Instant Pot Pork
Get ready to discover a foolproof, mouthwatering Instant Pot pork recipe. It will leave your taste buds tingling, and your family will beg for more!
About comfort food, few things beat a warm and hearty pork meal. You are short on time. You still crave a delicious and satisfying dish. Instant pot pork is the way to go. Whether you’re a busy professional, you will love this versatile, easy-to-make meal. Or if you’re a parent trying to juggle a hundred things at once, this meal is perfect for you. It is ideal for those looking to whip up a tasty dinner in a snap. This incredible kitchen appliance has endless possibilities, from succulent pork chops to juicy pulled pork.
Which meat cut is best for instant pot pork?
While pork is versatile, some cuts work better than others in this high-pressure cooking method. The best options for pork are typically the more challenging, less expensive cuts. These cuts must take longer cooking times to become tender and flavorful.
One such cut is the pork shoulder, the pork butt. This cut is marbled with fat, which adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Another great choice is the pork loin, which is leaner but still tender and juicy when cooked correctly.
What to serve with the pork?
Here are some options to consider:
- Mashed Potatoes: Instant pot pork pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. The pork’s rich and savory flavor is complemented by the potatoes’ smooth, buttery texture. This makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are another great side dish for Instant Pot pork. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. It also adds a depth of flavor that complements the pork.
- Green Beans: A simple yet flavorful side dish, green beans perfectly complement instant pot pork. Season the beans with garlic and butter, and top with sliced almonds for a crunchy and nutty twist.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw is a great side dish to balance out the richness of the pork. Try making a creamy and tangy coleslaw with red cabbage, carrots, and a homemade dressing.
- Cornbread: Instant pot pork pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade cornbread. The cornbread’s sweetness complements the pork’s savory flavors, making for a delicious and comforting meal.
Instant Pot Pork
Ingredients
- 2.75 lb. pork shoulder 4” thick
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large onion sliced
- 8 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. red chili powder
- Two bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch
- 3 tbsp. cold water
- ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
- Prepare the instant pot and preheat while setting the “Sauté More” function.
- Pat dry the pork with a paper towel and lightly season both sides with black pepper and salt. Using olive oil, cover the inner bottom of the instant pot.
- Once the instant pot is ready, place the pork inside and cook each side for 5 minutes or until brown. Then, remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
- Add onions to the instant pot and sauté for 3 ½ minutes. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add cinnamon stick and bay leaves and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour chicken broth and deglaze by scrubbing the brown bits using a wooden spoon.
- Mix thoroughly with soy sauce, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and salt. Then add the browned pork, close the lid, and cook at high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, completely release the pressure, carefully open the lid, and transfer the pork shoulder to the cutting board.
- Turn the instant pot setting to “Sauté more.” In a small bowl, add cornstarch and cold water. Mix well and gradually add the mixture to the instant pot until you get the desired thickness.
- Slice the pork into thin slices and serve.
Notes
- You can cook the pork in the instant pot and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, reheat the pork in the instant pot until heated.
- If you don’t have time to cook the pork, you can save time by prepping the ingredients beforehand. Cut the vegetables, measure the seasonings, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, add the ingredients to the instant pot and let it do its magic.
