Instant Pot Pulled Pork - Italian Style

This Italian style Instant Pot pulled pork is mouthwatering!  The fennel seeds, orange juice and chili flakes add so much flavor.  The best part - super easy!  Essentially, it's toss in the pot, set timer, and shred.  That's it!

The flavors in this Italian pulled pork are very similar to our delicious Porchetta Roast recipe.  They both share the distinctive taste of fennel seeds and orange.  This recipe is far easier than the porchetta.  Save that one for a weekend or special occasion meal.

One note before going on, a pork loin was used for this recipe.  A pork shoulder would be excellent as well.  If using the shoulder, you will have a juicier dish, but a tad more work when shredding it since the fat needs to be removed.  Either way, it's great.

The ingredients need for this Instant Pot shredded Italian style pork loin are:

• One 3-4 pound pork loin
• 2 Tbsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• 2 tsp kosher salt  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 oranges
• 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken stock

How To Make Italian Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Note: Each number in the collage corresponds to the numbered written instructions.

1. Begin by cutting the pork loin into smaller pieces.
2. Sprinkle the pork with the 2 Tbsp of fennel seeds, the ½ tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp garlic powder and the 2 tsp of kosher salt.  Rub it all over the meat.

3. Prepare the Instant Pot by placing the wired insert on the bottom.  Note: The recipe will turn out fine if you don't use the wired insert, so don't worry.
4. Place the pork onto the rack.  Pour the 1 ½ cups of low sodium chicken stock into the pot and also add the juice of the 2 oranges.
5. Cover and lock the Instant Pot lid.  Turn the pressure to "sealing".  Cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes per pound.  For example: 3 pound pork loin = 60 minutes cook time.
6. When finished, let the pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a manual pressure release.

7. Save all the cooking liquid.  Place the pork into a large bowl and shred it with 2 forks.
8. There should be roughly 2 cups of cooking liquid left.  Add 1 cup to the shredded pork and mix it around.  The pork will absorb it and get juicier.  Save the rest of the liquid to add in case the pork dries out.

So that's how to make a shredded pork loin in the Instant Pot.  There's so many ways to dress these up.

In the pic above, the sandwich on the left has Tuscan peppers and provolone.  The one on the right is topped with Sicilian Caponata.

In this hero/sub the pork is topped with garlicky sauteed broccoli rabe, provolone and mortadella.  Delicious!

Maybe you just want the pork and a sauce.  This Italian Salsa Verde is made for pork!

What To Serve With Italian Pulled Pork

• Italian Chopped Salad
• Grilled Fennel Salad With Shaved Parmesan
• Radicchio Salad With Orange Juice Vinaigrette

Top Tips

• The recipe calls for 3-4 pounds of pork loin.  Pork tenderloin, and pork shoulder can also be used and cooked for the same amount of time.  Remember, 20 minutes per pound.
• Chop the pork loin into smaller pieces.  This speeds up cooking time and makes it easier to shred when finished.
• Save the cooking liquid to add to the shredded pork.  The pork will absorb it and get juicier, plus the orange juice and fennel broth will further flavor the pork.
• Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Try These Other Italian Pork Recipes

• Rosemary Grilled Pork Chops
• Porchetta Roast
• Maiale Al Latte (pork in milk)
• Pork Chops With Vinegar Peppers
• Roasted Broccolini And Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’ve enjoyed this Italian Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe or any recipe on this blog please let us know in the comments!  We would love to hear how you did and it’s nice to show others as well.  Thanks!  Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

📖 Recipe