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Super Easy Instant Pot Pulled Venison Sandwich

When you need an easy, hands off dinner that the whole family will love, try these instant pot pulled BBQ venison sandwiches. Smokey BBQ sauce with flavorful venison makes a flavor combination that can’t be beat. 

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pulled venison sandwich with chips in paper bag

What is venison?

Venison is the meat of a deer. It is a lean, healthy, and delicious alternative to beef or pork. The taste of venison can vary depending on the type of deer it comes from, but it is generally considered to be slightly gamey with a rich flavor.

Venison is a great alternative to beef if you have some readily available. It’s a low fat meat that is so versatile, too. One of our favorite ways to enjoy venison is with these BBQ pulled sandwiches. 

These BBQ venison sandwiches are so simple to make. Just a few ingredients into your Instant Pot, set it, and you have dinner on the table in no time at all. They are perfect for sharing at a summer picnic, a family gathering, and leftovers are amazing as well. 

Want to make it even a step better? Try adding some homemade coleslaw on top when serving! Creamy, crunchy and smokey flavor is all you need to bring a smile to your family’s face.

Ingredients You Need:

pulled venison sandwich ingredients
  • Garlic
  • Onion or Shallot
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • Deer Roast
  • Water
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Slider or Hamburger Buns

Making your Pulled Venison Sandwiches:

  1. Peel and cut into pieces garlic and onion. Place into the bottom of your Instant Pot.
  2. Add water, seasonings, and roast.
  3. Place the lid on the pot and make sure the valve is in the sealing position. Cook and allow to cool and release pressure naturally. 
  4. Remove the roast and place it on a plate. Using two forks, pull apart the roast. It should be super soft and easy to shred/pull apart.
  5. After you have it all shredded, return back to the pot with the liquid. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes. You can stir in 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce at this time if you would like extra sauce.
  6. Remove a portion at a time and place it on a bun with some BBQ sauce. Top with coleslaw if you like and serve.
A delicious BBQ pulled venison sandwich slider on foil, next to potato chips in a paper bag.

What if I don’t have access to venison?

No worries! You can use pork butt or a beef chuck roast for these sandwiches. You’ll get the same yummy sandwich, but with a bit of a different flavor. You can also use chicken breasts or thighs for another fun sandwich! Try them all!

What should I serve with these BBQ Venison Sandwiches?


We love ours with plain potato chips, but you can add homemade fries, baked beans, or even a side salad. Other sides to try:

How can I change this up a bit?

Try different BBQ sauces for a twist on flavors. If you like it spicy, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the salt and pepper when cooking. 

Skip the hamburger buns and serve on tortillas for pulled venison tacos! Serve with rice and re fried beans for a full meal. 

How long will this store?

If you want to make this in advance for the party, simply allow to cool completely after cooking. Wrap in aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months, or simply store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place back into the Instant Pot with a bit of water and reheat for 5 minutes (for fridge) or up to 20 minutes (for frozen)  on full pressure. Release pressure naturally, add in BBQ sauce, and serve. 

Instant Pot BBQ Venison Sandwiches
Yield: 8 sandwiches

Instant Pot BBQ Venison Sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

When you need an easy, hands off dinner that the whole family will love, try these instant pot pulled venison sandwiches. Smokey BBQ sauce with flavorful venison makes a flavor combination that can’t be beat. 

Ingredients

  • 1 Whole Head Garlic
  • 1 Small Onion or Shallot
  • 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Medium Deer Roast
  • 3 Cups Water
  • 1 Bottle BBQ Sauce
  • Hamburger or Slider Buns

Instructions

  1. Peel garlic and onion. Then cut the onion into pieces. Put everything other than the BBQ sauce into the Instant Pot.
  2. Place the lid on the pot and make sure the valve is in the sealing position. Push manual and select high pressure and cook time of 90 minutes. When it is finished carefully release the pressure.
  3. Remove the roast and place it on a plate. Using two forks, pull apart the roast. It should be super soft and easy to shred/pull apart.
  4. After you have it all shredded return back to the pot with the liquid. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove a portion at a time and place it on a bun with some BBQ sauce. Top with coleslaw if you like and serve.
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