Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin That Falls Apart

Name: Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2.5 to 3 pounds pork tenderloin or roast; 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup beef or chicken broth; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 3 tablespoons white vinegar; Buns and additional barbecue sauce for serving

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Make perfect Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin using simple seasonings for fall-apart-tender goodness in about an hour! Create a tender, juicy pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and more.

A pulled chicken sandwich with barbecue sauce on a sesame bun sits on a white plate. Nearby are more sandwiches, a bowl of shredded chicken, and instant pot pulled pork tenderloin on a baking sheet of buns, all on a red-and-white checkered cloth.

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🍽️ Ready in under an hour from start to finish, this instant pot pulled pork tenderloin recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

My 2 Best Tips For Making Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Cut Pork into Pieces: Cutting your pork tenderloin into 2-3 inch cubes ensures even cooking and faster pressure cooking time. Uniform pieces mean no overcooked or undercooked sections.

Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: Allowing 10 minutes of natural pressure release prevents the meat from becoming tough and helps it retain maximum moisture for that perfect pulled texture.

melissa leaning over counter looking up from a cook book.

The Instant Pot is such a blessing when it comes to getting meals on the table quicker without sacrificing flavor and texture! The pressure cooking method breaks down the pork fibers beautifully, creating fall-apart tender meat that shreds effortlessly with just a fork. No dry, tough pork here!

Pork tenderloin is an affordable cut that feeds a crowd, making this recipe perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests without breaking the bank.

This pulled pork works perfectly in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or over rice. You can easily adjust the seasonings or barbecue sauce to match your family’s taste preferences. I suspect this will become a family favorite at your house, too!

🩷 Melissa

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A sandwich with barbecue sauce on a sesame bun sits on a white plate. Nearby are more sandwiches, a bowl of shredded pork, and instant pot pulled pork tenderloin on a baking sheet of buns, all on a red-and-white checkered cloth.

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Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Make perfect Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin using simple seasonings for fall-apart-tender goodness in less than an hour! Create a tender, juicy pulled pork that's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and more.

Prep Time10

Cook Time55

Time to Full Pressure15

Total Time1 20

Servings:

Calories: 246kcal

Author: Melissa Griffiths

Equipment

Instant Pot (6 quart)

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 pounds pork tenderloin or roast
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 cup barbecue sauce
3 tablespoons white vinegar
Buns and additional barbecue sauce for serving

Instructions

Cut your pork into 2- to 3-inch cubes.
In a small bowl, add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine well.
Rub the seasoning mix evenly all over the cut up pork.
Add the seasoned pork to insert of your Instant Pot.
In a medium bowl, combine the broth, barbecue sauce, and vinegar. Stir to combine well.
Pour the broth mixture over the pork in the Instant Pot, and stir gently to incorporate well.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and set the valve to sealing.
Select pressure cook and a 45 minutes cook time at high pressure.
After the cook time has finished, let the pot rest at natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip the valve to release any extra steam and pressure with a quick pressure release.
When you can, carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
Use two forks to shred the pork. Stir the shredded pork well so that it absorbs more juice in the pot.
The pork will be very saucy; use a slotted spoon to serve.
Serve the hot pulled pork on buns with additional barbecue sauce to taste.

Notes

Pork Tenderloin: I like to use pork tenderloin for this recipe because it’s lean and shreds easily. Feel free to use your preferred cut of pork. Pork tenderloin normally comes with two 1.5-pound roasts in one package. I like to cut each long, thin roast into 8 pieces and use both roasts that came in the package for this recipe. I just use the back of a fork to push the pieces against the side of the pot after cooking, and it falls apart.

Season Generously for Maximum Flavor: Make sure to coat all sides of the pork pieces with the spice rub. The combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Use the Right Liquid Ratio: The combination of broth, barbecue sauce, and vinegar provides the perfect balance of flavor and acidity to tenderize the meat while creating a delicious sauce.

Shred While Hot: Shred the pork immediately after cooking while it’s still hot and the fibers are most tender. Mix the shredded meat back into the cooking liquid to absorb maximum flavor.

Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

How To Make BBQ Pulled Pork

Chunks of raw pork, perfect for instant pot pulled pork tenderloin, are set on a white cutting board next to a small square dish filled with brown seasoning mix, all atop a white countertop.

Step 1: Cut your pork into 2- to 3-inch cubes. In a small bowl, add the brown sugar and seasonings. Stir to combine well.

Chunks of raw meat coated with a reddish-brown spice mix are arranged on a white cutting board, ready to be transformed into flavorful instant pot pulled pork tenderloin.

Step 2: Rub the seasoning mix evenly all over the cut up pork.

Chunks of raw, seasoned meat partially submerged in liquid inside the metal pot of an Instant Pot, ready to be cooked for tender pulled pork tenderloin, viewed from above.

Step 3: Add the seasoned pork to insert of your Instant Pot and add the broth, barbecue sauce, and vinegar that has been mixed. Stir gently to incorporate well.

Instant pot pulled pork tenderloin simmers in a rich reddish-brown sauce, filling a large metal pot and suggesting it has been perfectly slow-cooked or braised and is ready to serve.

Step 4: Cook in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 45 minutes. After the cook time has finished, let the pot rest at natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip the valve to release any extra steam and pressure (quick pressure release).

A white bowl filled with shredded Instant Pot pulled pork tenderloin sits on a red and white checkered cloth, with a fork resting inside the bowl.

Step 5: Use two forks to shred the pork. Stir the shredded pork well so that it absorbs more juice in the pot.

Step 6: Serve the hot pulled pork on buns with additional barbecue sauce to taste.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork instead of tenderloin?

Yes! Pork shoulder, pork butt, or even pork chops work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly – tougher cuts like pork shoulder may need an extra 10-15 minutes of pressure cooking time.

Can I make this recipe without barbecue sauce?

You can substitute the barbecue sauce with additional broth, apple cider vinegar, or even salsa for a different flavor profile. The key is having enough liquid for the pressure cooking process.

Can I double this instant pot pulled pork tenderloin recipe?

You can increase the ingredients, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line on your Instant Pot. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time for larger batches to ensure even cooking.