Craving a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Instant Pot Sweet Pork with Cauliflower is a game-changer for busy weeknights. We’re talking fall-apart tender pork shoulder, crisp cauliflower, and smoky bacon, all brought together in a luscious, savory-sweet sauce. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under an hour and perfectly fits a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
• 2 lbs / 900g pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups / 200g cauliflower, cut into florets
• 5 bacon slices, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp / 60ml olive oil
• 4 cups / 950ml beef broth
• ¼ cup / 50g stevia crystal or your preferred keto sweetener
• 1 ½ tsp / 9g salt, divided
• 2 tsp whole peppercorns
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped pork and season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Sear in batches until browned on all sides, then set aside.
2. Add the chopped bacon to the pot and cook until it begins to crisp. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Turn off the “Sauté” function. Return the seared pork to the pot. Layer the cauliflower florets on top and gently pour in the beef broth.
4. Secure the lid and set the steam release handle to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
5. When the timer finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid.
6. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pork and cauliflower from the pot and set aside, keeping the broth in the pot.
7. Press the “Sauté” button. Stir the stevia crystal, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, whole peppercorns, onion powder, and garlic powder into the broth.
8. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and allow it to reduce by about half, until it has thickened into a sauce.
9. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the whole peppercorns.
10. Return the pork to the pot and toss to coat it thoroughly in the sweet sauce.
11. Serve the pork with the cauliflower on the side, drizzling extra sauce over everything before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 647
• Total Fat: 49.2g
• Net Carbs: 2.7g
• Protein: 45.1g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• is an estimate and may vary.
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, be sure to sear the pork in batches. Overcrowding the pot will steam the meat instead of browning it, resulting in less flavor development.
• To thicken the sauce faster, whisk ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum into the simmering liquid. Be careful not to add too much, as a little goes a long way.
• Don’t skip the 10-minute natural pressure release. This crucial step allows the muscle fibers in the pork to relax, ensuring it stays incredibly tender and juicy.
• This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and become even more delicious.
FAQ
Q: Why isn’t my pork tender
A: For the most tender pork, it’s crucial not to skip the 10-minute natural pressure release. This step allows the meat’s fibers to relax and reabsorb moisture, making it juicy and tender. Also, ensure you’re searing the pork in batches to get a good brown crust, which locks in flavor.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker
A: The recipe calls for reducing the sauce by simmering it on the ‘Sauté’ function. For a faster method, the pro tips suggest whisking in ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum while the liquid is simmering until you reach your desired consistency.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep
A: Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and become even more delicious over time.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener instead of stevia
A: Yes, the recipe notes you can use your preferred keto sweetener. Simply substitute the stevia with an equivalent amount of another low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, adjusting to your taste.
