There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Cuban Inspired Instant Pot Pulled Pork wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy pork, marinated in a symphony of spices, simmering away while you kick back and sip on a mojito. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting on a sun-soaked beach in Havana, even if you’re just in your cozy kitchen.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cuban Inspired Instant Pot Pulled Pork</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?
- Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
- How do I know when the pulled pork is done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I tried making pulled pork. It was for a backyard barbecue with friends, and let’s just say the anticipation was palpable. As the flavors melded together in my trusty Instant Pot, I could practically hear my friends’ stomachs growling from the other side of the yard. Spoiler alert: they loved it! This dish is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, game nights, or even those quiet Wednesday evenings when you want to treat yourself.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make Cuban inspired pulled pork will have your taste buds dancing with delight
- The combination of spices creates an explosion of flavor that pairs beautifully with various sides
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this dish will impress at any gathering
- Perfectly versatile, serve it as tacos or on a bed of rice for a complete meal
I’ll never forget the look on my friend Jake’s face when he took his first bite; it was pure bliss—a moment that made all the prep work worthwhile.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut is ideal for tenderness and flavor; aim for about 3-4 pounds.
Onion: Use a large yellow onion for sweetness and depth; slice it thinly to enhance caramelization.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add robust flavor; crush them to release their aromatic oils.
Cumin: This spice brings warmth and earthiness; opt for ground cumin for convenience.
Oregano: Dried oregano works best here, adding herbal notes that complement the meat beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Choose smoked paprika to introduce a subtle smokiness without extra effort.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping moisture intact.
Brown Sugar: Just a hint of sweetness balances out the spices perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cuban Inspired Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Create Your Marinade: Start by mixing cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The scent will transport you straight to Cuba.
Prepare Your Pork: Rub your marinade all over the boneless pork shoulder. If you’re feeling adventurous (and why wouldn’t you?), let it sit overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Turn on your Instant Pot and select “sauté.” Add sliced onions and cook until they soften and become translucent. Toss in crushed garlic until fragrant.
Add Pork with Broth: Carefully place your marinated pork shoulder into the pot. Pour chicken broth over it and squeeze fresh lime juice on top—trust me; your taste buds will thank you later.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid tightly and select “manual” mode at high pressure for 60 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for 15 minutes before opening—this makes everything so tender!
Pulled Perfection: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Mix back in some cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
Serving suggestion: load up your pulled pork onto soft tortillas with pickled onions or serve over rice with black beans on the side. You can even throw in some avocado slices if you’re feeling fancy!
Now you’ve got yourself some Cuban Inspired Instant Pot Pulled Pork that’ll make anyone feel like they’re dining at a five-star restaurant—without breaking a sweat! Enjoy every savory bite!
You Must Know
- This Cuban Inspired Instant Pot Pulled Pork is a game-changer for busy weeknights
- The flavors meld beautifully under pressure, creating tender, juicy pork that’s perfect for sandwiches or tacos
- Plus, the aroma while it cooks will make your neighbors jealous!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the pork shoulder first for extra flavor, then add spices and broth before cooking under pressure. This sequence maximizes tenderness and boosts taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add pineapple juice for a tropical twist. You can also throw in some bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always rest the meat after cooking; this helps retain juices
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
- Try adding a splash of vinegar to balance flavors if it tastes too rich
The first time I made this dish, my friends devoured it in minutes! They still ask me for the recipe and can’t believe how easy it was to prepare.
FAQ
What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling and fat content, ensuring tenderness.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Just allow more cooking time, about 8 hours on low for tender results.
How do I know when the pulled pork is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 195°F for easy shredding.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cuban Inspired Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Cuban Inspired Instant Pot Pulled Pork is a flavorful and tender dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Havana right to your kitchen. Marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot, this pulled pork is perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or served over rice. With its juicy texture and zesty flavor profile, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade over the pork shoulder; let it sit overnight for best flavor.
- Select 'sauté' on your Instant Pot and cook sliced onions until translucent; add crushed garlic until fragrant.
- Place the marinated pork in the pot, pour chicken broth over it, and squeeze lime juice on top.
- Secure the lid and set to 'manual' high pressure for 60 minutes; allow natural release for 15 minutes.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix with some cooking liquid to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
