• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sip and Feast
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About me
  • Shop
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About me
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » All Recipes » Main Dish Recipes » Instant Pot Pulled Pork - Italian Style

    Instant Pot Pulled Pork - Italian Style

    Published on Jul 22, 2019 by Jim · Updated on Oct 4, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Instant Pot Italian pulled pork Pinterest image.
    Instant Pot Italian pulled pork Pinterest image.
    Instant Pot Italian pulled pork Pinterest image.

    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!

    Sandwich with pulled Italian pork, broccoli rabe, provolone and Tuscan peppers on wood table.

    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.

    Ingredients shown: pork loin, oranges, bowl of fennel seeds and chili flakes on cutting board.

    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.

    Instant Pot pulled pork recipe process shot collage group number one.

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. When finished, let the pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a manual pressure release.

    Instant Pot pulled pork recipe process shot collage group number two.

    1. Save all the cooking liquid.  Place the pork into a large bowl and shred it with 2 forks.
    2. 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.

    Two Shredded pork sandwiches. One with provolone and Tuscan peppers, the other with caponata.

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

    Italian pulled pork sandwich with mortadella on wooden board.

    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.

    Closeup shot of shredded pork sub with broccoli rabe, provolone and mortadella.

    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.

    Italian pulled pork sandwich with provolone, broccoli rabe and Tuscan peppers.

    Instant Pot Pulled Pork - Italian Style

    5 from 3 votes
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 1 hr
    10 mins
    Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
    Servings: 6
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: James

    Ingredients

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

    Instructions

    • Begin by cutting the pork loin into 3-4 small pieces.
    • Sprinkle the pork pieces with 2 Tbsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp kosher salt and a ½ tsp of chili flakes. Rub the spices into the pork on all sides.
    • Place the pork in the Instant Pot and add 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken stock and the juice of 2 oranges. Lock the Lid and set to sealing mode.
    • Set to manual high pressure and cook for 20 minutes per pound or 60 minutes for a 3 pound pork loin. When finished, let natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a manual pressure release for the remaining pressure.
    • Reserve all the cooking liquid. Place the pork into a large bowl and shred with 2 forks. Add 1 cup of the cooking liquid and toss to coat. Save the remaining liquid to use if the pork gets dry. Enjoy the pork on sandwiches with provolone, Tuscan peppers or any topping you want.

    Notes

    • Makes approximately 6 large sandwiches.
    • Calories are for the pork only and will vary based on bread, rolls or toppings used.
    • Serve topped with provolone, Tuscan peppers and broccoli rabe or Italian Salsa Verde or Eggplant Caponata.
    • The recipe calls for 3-4 pounds of pork loin.  Equal amounts of pork tenderloin or pork shoulder can also be used and cooked for the same amount of time (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 enhance the flavor.
    • Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 511kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.6g | Protein: 55.3g | Fat: 27.9g | Saturated Fat: 10.4g | Cholesterol: 159mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 951mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 4.4g | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.2mg
    Did you make this recipe? Mention @sipandfeast or tag #sipandfeast
    « Italian Chopped Salad
    Angelo Azzurro »
    • Share
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dave D

      April 19, 2022 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy !!! Love it Easy 😊

      Reply
      • Jim

        April 21, 2022 at 6:32 pm

        Thanks, Dave!

        Reply
    2. Glynis

      April 21, 2022 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      I don't have an instant pot ... how would I do this in the oven please !

      Reply
      • Jim

        April 24, 2022 at 10:37 am

        Hi Glynis, I've not tested this exact recipe in the oven, but you should be able to braise the pork in a covered Dutch oven for 3-4 hours at 275f. If you want the pork to shred, cook it at least to 180f internal temperature. Also, a pork shoulder might work better in the oven since it has a higher fat content than the pork loin.

        Reply
    3. Joe

      November 15, 2022 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      hey Jim would this work with a 4 llb. beef chuck roast Joe

      Reply
      • Jim

        November 16, 2022 at 8:30 am

        Hi Joe, I haven't tested it with a chuck roast but I'm pretty sure it would work.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile pic.

    About Jim

    Welcome! I'm Jim and I'm here to help you make awesome Italian food that you would normally enjoy at some of your favorite New York style Italian restaurants. While my recipes are typically Italian, you'll find some other great ones as well. Take a look around, and get cooking!

    Learn more about me →

    Reader's Favorites

    • Fettuccine with Cherry Tomato Butter Sauce
    • Authentic Italian Meatballs And Sunday Sauce Recipe
    • Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle
    • Mushroom Brandy Cream Sauce Spaghetti
    • Baked Artichoke Hearts with Seasoned Breadcrumbs
    • Chicken Scarpariello
    • Pasta alla Norcina
    • Grandma Pizza

    Featured On

    Sip and Feast featured in publications sidebar.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About me
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Sip and Feast

    739 shares