Instant Pot Braised Pork: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Instant Pot Braised Pork is an incredible dish that will transform your dinner table into a culinary masterpiece. The rich, savory flavors of braised pork combined with the efficiency of the Instant Pot make this recipe both delicious and convenient. If you love tender, falling-apart meat without spending hours in the kitchen, then this recipe is for you. The beauty of cooking pork in an Instant Pot lies in its ability to lock in all those amazing juices and flavors, resulting in a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.

The Instant Pot not only cooks the pork to perfection but also allows you to infuse it with delightful herbs and spices. From the moment you start cooking, your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas that will entice anyone within reach. This meal is perfect for family gatherings, intimate dinners, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate how easy and satisfying this recipe is.

In this guide, you will uncover why this Instant Pot Braised Pork is a fantastic choice for any occasion, along with all the necessary steps and tips for ensuring a successful cook. Prepare to impress your friends and family with tender, flavorful pork that melts in your mouth, all while using minimal effort in your cooking process.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating the glorious Instant Pot Braised Pork will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how the time breaks down:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Natural Release Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

These estimates may vary depending on your kitchen experience and the exact size of your pork cut, making it a flexible option for any schedule.

Ingredients

• 2.5 to 3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Instant Pot Braised Pork is simple when you follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Pork: Begin by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut it into large chunks, about 2-3 inches each for better cooking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
4. Sear the Pork: Add the pork chunks into the pot in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the pork and set it aside temporarily.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This step is crucial for flavor and preventing the burn warning.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Return Pork to Pot: Place the browned pork pieces back into the pot. Tuck in the bay leaves for added aroma.
8. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set it to 45 minutes on high pressure.
9. Natural Release: When the cooking time is up, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
10. Shred the Pork: Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid, remove the pork, and place it onto a large serving platter. Using two forks, shred the meat to your desired consistency.
11. Optional Sauce Reduction: If you want a thicker sauce, turn on the sauté function again and let the leftover liquid simmer for a few minutes until it reduces.
12. Serve: Drizzle the reduced sauce over the shredded pork before garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

These steps will ensure that you achieve a mouthwatering Instant Pot Braised Pork that’s bursting with flavor and tenderness.

How to Serve

When it comes to presenting Instant Pot Braised Pork, consider the following tips for an impressive meal:

1. Plate Presentation: Serve the shredded pork on a large platter with a drizzle of the sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
2. Accompaniment Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or a crunchy coleslaw. Consider also serving warm tortillas for a delightful twist.
3. Sauce on the Side: Offer additional sauce in a small bowl for guests who may want an extra drizzle.
4. Perfect Pairings: This hearty meal pairs well with a robust red wine or a light beer, balancing the rich flavors of the pork beautifully.

By keeping these serving tips in mind, you will elevate this dish not only in taste but also in presentation, creating a memorable meal for you and your guests to enjoy.

Additional Tips

• Marinate the Pork: For even more depth of flavor, marinate the pork in the sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs available, such as thyme or rosemary, adding them during the cooking process can elevate the taste significantly.
• Add Vegetables: Consider throwing in some carrots or potatoes into the pot for a complete meal in one dish. The vegetables will soak up the delicious sauce as they cook.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the ingredients for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variation

Mix things up and try these exciting variations for your Instant Pot Braised Pork:

1. Barbecue Style: Swap the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for your favorite barbecue sauce. This creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
2. Asian-Inspired: Incorporate ginger, scallions, and sesame oil into the mix for a delectable Asian twist. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles.
3. Citrusy Zest: Add orange or lime juice and zest for a bright, refreshing taste that balances out the savory elements.
4. Herbaceous: Use a blend of fresh herbs like basil and cilantro instead of dried spices for a vibrant flavor change.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover Instant Pot Braised Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the shredded pork in labeled freezer bags. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need to successfully prepare Instant Pot Braised Pork:

• Instant Pot: The star of the show for pressure cooking.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the meat and vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing and sautéing.
• Serving Platter: To present your beautiful dish once it’s cooked and shredded.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Braised Pork is not only a convenient and quick meal option but also a deliciously satisfying dish that will impress your guests. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll appreciate the ease of the Instant Pot and the mouthwatering results. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this culinary delight today!