Print

Quick Tender Instant Pot Pulled Pork Nachos

instant pot pulled pork nachos - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for tender pulled pork nachos made in the Instant Pot, perfect for snacks, parties, and game nights. The pork is juicy and flavorful, topped with melted cheese and crispy tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder (about 900g), well-marbled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240ml)
  • 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (180ml), your favorite brand
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 cups tortilla chips (about 200g), thick-cut corn chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (about 200g), mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeรฑos, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, then cut into 3-4 large chunks. Season generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sautรฉ’ mode. Add a splash of oil and cook sliced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot.
  4. Place seasoned pork chunks into the pot, nestling them in the broth and onion mixture. Close lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ high pressure for 45 minutes.
  5. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Remove pork and shred with forks or tongs. If not tender, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  6. Return shredded pork to the pot (off heat) and stir in barbecue sauce until well coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Spread half the tortilla chips on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Layer half the pulled pork over chips, then sprinkle half the cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, pork, and cheese.
  8. Place under broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Add optional toppings such as jalapeรฑos, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use natural pressure release to keep pork tender. Deglaze pot thoroughly to avoid burn warnings. Watch broiler carefully to prevent burning cheese and chips. Assemble nachos just before serving to keep chips crisp. Leftover pork can be stored separately and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, pulled pork, nachos, quick snack, party food, easy recipe, barbecue, game night