Welcome to “Delicious Instant Pot Pork Recipes”! Together, we’ll explore a variety of mouthwatering pork recipes, all crafted to perfection using the Instant Pot. From savory pulled pork sandwiches to tender and juicy pork chops, we’ll dive into dishes that are sure to become favorites in our kitchens. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, we can enjoy these delectable meals with a fraction of the effort and time, making delicious cooking accessible and fun for all of us. Have you ever found yourself at the end of a long day, craving something delicious, but dreading the lengthy cooking process? If so, then you’re in the right place. We’re about to dig into the world of Instant Pot pork recipes, which not only deliver fantastic flavors but also save us loads of time and effort.
By the end of this article, we’ll be ready to whip up some mouthwatering pork dishes that even the pickiest eaters will love. So, buckle up and let’s get cooking!
The Magic of the Instant Pot
First things first, let’s talk a bit about why the Instant Pot is a game-changer in the kitchen. This multi-functional kitchen appliance combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and even a yogurt maker into one handy device. Its popularity has soared because it can drastically cut down on cooking times while preserving the flavors and nutrients of the food.
Instant Pots are especially great for cooking pork. The even pressure-cooking makes the meat tender and juicy without the hours of slow roasting or braising.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
Before we dive into the recipes, it’s important to know which cuts of pork work best in an Instant Pot. Here’s a quick guide to help us choose wisely:
| Cut of Pork | Best for… | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder | Pulled Pork, Carnitas, Stews | Fatty, marbled, and becomes very tender |
| Pork Loin | Pork Chops, Roasts, Tenderloin recipes | Leaner, needs shorter cooking times |
| Pork Belly | Crispy Pork Belly, Rich Stews | Very fatty, renders down beautifully |
| Pork Ribs | BBQ Ribs, Asian-style Ribs | Tenderizes well under pressure cooking |
Knowing which cut to use will help us achieve the best possible results in our dishes.
Essential Tips for Cooking Pork in an Instant Pot
Searing the Meat
Searing your pork before pressure cooking locks in the juices and enhances the flavor profile of our dish. Using the sauté function, we can easily achieve a beautifully browned outside.
Proper Deglazing
After searing, always deglaze the pot to ensure no bits are stuck to the bottom. This prevents the burn notice and adds flavor to the sauce. Use a liquid like broth, wine, or even water to scrape off those flavorful bits.
Natural Release vs. Quick Release
The way we release the pressure affects the texture of our meat. For tougher cuts like pork shoulder, a natural release is preferred to help the meat stay tender. For leaner cuts, a quick release can suffice.
Recipe 1: Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Nothing says comfort food like a pile of smoked pulled pork. Here is our take on a quick and easy version using our beloved Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sear the Pork: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Add a bit of oil to the pot and sear the pork on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot, stirring frequently until they become soft and translucent.
- Deglaze the Pot: Add the chicken broth to the pot and scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. These carry immense flavor.
- Cook the Pork: Return the pork to the pot and add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 60 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Mix it back into the sauce in the pot.
Serve your pulled pork with some coleslaw and buns for a complete meal. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Recipe 2: Instant Pot Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Tender pork chops smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce – irresistible, right? Here’s how we can make it happen.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and Sear: Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and herbs. Turn on the ‘Sauté’ function and sear the chops on each side until they are browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms and Onions: Add the olive oil, mushrooms, and onions to the pot, and cook them until they are softened. Add in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom to release all the flavorful bits stuck to it.
- Pressure Cook: Add the pork chops back into the pot. Seal the lid, set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 10 minutes, and allow a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
- Make the Sauce: Remove the pork chops and set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ again. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Return the pork chops to the pot to coat them in the sauce.
Serve this delightful dish with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies, and you’re good to go!
Recipe 3: Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Who doesn’t love a good taco night? Instant Pot pork carnitas are easy, delicious, and perfect for any weeknight meal or a special gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and Sear: Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Use the ‘Sauté’ function to sear the pork on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot, stirring until softened.
- Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pressure Cook: Add the pork back into the pot along with the bay leaf. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 35 minutes. Let it naturally release the pressure for 15 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Shred and Crisp: Remove the pork and shred it. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the edges are crispy.
Serve your carnitas in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like cilantro, diced onion, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Recipe 4: Instant Pot Pork Belly
Crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, pork belly is a treat. Here’s our take on making it in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork belly, skin on
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 star anise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Score and Season: Score the skin of the pork belly and season it with salt and pepper. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and sear the pork belly, skin-side down, until it’s crispy. Flip and sear the other sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger to the pot, cooking until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and star anise to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom to release all those sweet and savory bits.
- Pressure Cook: Place the pork belly back into the pot. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 45 minutes. Allow a natural release for about 15 minutes.
- Crisp It Up: For extra crispy skin, transfer the pork belly to a baking sheet and broil on high for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
Slice the pork belly and serve it over rice with steamed veggies for an indulgent meal.
Recipe 5: Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs
For BBQ lovers, these Instant Pot BBQ baby back ribs are an absolute must-try. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the ribs.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour the apple juice into the pot. Place a trivet or rack in the bottom of the pot to keep the ribs elevated above the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Coil the ribs to fit them in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 25 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Finish in the Oven: Preheat the oven to broil. Remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
Serve your ribs with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a classic BBQ meal.
Conclusion
There you have it, a collection of some of our favorite Instant Pot pork recipes. From the tender, juicy pulled pork to the crispy pork belly, these dishes are sure to impress and satisfy. The beauty of using the Instant Pot is in its ability to unlock deep flavors and tender textures in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take.
Next time you’re in the mood for pork, don’t hesitate to pull out your Instant Pot and try these recipes. We promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
