Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe

Instant Pot pulled pork tacos are simple to make in under an hour using lean pork tenderloin, fragrant spices, and a tangy sriracha-honey tomato sauce.

One of the best ways to use an Instant Pot is to take a favorite slow cooker recipe and adapt it for pressure cooking. This version converts a slow cooker sriracha-honey pulled pork into a quick Instant Pot meal that still delivers big flavor. The hands-on time is minimal and the total time from start to finish is under an hour, making these tacos a practical weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

Step by step instructions

To make Instant Pot pulled pork tacos, start by seasoning and searing cubed pork tenderloin directly in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Searing builds flavor quickly and seals the meat so it stays moist. After a short sauté, mix a simple sauce of tomato sauce, sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. Add the sauce to the pot, lock the lid, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. When the cook time finishes, let the pressure release for a few minutes, then finish with a quick release, shred the pork, and toss it with the cooking sauce so each bite is juicy and well seasoned.

Tip: Use two forks or meat shredding claws to pull the pork apart. If the sauce seems thin after shredding, simmer briefly on sauté until it thickens to your liking. Serve the pork warm in tortillas with fresh toppings for bright contrast.

How to serve the pulled pork

• Fill warm corn or flour tortillas for classic tacos.
• Use the pulled pork to make chilaquiles by tossing with tortilla chips and green salsa.
• Toss with enchilada sauce to assemble quick pulled pork enchiladas.
• Serve over rice or in a grain bowl for a taco bowl option.
• Top a bed of lettuce for a fresh taco salad.
• Wrap the pork in large lettuce leaves with avocado slices for a low-carb alternative.
• Garnish with cilantro, diced onion, sliced avocado, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese or cotija for extra flavor.

Are Instant Pot and Crock Pot the same?

No. The Instant Pot is a multi-function electric pressure cooker that often includes slow cook, rice cook, steam, sauté and yogurt settings. A Crock-Pot is a dedicated slow cooker. While both can make tender, slow-cooked meals, the Instant Pot adds the speed of pressure cooking while also offering slow-cook capability when you want it.

Why Instant Pot over Crock Pot?

The Instant Pot provides more versatility. In addition to fast pressure cooking, you can sauté ingredients directly in the pot to build flavor, steam vegetables, or cook rice. For weeknights or when you want a quick meal, pressure cooking reduces the time dramatically compared to a slow cooker while still producing tender results. If you prefer to set it and forget it for several hours, you can use the slow cooker function instead.

More Instant Pot recipes to try

If you love cooking in the Instant Pot, expand your menu with these popular recipes: Instant Pot Beef Ragu, Pasta e Fagioli, Instant Pot Thai Beef, Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Lentil Tikka Masala, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, and the BEST Instant Pot Risotto.

Tools used to make these tacos

1. 6-quart or larger Instant Pot (or similar electric pressure cooker)
2. Meat shredding claws or two forks for shredding
3. Small mixing bowl and whisk for the sauce
4. Tongs or spatula for sautéing

Instant Pot Sriracha Pulled Pork Tacos

Summary: Instant Pot pulled pork tacos are easy to make with lean pork tenderloin seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then simmered in a sriracha-honey tomato sauce until tender. Ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork tenderloin, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
• 3 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 8 oz (1 cup) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup Sriracha
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 8 small tortillas

Optional Toppings

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Avocado, sliced
• Diced onion
• Shredded pepper jack cheese or cotija
• Lime wedges for squeezing

Instructions

1. Toss the cubed pork with chili powder, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (Normal). When the display indicates the pot is hot, add the olive oil and brown the pork in batches for 3–5 minutes, stirring to color the pieces. Press Cancel when finished browning.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, Sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar, and crushed garlic until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the seared pork in the Instant Pot and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom.
5. Lock the lid and set the steam release to Sealing. Choose Manual/Pressure Cook on High and set the time to 10 minutes.
6. When the cook time ends, allow the pressure to rest for 5–10 minutes (natural release) then carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
7. Remove the pork and shred with two forks or meat claws, then return the shredded meat to the sauce in the pot and toss to coat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, set the Instant Pot to Sauté for a few minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
8. Warm tortillas, fill with pulled pork, and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 74 mg
• Sodium: 917 mg
• Potassium: 648 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 11 g
• Vitamin A: 610 IU (approx.)
• Vitamin C: 8 mg
• Calcium: 52 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Make-Ahead, Storage & Substitutions

Make the pulled pork ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the Instant Pot using the Sauté setting, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if needed to keep the meat moist. If you prefer fattier, more shreddable meat, pork shoulder (Boston butt) is an excellent substitute; increase the pressure cook time to ensure tenderness. For a milder version, reduce the Sriracha or substitute with your favorite hot sauce.

Final tips

Searing the pork first adds depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time you can skip browning and still get a tasty result. Taste the sauce after cooking and adjust acidity or sweetness with a bit more vinegar or honey as desired. These Instant Pot pulled pork tacos balance heat, sweet, and tang for a quick, satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy.