The allure of these Instant Pot pork chops lies in their tender, falling-apart texture and the rich, garlicky sweet and spicy sauce that perfectly complements them. The beauty of cooking boneless pork chops in an Instant Pot is undeniable, making this dish a staple for any pressure cooker enthusiast. Serve it with your preferred starch – mashed potatoes, rice, fries, or noodles – to experience the full depth of flavors. For those familiar with pressure cooker pork chops, this Instant Pot version offers a delightful twist, pairing succulent meat with a sweet and sour sauce that’s more aromatic than traditional Chinese sweet and sour. The sauce, infused with paprika, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and other nuances, adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. If you’re craving more effortless Instant Pot meals, consider this leftover turkey wild rice casserole for a comforting dinner, or explore blackened chicken alfredo for a rich and satisfying meal. Alternatively, for a lighter option, turn to easy vegetable soup – perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It
Pork chops, sans bones, offer an incredible canvas for culinary creativity. The versatility of this protein is unmatched, allowing you to explore various cooking methods that bring out its full flavour potential. One exceptional way to achieve this is by utilizing the Instant Pot’s precision cooking capabilities in conjunction with a rich and savory sauce. This recipe excels at coaxing the pork’s natural flavors to the forefront, while also being remarkably easy to prepare.
The simplicity of this recipe is part of its appeal, as it requires little more than seasoning, searing, and then letting the Instant Pot work its magic. The addition of a flavorful sauce takes this dish to new heights, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or casual meals.
What’s more, pork chops remain an affordable protein option when compared to other popular choices like steak, seafood, or poultry. Despite their economical nature, these boneless cuts are bursting with flavor and can be transformed into a delectable Instant Pot pork chops recipe with a tangy gravy and a sweet and sour glaze, all for a modest price.
How to Make Boneless Pork Chops in the Instant Pot
For a comprehensive guide with precise measurements, refer to the downloadable recipe card. To begin, season the pork chops on both sides with onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sear them in the Instant Pot’s sauté mode using a small amount of olive oil for approximately two minutes per side, ensuring even browning. Set the browned pork chops aside. Next, cook the garlic in the Instant Pot before adding the broth. As the sauce simmers, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar, then combine this mixture with the sauce in the Instant Pot. Place the pork chops and bay leaf into the sauce, followed by pressure cooking in the Instant Pot for a couple of minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure, then set aside the tender pork chops. In a separate step, whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency. Serve the dish garnished with fresh parsley.
Substitutions and Variations
While boneless pork chops are ideal for pressure cooking in an Instant Pot, you can easily substitute bone-in ones without significantly impacting the cooking time. In fact, the cooking time may not be much different at all. If your pork chops are thicker than an inch, you can add a minute or two to the cooking time, while thinner chops might require a minute or so less. The versatility of this recipe is one of its greatest strengths – feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, omit the bay leaf if you prefer, substitute another type of oil for the olive oil, and try different types of paprika (smoked paprika pairs particularly well with these pork chops!). With these options, this Instant Pot pork chop recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
How to Store Pork Chop Leftovers
When it comes to storing leftover pork chops, there are several options available. For short-term storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. This is ideal for when you want to enjoy your meal again within a few days.If you prefer to store your leftovers for a longer period, freezing is another viable option. Simply place the pork chops in a freezer-safe container and they will remain safe to eat for up to three months. When you’re ready to reheat them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or oven.Reheating leftover pork chops is quick and easy. In the microwave, aim for about two minutes of cooking time to get the desired temperature. Alternatively, you can use your oven at 300 degrees F for around 10 minutes to achieve a perfectly reheated meal.
Instant Pot Pork Chops FAQs
If you’re wondering whether you can cook frozen pork chops in an Instant Pot, the answer is a resounding yes! In fact, you can start with them straight from the freezer, skipping the initial searing step altogether. Simply add all the ingredients except for the cornstarch slurry and parsley to the Instant Pot, then cook on high pressure for 4 minutes before allowing the natural release. This method works just as well for frozen or fresh pork chops.One of the biggest advantages of cooking with an Instant Pot is its ability to streamline meal prep. You can actually combine all the ingredients except for the parsley and cornstarch slurry in a Ziploc bag, then freeze it for up to 3 months. This ‘freezer meal’ approach allows you to thaw the contents overnight and cook them in the Instant Pot when you’re ready. It’s a convenient way to prep meals ahead of time and still achieve a delicious result.
Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe
Instant Pot Pork Chops
With these Instant Pot pork chops, you’ll be reminded of the countless reasons why you invested in this versatile kitchen appliance. The result is a mouth-watering dish that perfectly showcases the instant pot’s capabilities. Boneless pork chops are transformed into a culinary delight that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without your instant pot.
Equipment
Instructions
To prepare the pork chops for cooking, combine salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika on both sides of the meat. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot using the ‘Sauté’ mode, allowing it to reach a moderate temperature over the course of a few minutes. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for 2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant, before canceling the sauté mode and proceeding with the recipe.Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze it. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar, then pour this mixture into the pot and stir to combine. Return the pork chops to the pot, nestling them in the sauce, and add a bay leaf for added flavor.Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and adjust the time to 2 minutes on High pressure. Allow the cooking cycle to complete, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release of any remaining steam.Carefully open the lid, remove the pork chops, and set them aside. Hit the cancel button on the Instant Pot and then select the sauté mode once more. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then pour it into the Instant Pot and whisk the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.Discard the bay leaf and serve the pork chops with the reduced sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for added visual appeal.