Instant Pot Pork Stew: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe

Pork stew is a comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening. But traditional stew recipes can take hours to simmer on the stovetop. This Instant Pot pork stew recipe cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing any of the rich, savory flavor. The Instant Pot tenderizes the pork beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture while infusing it with the delicious flavors of the broth, vegetables, and herbs.

This recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences. Feel free to substitute vegetables or add spices to create your own unique twist. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

## Why Use an Instant Pot for Pork Stew?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for making stew. Here’s why:

* **Speed:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time. What would typically take 2-3 hours on the stovetop can be done in under an hour.
* **Tenderness:** The pressure cooking process breaks down the tough fibers in the pork, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
* **Flavor:** Pressure cooking intensifies the flavors of the ingredients, creating a richer and more complex stew.
* **One-Pot Cooking:** You can brown the pork and cook the stew all in the same pot, minimizing cleanup.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Instant Pot pork stew:

* **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt):** 2-3 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Pork shoulder is the best cut for stew because it has a good amount of fat that renders during cooking, adding richness and flavor. You can also use pork loin, but it may be slightly drier.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. For browning the pork.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped. Adds a base of flavor to the stew.
* **Carrots:** 2 large, peeled and chopped. Adds sweetness and texture.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped. Adds depth of flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Adds aromatic flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and depth of flavor.
* **Dry Red Wine:** 1 cup (optional). Adds complexity and acidity to the stew. You can substitute with beef broth if you prefer.
* **Beef Broth:** 4 cups. The liquid base of the stew.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds, peeled and cubed. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1-2. Adds subtle aromatic flavor.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Adds earthy flavor.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a piney, aromatic flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Essential for seasoning.
* **Cornstarch (optional):** 1-2 tablespoons. For thickening the stew if desired.
* **Fresh Parsley (optional):** For garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make perfect Instant Pot pork stew:

**1. Prepare the Pork:**

* Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes. Trim off any large pieces of excess fat, but don’t remove all of it, as the fat will add flavor and richness to the stew.
* Season the pork cubes generously with salt and black pepper.

**2. Sear the Pork:**

* Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot.
* Once the oil is hot, add the pork cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pot and prevent the pork from browning properly.
* Sear the pork on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Remove the browned pork from the pot and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**4. Deglaze the Pot:**

* Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it deepens in color. This will enhance the flavor of the tomato paste.
* Pour in the dry red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, removing any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom. This will prevent the stew from burning and add extra flavor.

**5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**

* Return the browned pork to the Instant Pot.
* Add the beef broth, potatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
* Stir everything together to combine.

**6. Pressure Cook:**

* Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the steam release valve is in the sealing position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes at high pressure.

**7. Natural Pressure Release:**

* Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. This will help to prevent the pork from becoming tough.
* After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the steam release valve to the venting position.

**8. Thicken the Stew (Optional):**

* If you prefer a thicker stew, you can thicken it with cornstarch. In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry.
* Turn the Instant Pot back on to the “Sauté” function. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the stew and stir continuously until the stew thickens.

**9. Serve:**

* Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
* Serve the Instant Pot pork stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).

## Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pork Stew

* **Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the pork.** Brown the pork in batches to ensure even browning.
* **Deglaze the pot thoroughly.** Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot will add a lot of flavor to the stew.
* **Use high-quality beef broth.** The broth is the base of the stew, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the flavor.
* **Don’t overcook the pork.** Overcooking can make the pork tough. The natural pressure release helps to prevent this.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste.** Taste the stew and add salt and pepper as needed.
* **Add other vegetables.** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms.
* **Make it spicy.** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Serve with crusty bread.** Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

## Variations

Here are a few variations you can try:

* **Irish Pork Stew:** Add Guinness beer and potatoes to the stew.
* **German Pork Stew:** Add sauerkraut and potatoes to the stew.
* **Mexican Pork Stew:** Add chili powder, cumin, and corn to the stew.
* **Sweet Potato Pork Stew:** Substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.

## Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot pork stew is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. But here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the broth.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve over mashed potatoes for a creamy and comforting meal.
* **Rice:** Serve over rice for a heartier meal.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover Instant Pot pork stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze the stew for longer storage. Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Printable Recipe Card

## Nutritional Information

(This will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)

* Calories: Approximately 400-600 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot pork stew recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to create a tender and flavorful stew that your whole family will love. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a hearty bowl of Instant Pot pork stew!