Instant pot pulled pork!

Instant pot pulled pork! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Keysh on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: 57 min | Total: 1 hr 39 min

Cost: $20.18 total, $5.05 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Pork Shoulder (Boneless, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 4 equal pieces)
  • 2 tbsp Barbecue Rub (Homemade mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin)
  • 2 cup Beef Stock (Low‑sodium)
  • 1 tbsp Liquid Smoke (Adds smoky flavor without a smoker)
  • 0.5 cup Mango Puree (Secret sweet‑tangy element)
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (Your favorite brand, sweet or smoky as you like)
  • 0.5 head Green Cabbage (Shredded thinly for slaw)
  • 1 Apple (Granny Smith or other tart apple, thinly sliced)
  • 2 Carrots (Shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (Full‑fat for creaminess)
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • to taste Salt
  • 4 Brioche Buns (Split and lightly toasted)

Instructions

  1. Trim and Portion Pork

    Pat the 2‑lb pork shoulder dry, trim excess fat, and cut into four equal pieces (about 1/2 lb each).

    Time: PT5M

  2. Apply Barbecue Rub

    Combine the barbecue rub ingredients in a small bowl, then rub generously onto all sides of each pork piece.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sear Pork in Instant Pot

    Select the 'Sauté' function on the Instant Pot, add a thin layer of oil, and sear each pork piece for 2‑3 minutes per side until browned. Remove excess oil with a spoon.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  4. Add Cooking Liquids

    Pour 2 cups beef stock, 1 tbsp liquid smoke, 0.5 cup mango puree, and 1 cup barbecue sauce into the pot. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Pressure Cook Pork

    Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 45 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick‑release any remaining pressure.

    Time: PT55M

  6. Prepare Apple Slaw

    While the pork cooks, thinly slice the cabbage and apple, shred the carrots, and place all in a mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, sugar, and salt; pour over the veggies and toss to coat.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Shred the Pork

    Remove the pork pieces from the pot, let cool slightly, then shred with two forks. Mix the shredded pork with a couple of spoonfuls of the cooking sauce for extra flavor.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Toast Brioche Buns

    Slice the brioche buns, lightly butter the cut sides, and toast in a skillet over medium heat or under a broiler until golden.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  9. Assemble Sandwiches

    Place a generous mound of pulled pork on the bottom bun, top with a spoonful of apple slaw, and close with the top bun. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains eggs, Contains soy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Soy

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Instant pot pulled pork!

Recipe by Chef Keysh

A quick Labor Day‑style pulled pork sandwich made in an Instant Pot, paired with a crisp homemade apple slaw. No smoker needed—just a few pantry staples, a bit of searing, and 45 minutes of pressure cooking for juicy pork, plus a tangy slaw that adds crunch and sweetness.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
1h 17m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.18
Total cost
$5.05
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Searing the pork creates flavor‑building Maillard browning.
  • Cooking under pressure for the full 45 minutes ensures tenderness.
  • Natural pressure release prevents meat fibers from tightening.
  • Balancing the slaw dressing (sweet, acidic, creamy) is key to flavor.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter when searing; use a splatter guard.
  • Never open the Instant Pot lid while pressure is still building.
  • Steam released during quick release is extremely hot; keep face away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pulled pork sandwiches in American barbecue cuisine?

A

Pulled pork traces its roots to Southern pit‑cooking traditions where pork shoulder was slow‑cooked over wood smoke. The shredded meat became a staple for festivals and casual gatherings, eventually evolving into the sandwich form popular at fairs, picnics, and Labor Day celebrations across the United States.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of pulled pork exist within United States barbecue culture?

A

In the Carolinas, pulled pork is often served with a vinegar‑based sauce; in Kansas City it’s coated in a thick, sweet tomato‑based sauce; Texas favors a smoky, peppery rub with minimal sauce. The recipe here blends sweet mango and classic BBQ sauce for a balanced, cross‑regional flavor.

cultural
Q

How is apple slaw traditionally served with pulled pork in Southern cuisine?

A

Apple slaw adds a crisp, sweet‑tart contrast to the rich pork. Traditionally it’s a simple mix of shredded cabbage, thin apple slices, carrots, and a mayo‑vinegar dressing, served on the side or piled directly on the sandwich for texture and freshness.

cultural
Q

During which American holidays or celebrations are pulled pork sandwiches most commonly enjoyed?

A

Pulled pork sandwiches are a Labor Day favorite, but they also appear at Fourth of July barbecues, backyard cookouts, and Southern family reunions where easy, handheld foods are prized.

cultural
Q

What makes this Instant Pot pulled pork recipe special compared to traditional smoker methods?

A

The Instant Pot replicates the low‑and‑slow tenderness of a smoker in a fraction of the time, while the addition of mango puree and liquid smoke gives depth without a real smoker. It’s perfect for cooks without outdoor equipment.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pulled pork in an Instant Pot?

A

Common errors include skipping the sear (which reduces flavor), under‑cooking the meat, and releasing pressure too quickly, which can cause the pork to dry out. Follow the full 45‑minute cook and allow a natural release for best results.

technical
Q

How do I know when the pulled pork is done and ready to shred?

A

The pork should be fork‑tender and pull apart easily with two forks. If it resists, it needs a few more minutes under pressure. The internal temperature will be around 190‑200°F (88‑93°C).

technical
Q

Can I make the apple slaw ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the slaw up to 24 hours in advance. Store the shredded vegetables and the dressing separately in airtight containers; combine just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Keysh specialize in?

A

Chef Keysh focuses on quick, equipment‑friendly comfort food recipes, often adapting classic barbecue and Southern dishes for home kitchens using tools like the Instant Pot, air fryer, and stovetop.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Keysh's approach to American barbecue differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Keysh emphasizes speed and accessibility, showing viewers how to achieve smoky, tender results without a smoker. The channel often incorporates unexpected flavor twists—like mango puree—in traditional recipes, making them fresh for modern home cooks.

channel

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