Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork
Introduction
Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork is a show-stopping dish that harmonizes melt-in-your-mouth tender pork with a rich, savory-sweet sauce, all in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. The Instant Pot transforms hours of slow braising into a quick weekday family meal, infusing flavors deep into the meat while keeping prep remarkably simple.
This recipe is ideal when you crave authentic restaurant-level flavor but need dinner on the table fast. It’s perfect for impressing guests, tantalizing picky eaters, or elevating your usual weeknight fare with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Braised Pork
What sets Chinese Braised Pork apart is its luxurious sauce—a glossy blend of soy, sugar, and aromatic spices—that clings to every bite. The Instant Pot ensures the pork is impossibly tender, absorbing the bold notes of ginger, garlic, and five spice. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ll have a deeply satisfying meal, fit for any occasion.
Essential Steps for Superior Flavor and Texture
Proper preparation is key. Cutting the pork into uniform pieces helps it cook evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. For effortless, even dicing of your aromatics and garnish vegetables, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a time-saving staple.
A quick sauté in the Instant Pot builds a caramelized base, enhancing the richness of the sauce. The pressure cooking phase infuses the pork with everything from star anise to Shaoxing wine, achieving that deep, savory-sweet profile characteristic of classic Chinese braises.
Serving, Storing, and Enjoying Chinese Braised Pork
Serve this dish with fluffy jasmine rice or sautéed greens for a balanced meal. To keep leftovers fresh, portion them into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. The flavors only grow deeper overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead option for meal prep.
If you want to impress with presentation, slice scallions or julienne carrots on a Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper and sprinkle over the top for a restaurant-like finish. Wipe down any cooking messes with Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths for a tidy kitchen post-cook.
Nutrition and Yield
This recipe yields 6 hearty servings. Each serving (pork only, without rice or sides) contains approximately 330–370 calories, depending on the cut and amount of pork fat trimmed. The dish is protein-rich and contains a moderate amount of healthy fats.
Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork (Recap)
Juicy, flavorful, and gorgeously sauced, this Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork is an irresistible crowd-pleaser. From weeknight dinners to special gatherings, its tender texture and bold flavors make it a standout dish worth adding to your regular rotation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker to ‘Sauté’. Add vegetable oil and heat until shimmering. Sear pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides; set aside.
- Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions to the pot. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in brown sugar until it dissolves and begins caramelizing.
- Return pork to the pot. Add both soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, star anise, five spice powder, and water/stock. Stir to combine and ensure pork is submerged.
- Seal the Instant Pot. Cook on ‘Meat/Stew’ or ‘Manual’ setting at high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then finish with a quick release.
- With the pot still on ‘Sauté’, remove the star anise. Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to reduce the sauce, if needed, until glossy and thickened. Skim excess fat if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, sprinkled with chopped scallion greens and fresh cilantro. For even presentation, use the Mueller Vegetable Chopper for fine, even garnishes.
- Leftovers can be stored airtight in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes (including pressure build/release)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
