Bring the flavors of Disney’s Animal Kingdom home with this Flame Tree Barbecue Pulled Pork Recipe. Tender, seasoned pulled pork is cooked until juicy, tossed with a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, and piled onto a soft bun for a satisfying copycat meal inspired by Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is an easy recipe for Disney fans who want to recreate one of the park’s most popular barbecue dishes at home.
Do not fill the Instant Pot beyond its maximum fill line. A 6-quart Instant Pot generally works best with a pork butt weighing about 4 to 5 pounds. I use the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. You can also use a slow cooker to make this recipe. You need to cook it on low for 8-10 hours based on the temperature of your slow cooker. For a flavor closer to traditional smoked barbecue, add the optional liquid smoke or place the cooked pork under the broiler for three to five minutes after shredding. Watch it closely so the edges become browned and slightly crisp without drying out.
Cutting the pork into large pieces helps it cook evenly and allows more of the seasoning to reach the meat. The pork is ready when it is fork-tender, not simply when it reaches a safe temperature.
Pulled Pork
Barbecue Sauce
For Serving
Flame Tree Barbecue pulled pork makes for a hearty meal, and it's the best main dish to make when you are missing Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is a simple recipe that will transport you straight to your favorite quick-service dining spot at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you want to create another iconic Disney food at home, check out my Fort Wilderness Cornbread recipe. Enjoy!
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
This Flame Tree Barbeque pulled pork is tender, smoky, and coated in a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce.
Cut the pork butt into three or four large pieces. If using bone-in pork, cut the meat into large sections around the bone and place the bone in the Instant Pot or slow cooker with the meat.
Rub the pork pieces with the yellow mustard.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, and coriander. Rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of the pork.
Pour the apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and optional liquid smoke into the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
Place the seasoned pork pieces into the pot. Do not stir or scrape the seasoning off the meat.
If using the Instant Pot, secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 - 10 hours.
When the Instant Pot cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure.
Check the pork for tenderness. It should pull apart easily with a fork. If it is still firm, return the lid to the Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure for another 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
While the pork cooks, prepare the barbecue sauce. Add all the sauce ingredients to a medium saucepan and whisk until combined.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
Transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or bowl. Remove any large pieces of fat, then shred the meat using two forks.
Skim excess fat from the liquid remaining in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot or slow cooker and stir in approximately 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce. Add a small amount of the cooking liquid as needed to keep the pork moist.
If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for another 15 to 20 minutes so the pork can absorb the sauce. If using an Instant Pot, saute for 5 - 10 minutes.
Serve the pulled pork on buns topped with coleslaw, or plate it alongside baked beans and French fries. Offer the remaining barbecue sauce on the side ♨ and enjoy!
Servings 16
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
