Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic dish! Our Instant Pot Sweet n Sour Pork Chops are not just a meal; they’re an experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Chinese cuisine. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can serve up tender, juicy pork chops enveloped in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce that perfectly balances flavor and texture. Whether you're a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious dinner that will impress your family and friends. Don't miss out—let's dive into the recipe that will make your dinner table the talk of the town!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork chops
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Garlic
- Rice vinegar
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: pork chops, bell peppers (any color), onion, sweet and sour sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil.
- Prepare the pork chops by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear. Season both sides of the pork chops lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the pot. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. You may need to do this in batches if your Instant Pot is not large enough.
- After searing, remove the pork chops from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- While the vegetables are cooking, mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and add them to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Next, deglaze the pot by adding 1/4 cup of rice vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the seared pork chops to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of sweet and sour sauce, ensuring the pork chops are well coated.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the pork chops for doneness; they should be tender and cooked through. If desired, you can switch back to 'Sauté' mode for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the sweet and sour pork chops over rice or noodles, garnished with additional bell pepper slices or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your bell peppers and onion in advance. This way, you can simply toss them in the pot when you're ready to cook.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step! It locks in the flavors and gives the pork chops a beautiful golden crust, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Deglaze for Flavor: Make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly with rice vinegar. Scraping up the browned bits adds depth to your sweet and sour sauce, making it even more delicious.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more sweet and sour sauce or a splash of rice vinegar according to your taste preferences.
- Serve with Style: For a beautiful presentation, serve the pork chops over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, and garnish with fresh bell pepper slices or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
- Leftovers?: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a fantastic lunch the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
