Pork - Pulled Pork, Instant Pot vs Oven vs Crock Pot
You can make pulled pork using many different cooking methods, like in the oven, in the smoker, in the instant pot, braised on the stove for several hours, or make it in a crock pot (slow cooker). I find the Instant Pot or Crock Pot are the easiest methods. The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker, which means it uses hot steam and pressure to cook food. It takes about an hour and half to cook a 4 lb Boston Butt (pork roast). Whereas the oven method takes about 4 hours to cook, and the crock pot takes 6-8 hours. All are easy, delicious, and come out the same regardless of the method you use.
Ingredients
4lb Pork Butt Roast, boneless or bone-in3 tbs light brown sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp liquid smoke
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 – 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.
Instructions
Using the Instant Pot1. Trim fat from pork roast and cut into 4 same size chunks.
2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together. Add pork roast chunks to rub mix and coat well.
3. Add 2 tbs olive oil to Instant Pot and set to saute. Once it indicates hot, add 2 pieces of the pork. Sear on each side for about 2 minutes each. Remove pork and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining pork pieces. (I do this step in a pan on the stove)
4. Once pork is seared and removed from pot, press cancel and add 1/2 cup chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon and deglaze the bottom of the pot. Make sure to scrape up all the bits. Then add remaining chicken broth. Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke.
5. Place pork chunks directly into the liquid in the pot, spacing out as best possible. Secure lid and make sure vent is set to sealing. Pressure cook/manual on high pressure for 60 minutes.Then let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes or until pin drops.
6. Remove pork to a large bowl and shred with 2 forks. Add your favorite BBQ sauce as desired. Or use the juice from the Instant Pot.
How to Cook a Boston Butt in the Oven
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Mix all of the spices together in a bowl.
3. Rub the spice mix on all sides of the pork butt.
4. Place the pork butt fat side up in a roasting pan with a rack. (It does not need to be seared)
5. Bake for 4 hours or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 195-200ºF.
6. Take the pork out of the oven, cover it with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
7. Then use meat forks to shred the meat.
How to Cook a Boston Butt in a Crock Pot
1.Season the pork all over, then place it in the slow cooker. No need to sear the meat. No liquid is necessary.
2. Cover with a lid and cook on low for about 8 hours**, until it reaches an internal temperature of 200F.
3. When the pork is done cooking, remove it to a board, and let cool for at least 20 minutes, before shredding with a fork.
4. Take the leftover liquid from the crockpot and strain it to remove any solids.
5. If you don't mind the fat, add the liquid back to the shredded pork and toss well. If you want to remove the excess fat, chill the liquid in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the fat solidifies, then discard, and pour the remaining liquid over the meat.