
Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe
Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese-American dish that’s loved for its crispy pork and tangy sauce. But let’s face it, making it the traditional way can be time-consuming and messy. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! This recipe simplifies the process, delivering delicious, tender sweet and sour pork in a fraction of the time, all while minimizing cleanup. This version uses an Instant Pot to create a truly quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor! Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and enjoy this flavorful dish made right in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal.
## Why Use an Instant Pot for Sweet and Sour Pork?
The Instant Pot offers several advantages for making sweet and sour pork:
* **Speed:** The pressure cooking function significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. No more spending hours simmering the pork.
* **Tender Pork:** Pressure cooking ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
* **Easy Cleanup:** One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The sealed environment of the Instant Pot helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients. The recipe is designed to be easily adaptable to your preferences, so feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. The measurements given below will serve approximately 4-6 people.
**For the Pork:**
* 1.5 – 2 pounds pork shoulder (cut into 1-inch cubes) – *Pork tenderloin can be used but will cook faster*
* 1/2 cup cornstarch – *For coating and crisping the pork*
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – *Helps the cornstarch adhere to the pork*
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing) – *Canola or peanut oil also work well*
**For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:**
* 1 cup pineapple juice
* 1/2 cup white vinegar – *Apple cider vinegar can also be used*
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar – *Adjust to your preference for sweetness*
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce – *Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness*
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch – *For thickening the sauce*
* 1 tablespoon water – *To mix with the cornstarch*
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh) – *If using canned, drain well*
* 1/2 cup onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
* Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for added flavor)
* Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger (for added flavor)
* Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced (for added flavor)
**For Serving:**
* Cooked white rice or brown rice
* Sesame seeds (for garnish)
* Chopped green onions (for garnish)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Instant Pot sweet and sour pork:
**1. Prepare the Pork:**
* Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes. Trim off any excess fat.
* In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* Add the beaten egg to the bowl and mix until the pork pieces are evenly coated.
* Add the pork cubes to the cornstarch mixture and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Make sure that there are no dry spots.
**2. Sear the Pork (Important for Flavor and Texture):**
* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Set it to “More” or “High” for maximum heat.
* Add the vegetable oil to the Instant Pot. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it’s shimmering.
* Working in batches (do not overcrowd the pot!), sear the pork cubes on all sides until they are golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor and creating a slightly crispy exterior. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in steamed, not seared, pork.
* Remove the seared pork from the Instant Pot and set aside.
**3. Deglaze the Pot:**
* After removing the pork, there will likely be some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is where a lot of flavor is! Don’t skip this step.
* Pour about 1/4 cup of pineapple juice into the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. This is called deglazing, and it will prevent the “Burn” error and add depth of flavor to your sauce.
**4. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:**
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, white vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.
**5. Pressure Cook the Pork:**
* Add the seared pork back into the Instant Pot.
* Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over the pork.
* Add the bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and onion to the Instant Pot. Gently stir to combine everything.
* Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 10 minutes. (If using pork tenderloin, reduce the cooking time to 5-7 minutes).
**6. Release the Pressure:**
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes. This means letting the pressure release on its own without manually opening the valve. This helps the pork retain its moisture and tenderness.
* After 10 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully release any remaining pressure by manually moving the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam.
* Once all the pressure has been released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
**7. Thicken the Sauce:**
* Select the “Sauté” function again. This will allow you to thicken the sauce.
* Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
* Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken quickly. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
* If desired, stir in the sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic for added flavor.
* Turn off the “Sauté” function.
**8. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the Instant Pot sweet and sour pork over cooked white rice or brown rice.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
* Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade sweet and sour pork!
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot When Searing:** Searing the pork in batches is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing the pork from steaming. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in less-than-ideal browning.
* **Deglaze Thoroughly:** Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot after searing the pork. This will prevent the “Burn” error and add tons of flavor to your sauce.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of sugar in the recipe can be adjusted to your personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** While canned pineapple is convenient, fresh pineapple will provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
* **Customize with Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts. Add them along with the bell peppers and onions.
* **For a Crispier Pork:** For extra crispy pork, you can broil the cooked pork for a few minutes after it’s finished cooking in the Instant Pot. Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Also you can air fry the pork for a crispier texture.
* **Storage:** Store leftover sweet and sour pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
## Variations
* **Sweet and Sour Chicken:** Substitute the pork with chicken thighs or chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces. Reduce the cooking time to 8 minutes.
* **Sweet and Sour Shrimp:** Use large shrimp (peeled and deveined). Reduce the cooking time to 2 minutes. Add the shrimp after pressure cooking and use the saute function to cook the shrimp.
* **Vegetarian Sweet and Sour:** Substitute the pork with firm tofu cut into cubes. Press the tofu to remove excess water before coating in cornstarch and searing. Cook in the same way as the pork. You could also add other vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
## Nutritional Information (Estimated)
*Please note that the nutritional information below is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Serving Size: 1 cup
* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-25g
## Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot sweet and sour pork recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a delicious, homemade version of this classic dish. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!