Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Let’s shake things up with a recipe that’s bursting with flavor but ridiculously easy to make. This Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Pork is your new secret weapon for a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours, but actually comes together in just 45 minutes. We’re talking tender, bite-sized pieces of pork bathed in a luscious, savory-sweet sauce with a gentle kick of spice. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, locking in moisture and infusing every bite with the rich flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy. Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
• 2 lbs (900g) boneless pork chops
• ½ cup (60g) celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 3 tbsp (42g) butter
• 3 tbsp (45ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• Spices
• 1 tsp (6g) salt
• 2 tbsp stevia crystal, or other sweetener to taste
• ½ tsp (1g) ginger powder
• ½ tsp (1g) chili flakes
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Rinse the pork chops and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Cut the pork into uniform, bite-sized pieces, removing any bones.
3. In a deep bowl, toss the pork pieces with salt, ginger powder, and chili flakes. Drizzle with soy sauce, mix well to coat, and set aside to marinate while you prep the other .
4. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on high. Once hot, add the butter to melt. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with stevia. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
6. Add the marinated pork to the pot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes to get a bit of color on the meat. Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Pour in one cup of water and stir everything together. Press the “Cancel” button to stop the Sauté function.
8. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release handle is set to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
9. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully switching the handle to the “Venting” position to release any remaining steam.
10. Open the lid, give the pork a good stir, and serve immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving (1 of 6)
• Calories: 569
• Total Fats: 43.5g
• Net Carbs: 5.3g
• Protein: 35.6g
• Fiber: 1.7g
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Pork
• For a richer flavor, take an extra few minutes to thoroughly brown the pork pieces on all sides during the sauté step before adding the liquids.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the pot on the “Sauté” function after pressure cooking and let it simmer for a minute or two until thickened.
• Don’t skip deglazing! Scraping the bottom of the pot with the apple cider vinegar after sautéing not only adds flavor but is crucial for preventing the “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot.
• This dish is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe
A: Yes, you can substitute boneless pork chops with other cuts like pork shoulder (pork butt) or pork loin. Pork shoulder will be exceptionally tender. You may not need to change the cooking time.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker
A: To easily thicken the sauce, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. After pressure cooking, switch the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function, stir in the slurry, and simmer for a minute or two until it thickens.
Q: What can I serve with this sweet garlic pork
A: This dish is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans also make a great side.
Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot
A: Absolutely. You can make this on the stovetop in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Follow the sautéing steps, then after adding the water, bring it to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 30-40 minutes until the pork is tender.
