This Instant Pot Pulled Pork cooks up tender and flavorful with very little effort, making it a solid option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The seasonoing blend adds warmth and depth, and the rootbeer keeps the pork juicy as it cooks under pressure.
This recipe works just as well for keto cooks using sugar-free root beer as it does for anyone making it the classic way. It's one of those flexible meals I like to keep in rotation since it can be served so many different ways.
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Why You'll Love Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Hands off cooking: the Instant Pot means very little prep and no babysitting once it's sealed.
Flexible fit: this recipe works for keto cooks using sugar-free root beer or classic cooks using regular root beer.
Big batch: a pork loin this size makes plenty for dinner, leftovers, and freezer meals.
Key Ingredients for Keto Instant Pot Pulled Pork
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Pork Loin: lean, tender, and easy to shred after pressure cooking.
- Spice blend: A mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic and onion powder, adds steady well-balanced flavor.
- Sugar-free root beer: keeps the recipe keto-friendly and helps tenderize the pork as it cooks. (I use Zevia brand which is keto approved)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Regular root beer instead of sugar-free for a classic version.
- Pork shoulder instead of pork loin for a richer texture.
- Smoked salt in place of regular salt for extra depth.
Variations on Instant Pot Pulled Pork with Root Beer
- Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar after shredding for a tangy finish.
- Toss the pulled pork under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the edges.
- Mix in your favorite keto-friendly barbecue sauce before serving.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Let the pressure release naturally so the pork stays tender.
- Shred the pork right on the cutting board to keep the juices in place.
- Toss the meat with some cooking liquid so it stays juicy after shredding.
How to Store and Reheat
Store pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little extra cooking liquid to keep it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Serve this Instant Pot Pulled Pork with my Homemade Coleslaw for a crisp contrast, or toss it with this Raspberry Chipotle Sauce and pile it all onto Keto Burger Buns for an easy sandwich night. It's great next to Garlic Mashed Cauliflower or with a side of Keto Broccoli Salad for a low-carb plate.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Forks (for shredding)
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Ingredients
- 5 pounds pork loin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1½ tablespoons salt
- [1 cup sugar-free rootbeer soda]
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl combine the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and salt.
- Sprinkle the pork rub over the pork loin and rub it in with your hands.
- Pour 1 cup sugar-free rootbeer in the bottom of the instant pot. Place the pork loin in the pot. Cover with the lid and make sure the release valve is locked. Set the manual setting on high for 60 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot beeps, allow it to do a natural release for 20 minutes.
- Unlock the valve and carefully transfer the pork from the Instant Pot to a cutting board.
- Pull the pork into pieces using two forks. Place the pulled pork in a storage container and cover with ½-3/4 cups of the cooking liquid. Toss to coat.
- Serve as desired.
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