Do you love succulent, tender pork butt? If so, you’re in luck! With an Instant Pot, you can create fall-off-the-bone pork butt with ease. In this article, we’ll show you how to make moist and flavorful pork butt in the Instant Pot – perfect for a family dinner or party!
What is Instant Pot Cooking
The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that has revolutionized home cooking. It is a multi-functional appliance that can be used to slow cook, pressure cook, steam, sauté, and more. A great benefit of using the Instant Pot for cooking is the ability to prepare meals quickly while retaining flavor and moisture.
Why pork butt is a great cut of meat for the instant pot
Pork butt, also known as pork shoulder, is an ideal cut of meat for cooking in the Instant Pot. It has a lot of marbling throughout which helps to keep it moist and full of flavor when cooked.
Selecting and preparing the pork butt
Choosing the right size and weight of pork butt
When selecting a pork butt for your Instant Pot, you’ll want to make sure it is the right size and weight for your model. A general rule of thumb is that the pork butt should be no more than two thirds of the size of your inner pot.
Trimming excess fat from the pork butt
When preparing your pork butt for cooking in the Instant Pot, it is important to trim off any excess fat. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly and doesn’t add too much moisture to the pot. To do this, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut away any large pieces of fat.
Seasoning and marinating options for enhanced flavor
Seasoning and marinating your pork butt before cooking in the Instant Pot will help to add extra flavor and juiciness. For seasoning, you can use simple ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano or any other herbs or spices that you like.
Instant pot settings and timing
Setting up the instant pot for cooking pork butt
When setting up your Instant Pot for cooking pork butt, you will need to set the valve to the sealing position and select the “Pressure Cook” setting. Depending on the size of your pork butt, you will need to adjust the timing accordingly.
Recommended cooking time and pressure settings
The general rule of thumb for cooking pork butt in the Instant Pot is to cook it at high pressure for 90 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 4-pound pork butt, you will need to cook it at high pressure for 360 minutes (6 hours).
Cooking the pork butt in the instant pot
Preheating the instant pot
Before you begin cooking your pork butt in the Instant Pot, you will need to preheat it. To do this, press the “Sauté” button and let the pot heat up for a few minutes.
Searing the pork butt for added flavor and texture
Once the Instant Pot is preheated, it’s time to sear the pork butt. This will help to lock in flavor and add a nice texture to your finished dish.
Adding liquid and aromatics to the pot
Once the pork butt is seared, it’s time to add liquid and aromatics to the pot. This will help further enhance the flavor of your dish. For this recipe, we recommend adding 1 cup of chicken broth or water along with some aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery.
Sealing the instant pot and setting the timer
Once all of your ingredients have been added to the pot, it’s time to seal it. To do this, make sure the valve is set to the sealing position and press the “Pressure Cook” button. You will then need to input your desired cooking time and press “Start”.
Natural release vs. quick release
Understanding the difference between natural release and quick release methods
When cooking with an Instant Pot, you have two options for releasing the pressure: natural release and quick release. Natural release is when you allow the pressure to slowly dissipate over time, with no intervention from you.
Choosing the right release method for tender and flavorful pork butt
When it comes to choosing the right release method for tender and flavorful pork butt, there are two main options: natural release or quick release. Natural release is best for larger cuts of meat as it allows the pressure to slowly dissipate over a longer period of time, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Shredding and serving the pork butt
Allowing the pork butt to rest and cool slightly
Once the cooking time has been completed, it is important to allow the pork butt to rest and cool slightly before shredding. This will ensure that the juices can be reabsorbed into the meat and will help make your finished dish more tender and flavorful.
Shredding the pork butt using two forks or meat claws
Once the pork butt has been resting and cooling slightly, you can begin shredding it. The easiest way to do this is by using two forks or meat claws. To start, hold your fork in one hand and use the other to pull apart chunks of meat until it is shredded into small strips.
Serving suggestions for the delicious instant pot pork butt
Once your Instant Pot pork butt is cooked and shredded, you can serve it in a variety of ways. Some tasty options include using it as a sandwich filling, topping it on tacos, or adding it to salads and soups.
Recipe variations and additional tips
Exploring different flavor profiles and spice combinations
When making Instant Pot Pork Butt, there are so many ways to infuse it with unique flavors and spice combinations! To add a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers or smoked paprika to the cooking liquid.
Adjusting cooking times and settings for a larger or smaller pork butt
When adjusting the cooking time for a larger or smaller pork butt in an Instant Pot, it is important to keep in mind that the size of the cut will affect how long it takes to cook.
Storing and reheating leftover pork butt
Once you’ve cooked your Instant Pot Pork Butt, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store it, place the pork in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Conclusion
Cooking a delicious Instant Pot Pork Butt is surprisingly easy and yields flavorful, tender results! With a few simple ingredients, this dish can be made in no time with minimal effort. It’s also versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors and spice combinations to your liking.