Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This Instant Pot Pork Chops and Brussel Sprouts recipe is your new weeknight hero! We’re talking perfectly seared, tender pork chops and vibrant green sprouts, all brought together in a rich, savory sauce. The best part? It all comes together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Get ready to impress!
Ingredients
• (Total Time: 40 MIN| Serves: 4)
• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil (15 ml)
• 2 cups Brussel Sprouts, trimmed and halved (about 1 lb or 450g)
• 4 boneless Pork Chops, about 1-inch thick
• ½ tsp Dried Thyme
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 cup sliced Onions (about 1 medium onion)
• 1 tbsp Arrowroot Starch (or cornstarch)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (240 ml)
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function on high. Once hot, add the coconut oil.2. Carefully place the pork chops in the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the seared chops to a plate.3. Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.4. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom. Return the seared pork chops to the Instant Pot.5. Secure the lid, set the steam valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on MANUAL (High Pressure) for 15 minutes.6. Once the timer finishes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the steam valve to ‘Venting.’7. Open the lid and add the Brussel sprouts on top of the pork chops.8. Secure the lid again, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on HIGH pressure for 3 minutes.9. Perform another quick pressure release. Carefully transfer the pork chops and Brussel sprouts to a serving platter.10. Turn the Instant Pot back to the SAUTE function. In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the liquid in the pot.11. Simmer the sauce, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it has thickened to your desired consistency.12. Drizzle the savory sauce over the pork and Brussel sprouts. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Net Carbs: 8g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 1.6g
Pro Tips
• Don’t skip the sear! Searing the pork chops before pressure cooking creates a deep, rich flavor base for the entire dish.
• For even cooking, slice larger Brussel sprouts in half but leave smaller ones whole. This ensures they all become perfectly tender-crisp.
• For a tangy finish, add a splash of balsamic or apple cider vinegar to the sauce right before serving.
• Ensure your arrowroot or cornstarch is mixed with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid. This prevents clumps and creates a silky-smooth sauce.
FAQ
Q: Why is searing the pork chops important
A: Searing the pork chops before pressure cooking is a crucial step mentioned in the pro tips. It creates a golden-brown crust that locks in juices and adds a deep, rich, savory flavor to both the meat and the final sauce.
Q: What can I substitute for arrowroot starch
A: The recipe notes that cornstarch is a great alternative to arrowroot starch for thickening the sauce. Be sure to mix it with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the hot liquid to prevent clumps.
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe
A: This recipe is designed for 1-inch thick boneless pork chops. While you could use bone-in chops, you may need to increase the initial high-pressure cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through to the bone.
Q: How do I prevent my sauce from getting lumpy
A: To ensure a silky-smooth sauce, always mix the arrowroot starch or cornstarch with cold water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry. Whisking it into a paste before stirring it into the hot broth prevents the starch from clumping.
