The Best Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork

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Whenever anyone asks me about getting an Instant Pot, the first thing I still tell them is ” Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot is so good!  You will never make it in your slow cooker again!”  Because it’s true.  One thing I notice about pulled pork cooked in the Instant Pot is that any excess fat pulls off of the meat.   The pork turns out so much tender and much more flavorful when cooked in your Instant Pot. 

I have been in tons of recipe groups on Facebook and other social media platforms for a few years now, and one thing that I notice is that I cook pulled pork slightly different than most people.

1.  I cook pulled pork in my Instant Pot much longer than everyone else. This is because I want the meat to be as tender as possible, as so it will ” pull apart” at the touch of a fork
2. I like to saute the pork in my Instant Pot for a while after it is done cooking in the pressure cooker- Your Pork and whatever liquid you cooked it in will thicken this way.  I like to add more spices while it is sauteing for a while.

Internet commenters will tell me ” But you don’t have to cook it for that long!”.  I DON’T CARE.  Just try it okay?

A few years ago, I was at a birthday party for my cousin’s daughter, and she served Dr. Pepper pulled pork.  It was terrific.  Since I happened to have a can of root beer downstairs, I decided to try some pulled pork with that, and now I am utterly obsessed with this recipe.

Why do we cook meat in soda pop?

Soda is often used as a meat marinade, and it also sweetens up meats as well.  The acidity in meat helps to tenderize it, making the meat soft and more flavorful.

What do you need to make Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork?

An Instant Pot. ( duh)

a can of root beer 

paprika

garlic powder

barbecue sauce

chili powder

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients

• 2-3 pound pork tenderloin roast
• 1 can root beer
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 3/4 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to saute. 

2. Pour in olive oil, and seer your pork tenderloin lightly on each side. 

3. Pour root beer over the pork.  Turn the saute off.  Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. 

4. Let the pork naturally release.  Using a fork, pull the pork apart.  It should come apart without much effort.  Once the pork has been pulled apart, place the pork back into the pot with the cooking liquid.  

5. Place your Instant Pot on saute.  Add barbecue sauce, and additional spices.  Simmer for about 15 minutes

This Root beer pork makes wonderful

Sandwiches

Salads

Tacos

Nachos

Wraps

And I bet you can think of your creative way to use it!

If you have leftovers, check out my guide on recipes to make with leftover pulled pork. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did!