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!
Marissa is a wife to Texans Offensive Lineman #79, mother to a baby girl named Joy, a baby boy named Jeff, and a lover of food . She loves to feed people on game day and try new recipes during the week. 
