There's nothing quite like a tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork sandwich, especially when it's infused with the unique sweetness of root beer. This recipe takes the classic favorite to a whole new level of deliciousness by using an Instant Pot to achieve perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pork in a fraction of the time. Get ready to discover the magic of Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat
1 (12-ounce) can root beer
1 cup barbecue sauce of your choice, plus extra for serving
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6-8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, onion rings, jalapeños, cheese slices
Instructions:
Prepare the Pork Rub:
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Rub and Sear the Pork:
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Turn your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and set aside.
Deglaze the Instant Pot:
Pour the root beer into the Instant Pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will prevent a "burn" warning and add even more flavor to your pulled pork.
Pressure Cook the Pork:
Place the seared pork back into the Instant Pot, making sure it is submerged in the root beer. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to "Venting."
Shred the Pork and Mix with Barbecue Sauce:
Remove the cooked pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large bowl or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Drain the liquid from the Instant Pot, reserving about 1/4 cup. Mix the shredded pork with the reserved cooking liquid and 1 cup of barbecue sauce until well coated.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lightly toast the hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, if desired. Pile the root beer-infused pulled pork onto the bottom half of the bun, then add extra barbecue sauce, and your choice of toppings. Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and enjoy!
Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches are sure to become a favorite in your household. The savory, smoky, and sweet flavors meld together perfectly for a finger-licking good meal that's easy to prepare. Make these sandwiches for your next family gathering, game night, or just a simple weeknight dinner – they're sure to impress!
