Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin

BBQ pulled pork tenderloin sandwich on a toasted bun topped with creamy coleslaw.

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Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tenderloin

This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin is tender, juicy, and full of smoky-sweet flavor. Ready in just over an hour, it's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep.

Prep Time10

Cook Time50

Total Time1

Course: All Recipes, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 307kcal

Author: Jeri Walker

Ingredients

Pork Spice Rub

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For The Pulled Pork Tenderloin

2 pounds pork tenderloin (trimmed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
buns for serving

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin so it's well coated on all sides.
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add the olive oil, then sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds flavor and helps lock in the juices.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and brown sugar until smooth. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the Instant Pot, turning the meat so it is fully coated. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 50 minutes. When the timer is finished, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then carefully vent any remaining steam.
Shred the pork tenderloin right in the pot with two forks, or transfer it to a cutting board to shred. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir it into the hot sauce. The Instant Pot keeps the sauce warm, so the pork reheats instantly as you mix it in.
Serve hot on buns with extra BBQ sauce, or try it tucked into tacos, layered on sliders, or spooned into BBQ bowls. Enjoy!

Notes

Make the rub first. Since the Instant Pot heats quickly, it's best to have the spice rub ready before turning on Sauté.
Sear for flavor. Don't skip this step. Those golden edges add extra flavor.
Adjust the sauce. Too sweet? Add a splash more vinegar. Too tangy? Stir in another spoonful of brown sugar.
Sauce too thin? After shredding, set the Instant Pot to Sauté and simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Freezer-friendly. Cool completely, portion into freezer bags, and lay flat to freeze. Reheat with a splash of BBQ sauce or broth.
Perfect for parties. Keep the pork on Keep Warm mode in the Instant Pot-guests can serve themselves straight from the pot.

Nutrition