Juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy BBQ

When you make Instant Pot pulled pork, turn it into this pulled pork sandwich — it tastes amazing!

Pulled pork cooks quickly and easily in a pressure cooker, and this sandwich is the perfect way to showcase that tender meat. Soft, fresh kaiser rolls provide the base while the saucy pork steals the show. Ready to learn how to make an Instant Pot pulled pork sandwich? Welcome to the bistro kitchen.

Easy Pulled Pork Sandwich

Pulled pork can be made on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop, but the quickest, most hands-off method is an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. Add the ingredients to the pot, and the machine does the rest — in under an hour you’ll have pork soft enough to shred and pile onto kaiser rolls or any fresh bun from the bakery.

Pork becomes tender in the pressure cooker without drying out. Choose pork shoulder or pork butt for the best texture — those cuts break down into succulent, shred-ready meat when pressure-cooked properly.

What You Need For This Recipe

Gather these ingredients before you start. The full measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Kaiser rolls (or your favorite buns)
• Lettuce mix
• Boneless pork roast (pork shoulder or pork butt recommended)
• Barbecue sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chicken or beef broth
• Olive oil
• Pork loin or pork chop seasoning

How To Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich

1. Season the pork generously with your pork seasoning. Rub it in so the meat is evenly coated, then set aside.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the apple cider vinegar, one cup of barbecue sauce, and one cup of broth. Set this mixture aside.
3. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and heat the olive oil.
4. Add the pork and brown it on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Browning adds flavor and helps form a rich sauce.
5. Remove the pork and cancel Sauté. Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
6. Return the pork to the pot and pour in the barbecue-vinegar mixture.
7. Close and lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 40 minutes.
8. When the time is up, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
9. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot, stir in the remaining barbecue sauce, and warm through.
10. Slice the kaiser rolls, add a layer of lettuce, pile on a generous portion of pulled pork, add your favorite toppings, and serve immediately.

Pulled Pork Sandwich Toppings

Customize your sandwich with any of these additions to add crunch, creaminess, or tang:

• Coleslaw
• Garlic mushrooms
• Roasted bell pepper
• Caramelized onions
• Thinly sliced red onions
• Carrot julienne
• Homemade potato chips
• Shredded cheese
• Pickles

Can You Make Pulled Pork Ahead?

Yes. The pulled pork can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated when you’re ready to serve. In many cases, the flavors improve after the meat rests and the sauce soaks in.

Avoid assembling the full sandwich in advance: buns will become soggy if filled too far ahead of serving. Keep the meat and condiments separate and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Can You Cook Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker?

Absolutely. If you prefer a slow cooker, brown the meat first (use the Instant Pot Sauté setting or a skillet), then transfer to the slow cooker. Use about 1/2 cup of broth instead of 1¼ cups to limit excess liquid.

Cook on:

• High for 4–5 hours, or
• Low for 5–10 hours

Slow cooker and pressure cooker times vary with appliance model and meat size, so use these as a guideline and adjust as needed.

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this recipe, try other easy pork dishes such as pressure cooker pulled pork, slow-cooked pork chops, Instant Pot pork spare ribs, pork chops with mushroom sauce, or Mexican-style pork carnitas. These methods highlight pork’s versatility and are great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Set and forget: within an hour you’ll have juicy, tender pulled pork smothered in thick barbecue sauce. Serve on kaiser rolls with lettuce and your favorite condiments for a simple, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 kaiser rolls
• 1½ cups lettuce mix
• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups barbecue sauce
• 1¼ cups chicken broth
• 1½ tablespoons pork loin seasoning

Instructions

1. Season the pork with pork seasoning and set aside.
2. Whisk the apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, and 1 cup of broth together in a medium bowl.
3. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add olive oil when hot.
4. Sear the pork shoulder about 5 minutes until browned on all sides, then set aside.
5. Cancel Sauté, pour the remaining ¼ cup broth into the pot, and scrape browned bits from the bottom.
6. Add the pork and juices back to the pot, pour in the barbecue-vinegar mixture, close and seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 40 minutes.
7. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
8. Shred the pork with two forks, return it to the pot, stir in the remaining cup of barbecue sauce, and warm through.
9. Slice the kaiser rolls, add lettuce, pile on pulled pork, and serve immediately.

Notes

Add your favorite toppings: coleslaw, pickles, red onion, shredded cheese, or any combination you prefer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 709
Total Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 1428mg
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 39g

Nutrition values are estimates for informational purposes only.