Frozen Pork Butt Instant Pot

Frozen pork butt Instant Pot style is a game changer! Turns out tender moist and delicious. Shredded pork on sliders is protein packed.

How to cook a frozen pork butt

I have done this with all different types of protein. That is why I put together this list of how to cook frozen meat in Instant Pot post. If you’ve ever freaked out because literally all you have in the house is rock hard proteins in the freezer, this might save the day (often).

We first shared this Instant Pot frozen pork shoulder recipe because it was such a hit. I do realize that different cuts have slightly different liquids and cook times so I decided to add the butt as well.

Can I cook pork from frozen?

Absolutely, cooking frozen meat is simple. Your pressure cooker or Ninja Foodi is your best bet. Because it uses high pressure it locks in the juices and you’d never know once it’s done that is was a solid block only 2 hours before. One tip is to always use a natural release for the steam once the timing is up. This will make it very tender.

Another successful dish we make often are Instant Pot frozen pork chops. With homemade gravy ladled on top of each piece, they are delicious. SO it is possible and very delicious too believe it or not. Once you try it once you’ll be a believer too for sure.

How long does it take to cook a pork butt?

Traditionally it took 40 minutes per pound in the oven, but not now! If yours is defrosted it will take 65 minutes pressure cooked which is a fraction of the time. Frozen using this same method is closer to 1 hour 45 minutes. So yes it does add some time since it isn’t fresh or defrosted but mistakes happen…..

The same goes when cooking Instant Pot frozen roast. It does take about 50% longer than if it were not hard but at the end of the day it isn’t that much more time.

Normally I might sear the outside with some olive oil on the saute function, it isn’t possible when it is in this state though. NO worries though, you won’t miss out on any flavor skipping that step. You can still add a dry rub on the outside, it just won’t adhere and stick as well.

Ninja Foodi Frozen Pork

1. 3-4 lb. pork butt, timing is for frozen below
2. Paprika
3. Seasoned salt
4. Cumin
5. Garlic salt
   1. fresh roasted garlic is a great add in too
6. Onion powder
7. Salt
8. Beef broth

Use your favorite barbecue sauce to toss your pulled pork in once it is done.

No need for a trivet or any other accessories for this one. You just need enough liquid to steam the meat and break up the firmer areas so they all fall apart. This really is a prepare it and walk away kind of meal. You might want to have hamburger buns or dinner rolls ready for sliders.

• In a small bowl combine all your dry seasonings together. Sprinkle on top of frozen meat and pat down to stick.
• Pour broth or water with liquid smoke, stir together. Place frozen butt in the center of your pot.
• Close lid and steam valve and set to high pressure for 1 hour 45 minutes. This timing is appropriate for 3-4 lb. size roast.
• When done let pressure release naturally which will take about 20 or 15 minutes.
• Lift lid and chop/shred on a cutting board. Remove any fat and/or bone.

Put meat into a bowl and stir in the amount of bbq sauce you’d like to coat the meat. Serve on buns with a spoonful of cole slaw on top and they make great appetizers at a party too.

I like to remove the whole hunk of meat when it is done and put it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife I cut out any chunks of fat and/or bones I don’t want to eat and discard those. Then chop it up into small bite size pieces and throw all that into a large bowl with your yummy sauce.

The more the better if you ask me for this. The meat will suck up some of it so don’t hold back. You could add a bit of garlic powder and/or chili powder into the mix too. Once coated nicely then serve it as you wish!

After you thoroughly enjoy this one you’ll want to try other things like this frozen pork roast in Instant Pot. You can even make a pressure cooker frozen pork tenderloin.

I will say that this method doesn’t work great if you want to slice your large piece of protein. It is best to shred it when it is done and fork tender. We prefer it this way anyway so it doesn’t matter in our case but if you want it “pretty” it won’t come out that way.

Now if you have a Ninja Foodi you could drain the remaining liquid, toss with sauce and put it back into your pot. Use the air crisp function for a few minutes at 400 degrees to crisp the edges. Some like that added texture to their meat and it is kinda’ nice if served over soft rice.

How can you tell if frozen pork is bad?

This is handy to know, especially if you buy meat in bulk like we do often. First off you should always write the date you put it into your freezer on the outside. Use a permanent marker so it doesn’t disappear. One negative is you won’t be able to tell anything if it is still frozen. So if you have any doubt, defrost it first and then look.

If it is slimy at all on the outside, has a foul or sour odor to it then throw it out. Make sure you wrap it in a bag and seal it really well before tossing it though or your house will stink! I have made this error before and the next day it was horrid I tell you.