A 30-Minute Flavor Bomb: Spicy Instant Pot Pork!
Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but short on time? Look no further. This Instant Pot Spring Onion Pork is your new weeknight hero! We’re talking incredibly tender, bite-sized pieces of pork neck simmered in a rich, spicy broth infused with cayenne, peppercorns, and fresh spring onions. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, locking in moisture and flavor to create a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-cooking for hours. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying, savory meal that’s ready to impress.
Ingredients
• 14 oz / 400g pork neck, chopped into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 3 spring onions, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup / 240ml beef stock
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp whole peppercorns
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function on high. Add the olive oil to the inner pot and allow it to heat up for a minute.
3. Add the chopped spring onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soften slightly.
4. Add the pork pieces to the pot. Season with the remaining salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and whole peppercorns. Stirring frequently, cook for 5-6 minutes until the pork is browned on all sides.
5. Stir in the butter until it melts completely. Pour in the beef stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Press ‘Cancel’ to stop the sauté function. Secure the lid, turn the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position, and press the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button. Set the timer for 12 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully turning the handle to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining steam.
8. Open the lid, give everything a final stir, and serve immediately while hot.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 581 kcal
• Total Fat: 39.8g
• Net Carbs: 1.1g
• Protein: 53.8g
• Fiber: 0.6g
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Pork
• For a deeper flavor and better texture, sear the pork in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This ensures every piece gets a beautiful, caramelized crust.
• This savory pork is fantastic served over fluffy jasmine rice, creamy polenta, or cauliflower rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
• Adjust the heat to your preference. For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Brighten the finished dish with a fresh garnish. Sprinkle with the reserved green tops of the spring onions or some chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
FAQ
Q: What cut of pork is best for this recipe
A: This recipe specifically calls for 14 oz (400g) of pork neck, chopped into 1-inch pieces. This cut becomes incredibly tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot.
Q: Can I make this Instant Pot pork less spicy
A: Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level. For a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or to your personal preference.
Q: What should I serve with spicy pork
A: This savory pork is excellent served over a base that can soak up the rich sauce, such as fluffy jasmine rice, creamy polenta, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Q: How do I get a good sear on the pork in an Instant Pot
A: To get a beautiful, caramelized crust, it’s important not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the pork in two separate batches using the ‘Sauté’ function to ensure every piece browns properly.
