Ella Walter
Cooking pork shoulder in an Instapot is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. Pork shoulder is a tougher cut of meat, but when cooked properly, it becomes tender and juicy. The Instapot significantly reduces the cooking time, making it a convenient option for preparing pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, and more. With a few simple ingredients and some basic preparation steps, you can create a flavorful and family-friendly dish that's perfect for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut of meat | Pork shoulder |
| Cooking time | 1 hour to 3 hours |
| Cooking method | Pressure cooker |
| Ingredients | Garlic, butter, olive oil, soy sauce, salt, onion, chicken broth, brown sugar, barbecue sauce |
| Outcome | Tender, juicy, flavorful, easy to shred |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork shoulder
First and foremost, opt for a well-marbled piece of pork shoulder. The marbling refers to the distribution of fat within the meat, and it is essential for keeping the meat juicy and tender during the cooking process. Look for a cut with a good amount of intramuscular fat, as this will contribute to a more flavourful and moist dish.
When it comes to weight and size, aim for a pork shoulder that is between 3 to 5 pounds. A piece that is approximately 4 inches thick, like the one mentioned in the recipe, is ideal. This size will ensure that the meat fits comfortably in your Insta Pot and cooks evenly.
You can choose between bone-in or boneless pork shoulder, depending on your preference. If you opt for bone-in, remember to cut the meat into pieces that are equal in size, working around the bone. A bone-in option will likely be packaged with twine or netting, which should be removed before cooking.
When selecting your pork shoulder, consider the cooking time you are aiming for. Pork shoulder is known for requiring a long cooking time to become tender, but using an Insta Pot significantly reduces this time. However, if you are short on time or prefer a faster cooking process, opt for a boneless pork shoulder as it will likely cook more quickly and evenly.
Lastly, pay attention to the quality and source of the meat. If you have access to a local butcher, they can provide you with expert advice and a fresh cut of pork shoulder. Alternatively, look for vacuum-packed pork butt roasts at your local grocery store. If the packaging indicates that the pork contains a 12% solution, it means the roast has been brined, which can enhance both flavour and texture. Additionally, trim excess fat from the pork roast to ensure optimal cooking and flavour.
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Preparing the meat and Instant Pot
To prepare the meat, start by removing any twine or netting from the pork shoulder. Then, slice the pork shoulder into 3 or 4 large chunks. This will allow the meat to cook quickly and evenly in the Instant Pot. You can also choose to brown the meat before adding it to the Instant Pot by tossing the chunks in a mixture of honey, minced garlic, and chilli flakes, and then browning them in a pan.
For the Instant Pot, start by selecting the “Sauté” function and heating oil in the inner pot. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, which should take about 4 minutes.
Next, you will deglaze the pot. After sautéing, add chicken broth to the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is important for adding flavour to your dish.
Now, it's time to add the pork shoulder. Place the chunks of pork directly into the cooking liquid, ensuring they are not stacked but spread out as best as possible. You can also add a fragrant spice rub to the pork shoulder before placing it in the Instant Pot.
Finally, secure the lid, close the vent, and set the pressure valve to "Sealing". Your Instant Pot is now ready to begin pressure cooking.
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Cooking the pork shoulder
Cooking pork shoulder in an instant pot is a super-fast and effortless way to make tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork. Pork shoulder is a tougher cut of meat, but when cooked properly, it becomes fork-tender and perfect for shredding.
Firstly, select the sauté function on your instant pot and heat some oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter. Remove any twine or netting from the pork shoulder and cut the meat into 2-4 large chunks. This allows the meat to cook quickly and evenly. Then, rub a fragrant spice rub over the pork shoulder chunks. You can use a mixture of honey, minced garlic, and chili flakes, or just salt and garlic. You can also add onion to the pot at this stage and cook until softened.
Next, sear the meat in the instant pot for 2-4 minutes on all sides or until browned. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Now, deglaze the pot by adding chicken broth and scraping up all the stuck-on bits with a wooden spoon. Do not discard anything as this adds flavor to the dish.
Add the rest of your wet ingredients and place the chunks of pork directly into the liquid, ensuring they are not stacked but spread out evenly. Secure the lid, close the vent, and pressure cook on high. For a 4lb pork shoulder, cook for 1 hour at high pressure with a 10-minute release, or 90 minutes with a quick release. When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
Finally, when the pork is cool enough to handle, shred it and toss it with 1 cup of the cooking liquid. You can discard the rest of the liquid. Your pork shoulder is now ready to serve! It works well stuffed into tacos or pitas, served over rice or mashed potatoes, or piled on buns.
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Making a sauce
There are several ways to make a sauce for your pork shoulder cooked in an Insta Pot. You can either make a sauce from scratch or use a store-bought BBQ sauce.
If you want to make a sauce from scratch, you can try a garlic butter sauce. To make this, add a tablespoon of regular soy sauce and half a teaspoon of table salt to your Insta Pot and give it a quick mix. You can also add some onion and garlic to your sauce and cook them until they are softened, which should take about four minutes.
Another option is to make a spice rub for your pork shoulder. You can use a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne. Alternatively, keep it simple with just onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Rub the spice mixture over your pork shoulder roast before placing it in the Insta Pot.
If you prefer a BBQ sauce, you can use a store-bought option or make your own. To make your own, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, hot pepper sauce, and beef or chicken broth. You can also add some liquid smoke to your sauce to infuse extra flavor.
When adding sauce to your pork shoulder, it is important not to add too much. You want the sauce to complement the pork, not overpower it. A little bit of sauce goes a long way! You can always add more sauce to taste after serving.
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Serving suggestions
Instant Pot pork shoulder is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Pulled Pork
One of the most popular ways to serve pork shoulder is as pulled pork. After cooking, simply shred the meat and mix it with your favourite barbecue sauce. You can serve pulled pork on its own or stuff it into tacos, pitas, or buns. It can also be served over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Sliced Pork
If you prefer a more traditional roast dinner, you can slice the pork shoulder into thick slices and serve it with your favourite sides. Mashed potatoes, rice, and roasted vegetables all pair well with the juicy, tender pork.
Sandwiches and Tacos
Shredded pork shoulder also makes a great filling for sandwiches, tacos, and egg rolls. You can add your favourite sauces and toppings to customize your sandwich or taco to your taste.
Leftovers
Any leftover pork shoulder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Leftovers can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, pasta bakes, or soups. Simply defrost and reheat the pork before adding it to your dish.
Sides and Toppings
When serving Instant Pot pork shoulder, you may want to include some sides and toppings to complete the meal. Here are some ideas:
- Barbecue sauce
- Sweet and spicy gluten-free BBQ sauce
- Garlic butter onion sauce
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
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Frequently asked questions
Start by heating oil in the Instant Pot on the highest sauté function. Next, add the pork and brown on both sides. You can also add onion and garlic at this stage. Then, add your choice of liquid—this could be water, chicken broth, or soy sauce. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for around 60 minutes. After this, release the pressure naturally for 10-20 minutes.
This depends on how much pork you want to cook and how big your Instant Pot is. Recipes suggest using between 3 and 4.5 pounds of pork shoulder.
The pork shoulder is a tougher cut of meat compared to the rib or loin. It is taken from the shoulder of the pig, above the front leg, and can also be called a picnic roast.
Pork shoulder is great for making pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, enchiladas, or egg rolls. You can also serve it sliced over rice or mashed potatoes.
