Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pork is a quick and satisfying take on the classic Chinese-American favorite. This recipe features tender pork chunks simmered in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made with pineapple, bell peppers, and a blend of savory and sour ingredients. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function allows for a deeply flavorful dish with a fraction of the cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a flavorful meal in a hurry. The result is a deliciously balanced dish with a delightful mix of sweet and tangy notes, served over steamed rice for a complete and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with juice)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Sear Pork: Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add the pork cubes in batches, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Prepare Sauce: Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the pineapple chunks with their juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine and ensure the pork is coated with the sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pot and set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Sweet and Sour Pork over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pork offers a speedy yet flavorful version of a beloved classic, combining the convenience of pressure cooking with a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or any time you crave a taste of comforting, homemade Chinese-American cuisine.
