This Instant Pot Sweet and Sticky Pulled Pork is a game-changer for busy weeknights or weekend feasts. Tender, juicy pork is infused with a rich, caramelized glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a sticky, finger-licking sauce that’s impossible to resist.
Every bite delivers a satisfying contrast of textures—soft, shredded pork coated in a glossy, slightly tangy sauce. Packed with 26g of protein and bursting with bold, comforting flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or piled high on a plate, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast (trim excess fat if desired)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water, for added moisture)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1½ cups apricot preserves (substitute peach or mango preserves for a twist)
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium works too)
- 1 ounce dry onion soup mix (1 packet, adds savory depth)
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds a tangy kick)
- 8 hamburger buns (or rolls, for serving)
How to Make It
- Prepare the pork: Place the pork shoulder roast in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apricot preserves, dry onion soup mix, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the pork roast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cook the pork: Secure the Instant Pot lid and move the valve to SEALING. Press the MANUAL (PRESSURE COOK) button and set the timer for 60 minutes (or 20 minutes per pound for larger roasts).
- Natural release: Once the timer is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes. For extra tenderness, let the roast sit in the pot for up to 2 hours.
- Shred the pork: Carefully remove the lid and shred the pork using two forks. It should be tender and fall apart easily.
- Mix with sauce: Return the shredded pork to the sauce in the Instant Pot and stir to coat evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the saucy pulled pork onto hamburger buns or rolls and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Take your pulled pork to the next level with creative sauces and toppings! For a tangy twist, drizzle extra BBQ sauce or a spicy sriracha mayo on your sandwich. Add crunch with pickled jalapeños, coleslaw, or crispy fried onions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of peach or mango salsa for a sweet and zesty kick.
Beyond the Bun: Serving Suggestions
While hamburger buns are classic, this pulled pork shines in other dishes too! Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal, or stuff it into tortillas for flavorful tacos. For a low-carb option, pile it onto lettuce wraps or roasted sweet potato halves. Don’t forget to pair it with sides like cornbread, baked beans, or a fresh green salad!
Make It Last: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For a quick meal prep hack, freeze portions in ziplock bags for easy thawing later!
Customize It: Recipe Variations
Switch up the flavors to suit your taste! Swap apricot preserves for peach or pineapple preserves for a tropical twist. Use teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce for an Asian-inspired version, or add a smoky kick with a dash of liquid smoke. For a spicier option, mix in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Instant Pot Pro Tips
If you’re new to the Instant Pot, don’t worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly! Always ensure the sealing ring is properly in place and the valve is set to SEALING before cooking. For extra tender meat, let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. And remember, the keep warm function is your friend if you need to delay serving!
Instant Pot Sweet and Sticky Pulled Pork Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ounce dry onion soup mix (1 packet)
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Place pork shoulder roast in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water) in with the roast.
- In a mixing bowl, combine bbq sauce, apricot preserves, dry onion soup mix, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce.
- Pour sauce on top of roast.
- Place the lid on top of the Instant Pot and move the valve to SEALING. Press the MANUAL (PRESSURE COOK) button and set timer for 60 minutes (or 20 minutes per pound, depending on the size of your roast).
- When the timer is done, let the pressure do a NATURAL RELEASE (it will take at least 20 minutes, but I even prefer to let the roast sit in there for a couple hours to make sure it is super tender).
- Remove the lid and shred the roast with 2 forks.
- Place the shredded meat back into the sauce and mix together so that all of the meat is covered.
- Place meat on hamburger buns or rolls and serve.