bite-sized pieces. The meat should fall apart effortlessly, making shredding an absolute joy. Don’t worry if some beautiful crispy edges hold together—they’re fantastic for texture.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Mix in the remaining BBQ sauce and honey into the cooking liquid left in the Instant Pot. Set it back to “sauté” and simmer, stirring frequently as it thickens with the cornstarch slurry you whisk in. Once thickened to your liking, toss the shredded pork back into the luscious sauce, stirring to coat every tender morsel. Serve hot, preferably piled high onto your favorite buns, for a sandwich experience that’s pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe to the next level. A handful of crisp coleslaw adds crunchy contrast and refreshing tang, while thinly sliced pickles bring bright acidity that cuts through the richness. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley can also brighten up every bite with a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This pulled pork pairs wonderfully with classic southern sides—think creamy mac and cheese, buttery cornbread, or smoky baked beans. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad or grilled veggies balance the richness without stealing the spotlight. The versatility means you can personalize every meal easily.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get creative? Instead of traditional buns, try scooping the pulled pork onto soft tortillas for tacos or spooning it over baked potatoes for a hearty, satisfying dinner. You could even top nachos with it, layering cheese and jalapeños for a party-ready dish that everyone will love. The Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe is that flexible and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pork feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded further. Just warm gently before serving.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, this recipe freezes like a dream. Portion the pulled pork with sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Reheating
Reheat pulled pork gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave with a cover to retain moisture. Add a little extra BBQ sauce or broth if the meat seems dry. This will bring it back to that fresh-from-the-pot juiciness every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for the Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe due to its fat content and tenderness, you can also use pork butt or a pork roast. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
While you could skip browning to save time, searing the pork adds incredible flavor and color. Those caramelized bits also contribute a rich depth to your sauce, making the effort well worth it.
How spicy is this Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe?
This recipe leans toward a sweet and tangy profile rather than spicy. If you crave heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the spice rub or sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by browning the pork first and then cooking on low for 8 hours with the sauce ingredients. The Instant Pot just speeds things up dramatically without sacrificing tenderness.
What can I do with the leftover sauce?
The leftover honey BBQ sauce is fantastic as a dip for fries, a glaze for grilled chicken, or drizzled over roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile condiment that deserves a spot in your fridge.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe. It’s truly one of those dishes that brings people together over delicious food with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers tender meat, incredible flavor, and all the comforting vibes you could want. So go ahead, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready for some seriously tasty pulled pork magic.
Print
Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful pulled pork with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce enhanced by honey. Using the Instant Pot ensures a juicy result in less time than traditional slow cooking.
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main
- 4 pounds boneless pork roast (shoulder preferred, trimmed of visible fat)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1.5 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- Slurry of 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cool water
Instructions
- Season meat: In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Add the pork roast and toss well to coat evenly. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Brown meat: Set the Instant Pot to ‘sauté’ mode and add oil. When hot, brown the meat in batches on all sides for a few minutes until a crust forms. Remove browned pork to a plate.
- Make sauce and deglaze: Pour chicken stock into the Instant Pot to deglaze, scraping the browned bits from the bottom to prevent burn errors. Stir in 1 cup BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, then return the browned pork to the pot, coating it with the sauce.
- Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Select ‘pressure cook’ (or ‘manual’ on older models) on high pressure and set the timer for 60 minutes.
- Release pressure: When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to let the meat relax and become tender. Then carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Open the lid carefully.
- Shred meat: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks until pulled apart into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish the sauce: Stir the remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and honey into the cooking liquid left in the pot. Turn the Instant Pot to ‘sauté’ and simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. If needed, add the cornstarch slurry gradually to speed thickening. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat all the meat in the honey BBQ sauce. Serve hot on buns or as desired.
Notes
- Trimming excess fat from the pork roast can help reduce greasiness if preferred.
- Deglazing the pot thoroughly prevents ‘burn’ warnings during pressure cooking.
- A natural release after pressure cooking is important to keep the pork tender.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps achieve a thicker sauce consistency.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
