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Welcome to “Delicious Chinese Recipes Cooked in an Instant Pot”! In this article, we explore a variety of flavorful and mouth-watering Chinese dishes that can be effortlessly prepared in your Instant Pot. By bringing together traditional Chinese culinary techniques with the convenience of modern kitchen appliances, we’ve created an exciting fusion that will delight your taste buds and streamline your cooking process. From savory stir-fries to tender braised meats, these recipes will have us savoring every bite without the usual fuss, all while enjoying the authentic tastes of Chinese cuisine in the comfort of our own homes. Have you ever wondered how to make delicious Chinese recipes right in your own kitchen, but without spending hours over a hot stove? We’ve got the perfect solution for you – the Instant Pot! This magical kitchen gadget has revolutionized home cooking, making it easier and quicker to whip up mouth-watering meals. Imagine whipping up delectable Chinese dishes in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Sounds like a dream, right?

In this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through some scrumptious Chinese recipes that you can cook effortlessly using an Instant Pot. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends with their authentic flavors.

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Why Use an Instant Pot for Chinese Recipes?

The Instant Pot has become a kitchen staple for good reason. It combines the functionalities of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more into one versatile appliance. But why is it particularly great for cooking Chinese recipes?

Speed and Efficiency

Traditional Chinese cooking can be time-consuming, often requiring lengthy periods of simmering or braising. The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while preserving the depth of flavors that are the hallmark of Chinese cuisine.

Retains Nutrients

Pressure cooking retains more nutrients in food compared to other cooking methods. This means our dishes not only taste great but are also healthier.

One-Pot Cooking

The Instant Pot’s ability to sauté, pressure cook, and even slow cook in one pot means less clean-up for us. Plus, we avoid the mess that usually accompanies making authentic Chinese dishes.

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Essential Ingredients for Chinese Cooking

Before diving into the recipes, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the staple ingredients used in Chinese cuisine. Stocking your pantry with these essential items will set you up for success.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is the quintessential ingredient in Chinese cooking, adding umami and depth of flavor. You’ll notice there are two main types: light soy sauce and dark soy sauce. Light soy sauce is saltier and used more frequently, while dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter, often used for color.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a rich and savory condiment made from oyster extracts. It’s essential for adding that signature flavor to stir-fry dishes.

Rice Wine

Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine adds complexity and a slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It’s often used in marinades and sauces.

Five-Spice Powder

This aromatic blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It’s a staple for flavoring meat dishes.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce that is sweet and salty. It’s commonly used as a glaze for meats and as a dipping sauce.

Instant Pot Chinese Recipes

Now that we have our essential ingredients, let’s get cooking. Here are some Instant Pot Chinese recipes that are sure to become favorites in your household.

Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken

A popular dish known for its savory, sweet, and spicy flavor, Kung Pao Chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup unsalted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the vegetable oil and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
2. Add diced chicken and sauté until browned.
3. Stir in the red and green bell peppers, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice wine, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine.
6. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 5 minutes.
7. Once done, use a natural release for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release.
8. Stir in the peanuts and sesame oil.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pork

This classic dish boasts a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork tenderloin, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add vegetable oil.
2. Add cubed pork and cook until browned.
3. Add onion, red, and green bell peppers, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and water.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork and vegetables.
6. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 15 minutes.
7. Once done, perform a quick release.
8. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
9. Stir the slurry into the Instant Pot, select sauté mode, and cook until the sauce thickens.
10. Add pineapple chunks and stir well.
11. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

A savory favorite, Beef and Broccoli is full of rich flavors and hearty textures.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add vegetable oil.
2. Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add sliced beef and sauté until browned.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir well.
6. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Once done, perform a quick release.
8. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
9. Stir the slurry into the pot, select sauté mode, and cook until the sauce thickens.
10. Add broccoli florets and stir well, allowing them to cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
11. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Instant Pot Fried Rice

A fantastic side dish or meal on its own, fried rice is a versatile staple that’s quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Add rinsed rice and water to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Once done, perform a quick release.
4. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add vegetable oil.
5. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
6. Push the garlic to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side, scrambling until fully cooked.
7. Add the cooked rice, frozen peas, and carrots stirring to combine.
8. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
9. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions.
11. Serve hot.

Instant Pot Mapo Tofu

This spicy and flavorful dish is perfect for a vegetarian option that’s bursting with taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 block medium-firm tofu, cubed
• 1/2 pound ground pork or beef (optional)
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, ground
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add vegetable oil.
2. Add minced garlic and doubanjiang, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add ground pork or beef (if using) and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, rice wine, and ground Sichuan peppercorns.
5. Add cubed tofu and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine.
6. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 5 minutes.
7. Once done, perform a quick release.
8. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
9. Stir the slurry into the pot and select sauté mode, cooking until the sauce thickens.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions.
11. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips for Cooking Chinese Food in an Instant Pot

To make the most of your Instant Pot and ensure your Chinese dishes turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:

Marinate Your Meats

Marinating meat can elevate your dish by adding flavor and tenderizing the meat. Even a short 30-minute marinade can make a big difference.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh vegetables and herbs can make your dishes more vibrant and tasty. Try to use fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions whenever possible.

Adjust to Your Taste

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice levels according to your personal preference. Chinese cooking is versatile, and a recipe can often be tailored to fit your taste.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot

Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot as it may impact the cooking process and result in unevenly cooked food. Follow the recipe’s portion size to ensure the best result.

Practice Safe Pressure Cooking

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe pressure cooking. Ensure the pressure valve is engaged and never open the lid until the pressure has safely released.

Conclusion

Cooking delicious Chinese recipes in an Instant Pot is not only convenient but also incredibly rewarding. By understanding the essential ingredients and following these simple recipes, we can bring the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine right to our dinner table in no time.

We hope you enjoy these dishes as much as we do! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these recipes are sure to impress and satisfy. Happy cooking!

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