Instant Pot Tonjiru (Japanese Pork and Vegetable Miso Soup)

Introduction

Instant Pot Tonjiru is the ultimate comfort soup—packed with tender pork, earthy root vegetables, and the umami-rich depth of miso. What makes this classic Japanese soup extra special is the convenience of the Instant Pot; you can have a warming, hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes, with flavors that taste as though they’ve been simmering all day.

If you crave a soup that’s meaty, wholesome, and satisfying but want to skip the stove babysitting, this recipe is a must-try for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

What Makes Instant Pot Tonjiru Stand Out?

Tonjiru, or “pork soup,” goes beyond standard miso soup with generous chunks of pork belly or shoulder, plus an array of vegetables like daikon, carrots, and potatoes. The secret? Simmering everything under pressure quickly extracts deep flavor and yields impossibly tender meat.

A swirl of savory miso paste at the end brings it all together, delivering a soup that’s both nourishing and deeply flavorful—a crowd-pleaser that will surprise those unfamiliar with Japanese home cooking.

Vegetable Prep for a Flavorful Broth

For a punchy, luxurious broth, use a variety of Japanese root vegetables. Daikon, burdock root, potatoes, and carrots add subtle sweetness and heft, while onions and mushrooms infuse even more umami. To significantly cut prep time and ensure uniform pieces, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper: with this tool, you’ll chop everything perfectly in minutes, ideal for soups like Tonjiru.

The Magic of the Instant Pot

While traditional Tonjiru requires lengthy simmering, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart delivers unbeatable results with minimal effort. The pressure cooking function locks in all those rich flavors and tenderizes the pork and veggies efficiently—without hovering over the stove.

Tips for Assembly and Easy Storage

Once your soup is ready, serve it piping hot. For weekday meal prep or storing leftovers, transfer cooled soup to stackable, leak-proof containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup). These keep your soup fresh, making reheats a breeze for lunch or another dinner.

Looking to transport your hearty tonjiru for a meal on the go? The Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl is perfect for carrying a generous portion and lends itself well to reheating at the office.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 hearty bowls. Each serving is rich in protein (thanks to pork), filled with soluble fiber from the root vegetables, and delivers vitamins and minerals with every bite. While the miso base provides natural sodium, conventional seasonings aren’t necessary, making it a better-for-you comfort food.

Instant Pot Tonjiru (Recap)

Instant Pot Tonjiru is an easy win for anyone craving deep Japanese flavors on a tight schedule. The combination of tender pork, assorted vegetables, and robust miso broth makes for a delicious, nutrient-dense meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Instructions

1. Prepare all your vegetables using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, even cuts.
2. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to Sauté mode. Add oil, then sauté the pork strips until lightly browned (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add chopped onion, carrot, daikon, potato, burdock root (if using), mushrooms, and ginger. Stir for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the water, sake, and soy sauce. Lock the lid, set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) on high for 8 minutes.
5. When cooking is finished, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest.
6. Scoop a small amount of the hot broth into a bowl, then whisk in the miso paste until smooth. Return miso mixture to the pot, stirring to fully incorporate (never simmer miso—you want to preserve its delicate flavor and probiotics).
7. Taste and adjust with a bit of additional soy sauce, if needed. Add tofu or konjac, if using, and gently heat through with the “Keep Warm” function.
8. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately with optional steamed rice.
9. Cool leftovers, then transfer to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 for easy weekday meals. For meals on-the-go, portion into a Bentgo Salad Container.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 18 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy your restaurant-quality Instant Pot Tonjiru—rich, filling, and so much faster than the stovetop version!