Transform your mealtime with these Instant Pot Hoisin-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches, where East meets West in a delicious fusion. This recipe combines the bold flavors of hoisin and soy sauce with the surprising sweetness of cola, delivering a rich and complex taste.

In just about an hour, you can enjoy tender, pull-apart pork that’s perfect for sandwiches. The unique blend of ingredients creates a dish that’s both savory and sweet, making it a hit for any gathering, whether casual or festive.

Serve these sandwiches with a crunchy coleslaw and fresh cucumber slices for added texture. Each bite promises to delight your taste buds and leave your guests asking for seconds!

Instant Pot Hoisin-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Ingredients

At the heart of these Instant Pot Hoisin-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches lies the boneless pork butt, prized for its marbling that ensures tender, succulent meat. Infused with the umami-rich flavors of hoisin and soy sauce, the pork takes on a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the unexpected sweetness of cola, adding a caramel note that enhances every bite.

The aromatic touch of scallions and the vibrant zest of orange create a fragrant contrast, while the dried red chile peppers introduce a subtle heat, balancing the dish. Finished with a splash of rice vinegar, these ingredients meld together, crafting a flavorful sauce that brings the entire dish to life and elevates the experience of this unique sandwich.

Instant Pot Hoisin-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This Chinese-inspired pulled pork dish is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfectly showcased in easy-to-make sandwiches. While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips and serving suggestions to elevate your experience further. Below, you’ll find helpful recipe tips, complementary serving ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Recipe Tips

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Pork: While boneless pork butt is ideal for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder if you prefer. The key is to ensure that the cut has sufficient fat marbling, which will keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. Trim off excess fat but retain enough to add flavor during the cooking process.
2. Flavor Enhancement: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the pork in the cola mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will allow the flavors of the hoisin, soy sauce, and cola to penetrate the meat deeply. If time allows, letting the pork sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking can also help it cook more evenly.
3. Adjusting Heat Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the number of dried red chile peppers or omit them entirely. Alternatively, if you love a kick, you can add fresh minced chili or a dash of hot sauce to the cooking liquid for an extra layer of heat. Always remember to taste the cooking liquid before adding more rice vinegar or seasoning to ensure a balanced flavor profile.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Hoisin-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches

1. Crispy Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw is a perfect accompaniment to these pulled pork sandwiches. The fresh vegetables and creamy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the rich, flavorful pork. You can make a classic coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette, or get creative with added fruits like apples or pineapple for a sweet twist.
2. Pickled Vegetables: Serving pickled cucumbers or carrots adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the pulled pork. The acidity of pickled vegetables cuts through the richness, providing a balanced flavor and a delightful crunch in every bite. You can prepare quick pickles with just vinegar, sugar, and your choice of spices.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries offer a wonderful contrast to the flavors in the sandwich. Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with the hoisin and cola, and the crispy texture adds an enjoyable crunch. Bake or air-fry them for a healthier option, and serve with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of chili powder for an added kick.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of soda?
   Yes! While cola is the primary choice, root beer or even ginger ale can be used to add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Each soda will impart its own distinct sweetness and depth.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The pulled pork can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious!
3. What can I do with leftover pulled pork?
   Leftover pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Use it in tacos, atop nachos, or even in a hearty pasta dish. You can also freeze it for later use; just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container for up to three months.
4. Is it necessary to add the orange zest?
   While the orange zest adds a delightful citrus note, it’s not mandatory. If you prefer a more straightforward flavor, you can omit it. However, it does enhance the overall complexity of the dish and complements the sweetness of the cola beautifully.

Instant Pot Hoisin-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This Chinese-inspired pulled pork recipe features a combination of umami-rich ingredients, including hoisin and soy sauce, complemented by the surprising addition of cola. This unique ingredient imparts a caramel sweetness and adds complexity to the dish. Alternatively, root beer can also be used. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; by combining the ingredients in an Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, pull-apart pork in just about an hour.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Sandwiches, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 5

Ingredients

  

• 4 pounds boneless pork butt trimmed of excess fat and cut into 6 pieces
• 1 cup cola
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
• 4 dried red chile peppers
• 2 scallions halved crosswise
• 2 wide strips orange zest approximately 3 inches long each
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar plus additional to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 sesame hamburger buns toasted
• Coleslaw cucumber slices, and/or fresh cilantro for topping

Instructions

 

• Begin by seasoning the pork with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper on each piece. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
• In the Instant Pot, whisk together the cola, hoisin sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. Introduce the dried chile peppers, scallions, and strips of orange zest to the mixture. Next, add the pork to the pot, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Secure the lid and confirm that the steam valve is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for one hour.
• Once the cooking cycle concludes, carefully switch the steam valve to the venting position to release the pressure. Afterward, remove the lid with caution. Transfer the pork to a large bowl to cool slightly, and with a slotted spoon, remove and discard the chile peppers, scallions, and orange zest from the cooking liquid.
• Switch the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and bring the cooking liquid to a simmer. Skim off any excess fat and allow it to reduce until it thickens lightly, approximately 15 minutes, resulting in about 2 1/2 cups of liquid. Stir in the rice vinegar and adjust the seasoning by tasting and adding more vinegar as necessary.
• Shred the pork, discarding any large fatty pieces. Mix the shredded pork with 1 cup of the reduced cooking liquid, adding more liquid as needed for moisture. Serve the pulled pork on toasted sesame hamburger buns, garnishing with coleslaw, cucumber slices, and/or fresh cilantro, alongside additional cooking liquid if desired.
• Inspired by the love of squeezing citrus wedges into cola, consider incorporating a citrus-cola sauce that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken wings.

Keyword Instant Pot Hoisin-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches