Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork

Introduction

Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork is a true flavor bomb: meltingly tender pork belly, bathed in a savory-sweet soy and spice sauce, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. This dish, inspired by classic “Hong Shao Rou,” packs irresistible richness into each bite—the kind that makes it a guaranteed dinner favorite.

If you’re seeking authentic taste in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop, this is your must-try recipe. Set it out as a centerpiece for gatherings, or enjoy it as comforting weeknight fare that delivers show-stopping results.

Why This Braised Pork Recipe Will Wow You

By pressure cooking the pork, you get deep, multi-dimensional flavor and a luxurious texture—without spending hours at the stove. Star anise infuses delicate warmth, while Shaoxing wine, ginger, and dark soy sauce create an almost caramelized depth. The glossy, thickened sauce clings to every bite.

Serve this over fluffy rice or steamed buns, and you’ll witness satisfied silence at the table, punctuated only by requests for seconds.

Preparing Your Pork and Aromatics

Start with high-quality pork belly and fresh aromatics. Uniform cubes make for even cooking; a reliable vegetable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can save you time and ensure precise results when dicing your aromatics or vegetables to serve alongside.

Blanching the pork belly briefly removes impurities, giving you a cleaner, restaurant-quality result at home. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth it for a clear, glossy sauce.

Braising in the Instant Pot for Maximum Flavor

Sautéing your aromatics and searing the pork in the Instant Pot builds layers of flavor. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart streamlines the traditional braising method: simply brown, add liquids, seal, and let pressure do the work.

Spices like star anise and cinnamon, plus sauces and sugar, create that signature red-braised luster. In under an hour, you’re rewarded with impossibly tender meat and an addictive sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serve with steamed jasmine rice, or tuck into soft bao buns for a street-food style treat. For meal prep, pack leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep that saucy pork fresh—perfect for work lunches.

Garnish with blanched greens or a sprinkle of scallions for a pop of color and crunch.

Nutritional Information and Portion Size

Each serving—around 1 cup of braised pork—contains approximately 420 calories, mainly from the pork belly’s rich fat. Pair generously with vegetables to balance the meal, and savor this dish as a special treat in your home-cooked rotation.

Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork: The Flavor Finale

Instant Pot Chinese Braised Pork is the ultimate in easy, deeply flavored comfort food. The meat is succulent and tender, the sauce is gorgeously glossy, and you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate. With minimal hands-on time and maximal flavor, this is a dinner that’ll become your new signature dish.

Instructions

1. Blanch pork: Place pork belly cubes in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then drain and rinse to remove impurities. Set aside.
2. Turn the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to Sauté mode. Add neutral oil, followed by ginger and garlic. Sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute.
3. Add blanched pork and brown the cubes on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add in star anise, cinnamon, and scallions; stir well.
4. Stir in rock sugar; cook until slightly caramelized. Splash in Shaoxing wine to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Pour in soy sauces, water, and add white pepper. Stir. Cancel sauté mode, lock the lid, and cook on Pressure Cook (high) for 30 minutes.
6. Quick release the pressure. Uncover, and turn back to Sauté to reduce the sauce until thick and glossy, if needed (about 5–7 minutes).
7. Serve braised pork hot, with rice or buns. Garnish with blanched veggies and sliced scallions. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to maintain flavor and freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy the tradition and taste of Chinese braised pork, made simple and spectacular with your Instant Pot!