This Pulled Pork with Cole Slaw recipe is the kind of comforting, crowd‑pleasing meal that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, turning pork shoulder into tender, shreddable meat infused with warm spices. A quick homemade slaw adds cool crunch and tang, creating the perfect contrast to the rich pork. Whether you serve it in bowls, over fries, or piled high on a bun with BBQ sauce and pickles, it’s a versatile recipe that adapts to whatever you’re craving.
Pulled Pork with Cole Slaw
This recipe is a base for several different dinner options. Make it a sandwich, a platter, or a bowl- it's yummy any of the ways you do it. The beauty of a pork roast is that it can be cooked in advance and used for a quick weeknight win!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your instant pot, add about ½ cup water to bottom and the pork shoulder, seasoned with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Pressure cook on high for 3 hours, or until tender enough to shred. (If using a slow cooker, cook on high 4 hours or until tender). Shred pork.
- For the coleslaw: In a bowl, mix mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until combined. Stir in bag of coleslaw and chill.
This can be done ahead of time and stored until ready to make meal.
Optionally, but for added flavor, put the shredded pork on a sheet pan and place under the broiler until edges of meat begin to caramelize, and then remove.
Notes
You can use this recipe as a base for several dinners:
- A bowl with a base of roasted potatoes and BBQ sauce drizzled over top, topped with pickles and pickled onions.
- Plate the pork and slaw up with fries on the side.
- Make a pulled pork sandwich by piling the pork and slaw on a bun with BBQ sauce and pickles and chips or mac & cheese on the side.