Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Written By Alex Thieme

Approximate Macros: Calories: ~470 | Protein: ~32g | Carbs: ~35g | Fats: ~20g | Fiber: ~2g
Servings: 8
Calories based on approximately 3.5oz of cooked pork

This is your low-effort, high-reward pulled pork recipe. With just a few ingredients and the Instant Pot doing most of the work, you get tender, juicy pork ready to pile high on toasted bread and drizzled with your favorite BBQ sauce. Great for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd — and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder

  • 1 cup water

  • 8 sandwich rolls or mini French bread loaves

  • ½ cup (120g) barbecue sauce of choice (about 2 tbsp per sandwich)

Instructions

1. Prep the Pork
Trim excess fat if needed. Cut pork shoulder into large chunks (4–6 pieces).

2. Cook in the Instant Pot
Place pork in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Seal and set to high pressure for 15 minutes per pound (e.g., 45 minutes for 3 lbs). Let pressure naturally release for at least 15–20 minutes before opening.

3. Toast the Bread
While pork cooks or rests, lightly toast your rolls or bread to prevent sogginess.

4. Shred the Pork
Once pressure has released, transfer pork to a bowl and shred using two forks.

5. Add the Sauce
Stir in barbecue sauce (about 2 tbsp per sandwich-worth of pork). Add more or less depending on your taste and calories.

6. Serve
Pile shredded pork onto each toasted roll. Serve warm.

RECIPE TIPS

  • Sides that work: Baked French fries, steamed green beans, side salad, grilled corn, steamed mixed veggies

  • Looking for lower calorie? Serve open faced on half a bun or loaf

Alex Thieme https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/
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