Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Burger Recipe: Easy and Flavorful
If you love juicy, flavorful pulled pork and crave a tender BBQ pulled pork burger but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this easy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Burger recipe is for you. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can have a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich on your dinner table in just over an hour.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy a homemade BBQ meal without the fuss.
Why Make BBQ Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game changer for making pulled pork. Traditionally, pulled pork requires slow cooking for several hours. The Instant Pot uses pressure cooking to break down the pork quickly while locking in moisture and flavor.
You get tender, juicy pork that shreds easily, making it perfect for burgers and sandwiches. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Some of the main benefits include:
- Quick cooking time compared to slow cookers or ovens
- Intense flavor infusion thanks to pressure cooking
- Set-and-forget convenience for busy cooks
Ingredients for Easy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Burger
Before starting, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 2 to 2.5 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Pulled Pork Burger Assembly:
- 6 brioche buns or hamburger buns
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Pickles (optional)
- Sliced onions (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut the meat into large chunks, about the size of your palm. This helps the pork cook evenly and shred easily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Season and Brown the Pork
Sprinkle the pork pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Add the pork to the Instant Pot in batches, browning each side for about 2 minutes. This step adds extra flavor to your pulled pork.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce and mix well.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pork
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and set the timer for 45 minutes on high pressure.
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the quick release to let out any remaining steam.
Step 6: Shred the Pork
Carefully remove the pork from the pot and transfer it to a large bowl or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. The pork should be fall-apart tender and easy to pull apart.
Step 7: Reduce the Sauce
Switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Let the remaining sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the shredded pork back into the sauce and mix until all the meat is coated and juicy.
Step 8: Assemble the BBQ Pulled Pork Burger
- Toast your burger buns lightly for more texture and flavor.
- Pile the shredded BBQ pork high onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Drizzle with more BBQ sauce if desired.
- Top with creamy coleslaw and pickles for crunch and tang.
- Add sliced onions if you like an extra bite.
- Cap with the top half of the bun and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork Burger
- Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the juiciest results. These cuts have enough fat to stay moist and flavorful.
- Brown the meat before pressure cooking for added depth and richness.
- Mix up your toppings. While classic coleslaw and pickles are great, you can also add jalapeños, cheese, or even crispy onions.
- Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Pulled pork is great for parties, potlucks, and leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ Pulled Pork Burgers are delicious on their own, but you can round out your meal with simple sides like:
- Sweet potato fries or regular French fries
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- A fresh green salad
These sides complement the smokiness and sweetness of the pulled pork and make your meal more filling.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pulled pork, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Pulled pork also freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Variations
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add hot sauce or extra chili powder for a kick.
- Hawaiian-style: Top with grilled pineapple rings and use a sweeter BBQ sauce.
- Tex-Mex: Serve with jalapeños, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while pork shoulder or pork butt is best for pulled pork, you can use pork loin or even boneless country-style ribs. These leaner cuts may not be as juicy, so be careful not to overcook them.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use whatever BBQ sauce you love. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy sauces all work well. Homemade BBQ sauce is also a great option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Pulled pork tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the fridge and reheat before assembling your burgers.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The pulled pork itself is gluten-free if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and broth. Just serve it on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps if needed.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Follow the same steps, but cook the seasoned pork and sauce on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Burger
This easy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Burger recipe delivers juicy, tender pulled pork packed with smoky flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are topped with coleslaw and your favorite fixings for the ultimate BBQ experience.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork:
- 2 to 2.5 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Burger Assembly:
- 6 brioche buns or hamburger buns
- Extra BBQ sauce, for drizzling
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Pickles (optional)
- Sliced onions (optional)
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large chunks.
- Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil, then sliced onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Season pork chunks with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Brown pork in the Instant Pot in batches, about 2 minutes per side.
- Add chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Add BBQ sauce and mix well.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode for 45 minutes on high pressure.
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Transfer pork to a large bowl or cutting board and shred with two forks.
- Turn Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ and simmer remaining sauce for about 10 minutes to reduce slightly. Return shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat in sauce.
- Toast burger buns if desired. Pile BBQ pulled pork onto bottom halves of buns.
- Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce. Top with coleslaw, pickles, and onions if using. Cover with top bun and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1598Total Fat: 100gSaturated Fat: 39gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 53gCholesterol: 451mgSodium: 1767mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 3gSugar: 31gProtein: 98g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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