Cooking dinner on a busy weeknight doesn’t have to be stressful. With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can whip up a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal with minimal effort. This Instant Pot Balsamic Pork recipe is the perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors, delivering a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your home. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or feeding picky eaters, this recipe is bound to impress. Plus, the convenience of the Instant Pot means less time in the kitchen and more time to relax.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you'll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you'll need:
- 2-3 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt) – trimmed of excess fat and cut into 3-4 large chunks for even cooking.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for searing the meat.
- ½ cup chicken broth – adds depth to the dish and prevents burning during pressure cooking.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar – the star of the show with its rich, tangy flavor.
- 2 tbsp honey – for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – adds a savory, umami touch.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic always makes things better.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – or substitute with fresh thyme if you have it.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced – for added flavor and texture.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- A sprinkle of parmesan cheese
Instructions
Grab your Instant Pot and follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish:
1. Prep the Pork
Begin by patting the pork chunks dry with paper towels. This step helps with browning. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Pork
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing locks in the flavor and creates a nice crust. Once browned, remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
3. Build the Flavor
With the Instant Pot still in Sauté mode, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until they’re fragrant and soft. If any browned bits are stuck to the bottom, use a wooden spoon to loosen them up (this is where all the flavor hides!).
4. Create the Sauce
Add the balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and thyme to the pot. Whisk everything together, ensuring it’s well combined.
5. Pressure Cook
Place the pork chunks back into the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce. Lock the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on Manual (or Pressure Cook) for 50 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then perform a quick release.
6. Shred and Serve
Carefully remove the pork from the pot and transfer to a plate. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can leave the pork in larger chunks. Return the shredded pork to the pot to soak up all the delicious balsamic sauce.
7. Optional Step – Thicken the Sauce
If you like a thicker sauce, remove the pork and set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes or until it reduces to your desired consistency. Then spoon it over the pork before serving.
How to Serve Instant Pot Balsamic Pork
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy polenta to soak up that rich balsamic sauce.
- Pair it with roasted vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans for a healthy touch.
- For a low-carb option, try serving the pork over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed spinach.
- Use the shredded pork in slider buns for a fun, casual meal. Top with coleslaw for additional crunch and flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose the right cut of pork: Pork shoulder or pork butt works best for this recipe due to its marbling, which ensures moist, tender meat after cooking.
- Don’t skip the searing: While it’s tempting to skip this step, searing adds so much depth and flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Love a sweeter sauce? Add an extra drizzle of honey after cooking.
Instant Pot Balsamic Pork is a meal you can count on for bold, comforting flavors. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for gatherings or quiet family dinners. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple dish in your home. Don’t forget to save some for leftovers—if there’s any left!
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