Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork

Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food like Chinese Braised Pork. It’s deeply savory, slightly sweet, and irresistibly tender, boasting aromatic spices that permeate every bite. Using the Instant Pot transforms a traditionally time-consuming recipe into a weeknight-friendly sensation—intense flavors in a fraction of the usual time.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or craving a homemade taste of classic Chinese cuisine, this dish is guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy every craving.

What Makes Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork Unforgettable?

The magic of this recipe lies in the melt-in-your-mouth texture and complex, rich sauce that clings to succulent pork. Pressure cooking lets you achieve those results quickly, without sacrificing depth of flavor. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of soy, star anise, ginger, and caramelized sugar—a true crowd-pleaser for both special occasions and simple family meals.

Prepping Ingredients for the Ultimate Braise

Uniformly chopped aromatics and pork are key for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Save prep time and ensure precise cuts with a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, making slicing onions, garlic, and green onions fast and efficient. For dicing pork belly or shoulder, use a sturdy cutting board to keep things safe and tidy.

Braising Pork in the Instant Pot—The Easy Way

To achieve restaurant-level results effortlessly, reach for your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. Its “Sauté” feature caramelizes sugar and browns pork, locking in flavor before pressure-cooking transforms those tough cuts into ultra-tender morsels. The sealed environment also intensifies the spices, making every bite memorable.

Serving Suggestions for Chinese Braised Pork

Ladle the pork and rich sauce over steamed rice or tender noodles. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp Asian slaw or blanched bok choy on the side. Pack leftovers for work using a spill-proof Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, keeping your rice and pork fresh until lunchtime.

Enhance the experience with elegantly sliced green onions or chili, quickly prepped using your vegetable chopper of choice.

Nutrition and Yield

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each portion provides an estimated 450 calories, depending on your choice of pork cut and rice serving.

Delicious Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork (Recap)

Effortless yet impressive, this braised pork dish marries classic flavors with modern convenience. The Instant Pot achieves the iconic unctuous sauce and fall-apart meat without hours in the kitchen—perfect for any busy cook seeking bold, comforting flavors.

Instructions

1. Prepare all vegetables quickly and evenly with your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Cut pork into chunks using a large cutting board for safety.
2. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to “Sauté.” Add oil along with the rock sugar, stirring until sugar melts and turns amber.
3. Add pork chunks, browning on all sides for a richer flavor. Toss in ginger, garlic, and white parts of green onions; sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in light & dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and water. Add star anise and bay leaves. Mix well and scrape up any brown bits from the pot.
5. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
6. Switch back to “Sauté” and simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break up tender bits and melt any remaining fat into the sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions or chilies. Store leftovers in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container for easy meal prep and reheating.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy savory, tender Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork—big flavor with minimal fuss!