Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pork

4.2
(14)
12 Reviews
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Sweet and sour pork is a traditional and delicious Chinese dish. There's no need for takeout when you can make it with very little effort at home, and even better, in the Instant Pot. Serve with rice.

Submitted by lutzflcat
Updated on November 26, 2024
3
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

  • 1 ¼ cups water, divided

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • ⅓ cup rice vinegar

  • ⅓ cup pineapple juice

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • aluminum foil

  • 1 onion, vertically sliced

  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks

  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into large chunks

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (Optional)

Directions

  1. Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot) and select Saute function. Add oil and heat until hot. Add pork cubes, working in batches if necessary, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Return all the pork back to the pot and cancel Saute mode.

  2. Whisk together 3/4 cup water, ketchup, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour over pork and stir to combine.

  3. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 5 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

  4. Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure using the quick-release method. Unlock the lid and remove. Transfer pork to a plate using a slotted spoon. Cover with foil to keep warm.

  5. Select Saute mode and stir in onion, pineapple, and red and green bell peppers. Simmer until vegetables start to soften, 6 to 7 minutes.

  6. Whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour slurry into the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency, about 2 minutes. Return cooked pork back to the pot and heat until just warmed through. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Recipe Tips

Feel free to use whatever color bell peppers you like. Canned, drained pineapple chunks may be substituted for fresh.

Adjust thickness of sauce by either adding more water for a thinner sauce or whisking in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

329 Calories
11g Fat
36g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 329
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 15%
Saturated Fat 3g 16%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 649mg 28%
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 22g 44%
Vitamin C 93mg 103%
Calcium 76mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 711mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.