Instant Pot 3-Ingredient Root Beer BBQ Pulled Pork
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Looking for an easy and tasty meal? Try this Instant Pot 3-Ingredient Root Beer BBQ Pulled Pork recipe. You’ll love how simple it is to make. With just root beer, pork, and barbecue sauce, you can create a delicious dish in no time.
This recipe works great in both the Instant Pot and slow cooker. The root beer adds a hint of sweetness and helps tenderize the meat. In about an hour, you’ll have juicy, flavorful pulled pork ready to serve on buns with pickles.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty pulled pork:
- 1 (12 oz) can root beer
- 2 pounds pork butt, shoulder, or blade
- 1 (12 oz) bottle barbecue sauce
That’s it! Just three simple ingredients for a delicious meal.
You can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a bigger crowd. Just make sure your Instant Pot or slow cooker is big enough to handle the extra food.
Feel free to use your favorite brand of root beer and barbecue sauce. The flavors will shine through in the final dish.
Remember to trim any excess fat from the pork before cooking. This will help keep your pulled pork lean and tasty.
Instructions
This pulled pork recipe can be made in either an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Both methods produce tender, flavorful meat with minimal prep work. The key is letting the pork cook low and slow in root beer before shredding and adding barbecue sauce.
Instant Pot Instructions
Pour a can of root beer into your Instant Pot. Trim excess fat from the pork and cut it into 4 pieces. Add the pork to the pot.
Close and seal the lid. Set the pressure cook button to 60 minutes. When done, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes.
Take out the pork and shred it on a cutting board. Get rid of any extra fat you find. Dump out the root beer and put the shredded pork back in the pot.
Switch to the “keep warm” setting. Stir in barbecue sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pulled pork on buns with pickles.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Pour root beer into your slow cooker. Trim fat from the pork and cut it into 4 pieces. Put the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8-12 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will be.
Take out the pork and shred it. Throw out the root beer. Put the meat back in the slow cooker.
Turn to the warm setting. Mix in barbecue sauce. Add salt and pepper as needed. Serve on buns with pickles on top.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
Meat options:
- Chicken breast
- Turkey breast
- Beef chuck roast
Soda substitutes:
- Cola
- Dr Pepper
- Cherry soda
Try different BBQ sauces to mix things up. Spicy, smoky, or sweet – pick your favorite!
Want to add more flavor? Toss in some:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
For a healthier twist, use diet soda and sugar-free BBQ sauce.
You can also add veggies to the mix:
- Diced onions
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
Serve your pulled pork in different ways:
- On a bun
- In tacos
- Over rice
- On a salad
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use a pork shoulder or butt for the best results. These cuts have enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or onion powder to the pork before cooking.
Don’t skip the browning step if using an Instant Pot. It adds depth to the dish.
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor. Sweet, spicy, or smoky – it’s up to you!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, place cooled pork in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Try using the pulled pork in tacos, on nachos, or in a quesadilla for a tasty twist.
Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy meals later. It’s great for meal prep!