Our lives are busier than ever. This fact has encouraged me to get a little more creative in finding ways to QUICKLY get delicious meals on the table. I have played around with new kitchen tools, like my air fryer which I still love and most recently my electric pressure cooker. I was initially skeptical, like I usually am when I hear about new kitchen tools with numerous claims, but I’m so glad I took the plunge. I have the instant pot 7-in-1. It can sauté, presser cook, steam, slow cook, and so much more. I have since made three, easy, dishes in my Instant Pot that are already in heavy rotation. This Italian Pulled Pork Recipe WILL NOT DISAPPOINT!
I was playing around with a pork shoulder and was impressed by how tender and juicy it was; it’s just as succulent and tasty as when I cook it in my slow cooker or roast it in the oven.
This easy recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s flavorful without being overpowering meaning it can be tossed on a pizza, in a sandwich, on even on a bed of rice or greens. It’s adaptable for a crowd, a family of 4, or a single looking for an easy protein for meal prep.
If you aren’t quite ready to buy an Instant Pot or have no intentions of doing so, I have included slow cooker instructions in the NOTES Section.
Italian Pulled Pork
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 8 SERVINGS
A nice twist on the traditional Pulled Pork! This Italian Pulled Pork recipe is Flavorful as well as versatile!
Ingredients
2- 3 pound pork shoulder
kosher salt + black pepper
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp parsley
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 C low sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves, grated (~1-1/2 tbsp)
Instructions
Instructions
- Liberally, season the pork shoulder with the kosher salt and black pepper.
- In 2 tbsp of olive oil, brown each side of the pork; approx. 3 minutes per side. When done, remove from pot. Add the quartered onion and sauté till they begin to soften and brown.
- Season the resting roast with the grated garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, parsley, and brown sugar. You might have to get a little messy! Rub it on there well.
- Add the pork back to the pot with the 1 C of chicken broth.
- Turn the instant pot to MANUAL pressure ‘HIGH’ and cook time 45 minutes. Allow for a natural release. When the top unlocks, shred the pork with two forks.
Notes
Slow Cooker instructions: Follow steps 1-3 as written. If necessary, sear the roast + onions in a heavy bottom pot, remove and season with grated garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, parsley, and brown sugar, THEN transfer to the slow cooker. Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low or till fall-apart-tender.
If you are interested in trying the Italian Pulled Pork and Pesto Pizza:
You will need: 1 pizza crust, 1-1/2 C Pizza sauce, 1/2 C prepared basil pesto, ~1 C of Italian Pulled Pork, at least 2 C Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Asiago Cheese (optional), and parmesan cheese. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce down and layer with Italian Pulled Pork. Drop dollops of pesto sporadically around the pizza. Top with Shredded Cheeses and bake at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes or till cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown around the edges. The flavor of the pork with the robust tomato sauce and fresh pesto are magical. Enjoy!
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