Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Spicy Shredded Pork that promises to deliver a flavor explosion in just over an hour! Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with bold Mexican-inspired spices, falling apart so effortlessly it practically melts in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a fiesta or craving a weeknight dinner that'll make your taste buds dance, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside for later use.
- Next, cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 2-3 inches in size. This will help it cook evenly and make shredding easier later on.
- Season the pork chunks generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the olive oil.
- When the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned pork chunks to the pot in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned pork from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to toast for about 1 minute, enhancing their flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, ensuring that it is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 60 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and use two forks to shred the pork directly in the pot, mixing it with the juices for added flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the spicy shredded pork warm, with your choice of tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal due to its high fat content, which ensures tender, succulent meat.
- Searing is crucial: Take time to brown the meat thoroughly. This step develops deep, rich flavors that will make your dish extraordinary.
- Don't rush the natural pressure release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure helps keep the meat incredibly tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Customize the heat: Adjust the chili powder quantity to control the spice level. For extra kick, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make-ahead magic: This recipe freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
- Serving suggestions: Try this shredded pork in tacos, burritos, over rice, or even as a topping for nachos for maximum versatility.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 125mg
