Asian-Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Introduction

Asian-Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork is your answer to an effortlessly flavorful meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but is ready in a fraction of the time thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Infused with tastes of ginger, soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, this pulled pork is incredibly moist, tender, and loaded with umami depth. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or serving at weeknight dinners when you want maximum satisfaction with minimal fuss.

Why This Asian Pulled Pork Recipe Delivers Bold Flavor Fast

The secret? A balance of classic Asian aromatics, a savory sauce, and the convenience of an Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. The pressure cooker not only slashes hours off the traditional braising time but also ensures the pork emerges fork-tender and deeply infused with flavor. Versatile enough to serve in bao buns, sliders, on top of rice bowls, or over fresh Asian salads, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser.

Smart Prep: Simple Steps for Big Taste

Begin by trimming and cubing a pork shoulder for optimum tenderness and seasoning. Make quick work of chopping onions, garlic, and ginger using the efficient Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which ensures even pieces and saves precious prep time. Whisk together a sauce of soy, hoisin, brown sugar, and sesame oil: this will caramelize beautifully under pressure, creating spoon-licking goodness.

Effortless Pressure Cooking and Easy Shredding

Layer aromatics and pork in your Instant Pot, then pour in the sauce and a splash of broth. In just about an hour (including pressure build and release), the pork will shred easily—a task streamlined even more with a dedicated Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black for perfectly pulled strands. For extra safety when handling the pot and hot pork, the KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set, Milkshake, 2 Count offers excellent protection and grip.

Serving Suggestions: Asian Pulled Pork 4 Ways

Transform this irresistible pork into vibrant meals:

• Street-Style Bao: Spoon pork into steamed buns, garnish with sliced cucumber and quick-pickled veg for a hand-held treat.
• Rice Bowls: Top steaming jasmine rice with pork, shredded carrots, and fresh cilantro for a hearty bowl.
• Salad Power: Layer pork over crunchy greens; the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green keeps everything fresh for desk lunches.
• Air Fryer Sliders: Toast slider rolls in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey and pile high with pork and tangy slaw.

Nutrition and Yield

This recipe serves 6–8, depending on your portion sizes and the vessel (bao, rice, or salad) you use. Each serving (without bread or rice) has roughly 290–350 calories, with a healthy dose of protein and flavor-packed sauce. It’s a perfect meal-prep star—divide leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for grab-and-go enjoyment all week.

Asian-Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Recap

Savory, sweet, and satisfyingly tender, this Asian-inspired pulled pork transforms humble pork shoulder into a flavor bomb that’s ready in under 90 minutes. Tweak toppings, serve different ways, and enjoy fuss-free deliciousness that never fails to impress.

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to Sauté mode. Add the sesame oil, then cook the diced onion for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger; cook until just fragrant. Layer the pork chunks over the aromatics.
3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and broth. Pour this sauce mixture over the pork in the pot. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid, set to Manual (High Pressure) for 50 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10–15 minutes before carefully venting any remaining pressure.
5. Remove pork pieces to a bowl. Shred using the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black or two forks.
6. Meanwhile, switch your Instant Pot to Sauté mode again. Stir cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk into the sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens (2–3 minutes).
7. Return pulled pork to the pot and toss to coat with the sauce.
8. Serve on buns, steamed bao, rice, or salad. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and your favorite pickled veggies—or pack into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for later.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes (including pressurization and release)

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Enjoy the robust flavors and effortless prep of this Asian-Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork—perfect for transforming your weeknight meals or serving up something spectacular at your next gathering!