Are you craving some delicious pulled pork but forgot to defrost it?
No worries! With an Instant Pot, you can cook frozen pulled pork in no time.
This method is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of cooking frozen pulled pork in an Instant Pot, including tips on choosing the right cut of meat, seasoning, and liquid.
Plus, we’ll share some pro tips on how to make your pulled pork extra flavorful and how to store leftovers.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Frozen Pulled Pork In Instant Pot?
First things first, you’ll need a few ingredients to get started. For this recipe, we recommend using a boneless shoulder roast or butt roast. Other cuts of meat that work well include blade roast, pork butt, or Boston butt.
If you’re using frozen pork, make sure it’s cut into four chunks. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– Frozen pork shoulder (not defrosted)
– Olive oil
– Minced garlic
– Brown sugar
– Balsamic vinegar
– Soy sauce
– Rosemary (fresh or jarred)
– Beef broth
– Cornstarch
To begin, whisk together the minced garlic, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and rosemary in a small bowl.
Rub the frozen pork with olive oil and place it in your Instant Pot. Pour the beef broth over the pork and then pour the balsamic vinegar mixture on top of the meat.
Close the lid and seal the steam valve on your Instant Pot. Press the meat/stew button and adjust the cook time to 1 hour and 45 minutes (or 22 minutes per pound of meat).
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release steam. Lift the lid and either slice or shred the pork. Then put the meat back into the pot with the sauce to coat.
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the pork and cover it to keep warm. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 1/2 cup of your hot liquid into a bowl with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and then add it back into your pot. Stir and allow it to bubble and thicken before turning off the pot and putting your shredded pork back into the thick sauce.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Meat
When it comes to cooking frozen pulled pork in an Instant Pot, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. The best cuts of meat for pulled pork in the Instant Pot are Pork Butt/Boston Butt and Pork Shoulder. These cuts are similar to each other and are from the same part of the pig. They are not lean cuts of meat that get tougher as they cook too long, but instead are more fatty cuts which is just what you need for pulled pork.
The shoulder cut comes from a part of the pig with lots of connective tissues and fat. If the meat isn’t cooked long enough, those tissues will stay intact and you’ll have tough pork. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a cut of meat with enough fat and dark, marbled meat to ensure tender results.
Other cuts of meat that work well for pulled pork in an Instant Pot include blade roast and pork sirloin roast. However, it’s important to note that pork loin or tenderloin may not be the best options as they are often too lean and won’t result in the same tender texture as fattier cuts.
Seasoning Your Frozen Pulled Pork
When it comes to seasoning your frozen pulled pork, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to note that the pork will already have some flavor from the rub and cooking process. However, adding additional seasoning can enhance the flavor even more.
One option is to add a dry rub to the meat before cooking. You can use the same rub recipe mentioned earlier or experiment with your own blend of spices. Simply sprinkle the rub over the pork and massage it into the meat before placing it in the Instant Pot.
Another option is to add seasoning to the sauce that you pour over the meat. For example, you could add a pinch of cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You could also add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you could add some honey or maple syrup to the sauce mixture. You could also add some apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Ultimately, seasoning your frozen pulled pork is all about personal preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and spices until you find what works best for you.
Adding Liquid To Your Instant Pot
When cooking frozen pulled pork in your Instant Pot, it’s important to add enough liquid to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. For this recipe, we recommend using beef broth as your liquid.
To add the liquid, pour it over the frozen pork in your Instant Pot. You want to use enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pot, but not so much that the pork is completely submerged. In general, one cup of liquid is sufficient for most recipes.
It’s also important to note that if you’re using a thicker sauce or marinade, you may need to add more liquid to prevent burning. In this case, you can adjust the amount of liquid you use accordingly.
Once you’ve added your liquid, you’re ready to cook your frozen pulled pork in your Instant Pot. Follow the instructions above and adjust the cooking time based on the weight of your meat.
By adding enough liquid to your Instant Pot, you’ll ensure that your frozen pulled pork cooks evenly and comes out tender and delicious every time.
Cooking Your Frozen Pulled Pork In An Instant Pot
Cooking frozen pulled pork in an Instant Pot can be an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking frozen meat in an Instant Pot.
First, it’s important to note that the cooking time will be longer than if you were cooking fresh meat. This is because the Instant Pot needs to thaw the meat before it can start cooking it. Secondly, you won’t be able to sear the meat before cooking it, which can affect the flavor and texture of the final product.
To begin, make sure your frozen pork is cut into four chunks. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly. Then, follow the instructions above for preparing your pork with a balsamic vinegar mixture and beef broth.
Once you’ve added your pork and liquid to the Instant Pot, close the lid and seal the steam valve. Press the meat/stew button and adjust the cook time to 1 hour and 50 minutes (or 5 minutes extra per pound of meat because it’s frozen).
After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release steam. Then, lift the lid and either slice or shred the pork. If you want a thicker sauce, follow the instructions above for thickening it with cornstarch.
Cooking frozen pulled pork in an Instant Pot can be a convenient way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and tender dish that your whole family will love.
Natural Release Vs. Quick Release
When cooking frozen pulled pork in an Instant Pot, it’s important to understand the difference between natural release and quick release. Natural pressure release is when you allow the Instant Pot to release steam on its own after the cooking time is up. This method is best for long cooking meats, as it allows the cooking to stop gradually, locking in flavor and preventing the meat from drying out.
On the other hand, quick release is when you manually release the pressure by turning the steam valve to “vent” immediately after the cooking time is up. This method is best for foods that can overcook quickly, such as vegetables or seafood.
For frozen pulled pork, it’s recommended to use natural pressure release to ensure that the meat is as tender as possible. Quick release can cause the meat to become tough and dry. It’s important to note that natural pressure release can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes depending on what you have in your Instant Pot, so plan accordingly.
Shredding Your Pulled Pork
Shredding your pulled pork is an essential step in making it tender and flavorful. Once the cooking process is complete, remove the pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large plate or cutting board.
Using two forks, begin to shred the pork by pulling it apart in opposite directions. The meat should easily fall apart and be tender enough to shred without much effort.
If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a meat shredding tool or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the pork. Simply place the meat in the bowl of the mixer and turn it on low speed until the desired consistency is achieved.
Once the pork is shredded, mix a little of the barbecue sauce into it to enhance its flavor. You can serve it as a pile of pulled pork on a plate or as sandwiches in buns, with pickles and coleslaw on the side. Pass the extra barbecue sauce for people to add at the table.
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen in 2-3 cup portions in freezer storage bags for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, place the frozen pulled pork in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of apple juice and cook on high for 10 minutes. Alternatively, thaw the pork overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
With these simple steps, you can easily make delicious pulled pork from frozen in your Instant Pot. Enjoy!