Instant Pot pork steaks are not only incredibly tender and moist, but also irresistibly delicious! The secret lies in pressure cooking the steaks in a bold soy and brown sugar sauce, ensuring that every bite is infused with the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to cook food quickly and easily, the Instant Pot is your ultimate kitchen gadget. With just one device, you can sear, sauté, simmer, and pressure cook almost any cut of meat to perfection. And this incredible Instant Pot pork steaks recipe utilizes all these functions to create a tender, juicy, and flavorful entrée that will leave everyone craving more.
Imagine a convenient “one pan” main dish that not only saves you time but also pleases your taste buds. In this easy recipe, we quickly sear thick pork steaks, then combine simple ingredients like garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to create a fragrant sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
The magic happens when the pork steaks are pressure cooked in this flavorful sauce – just set it and forget it. The result? Fork-tender pork steaks every single time. You can enjoy them as they are or thicken the deliciously sticky, sweet, and savory sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. Pair them with light or hearty starches and veggies, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in less than an hour.
Recipe Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering Instant Pot pork steaks, you’ll need:
- Pork steaks: Choose steaks that are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: A pinch of these classic spices elevates all the savory flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for searing the steaks in the Instant Pot.
- Onion: Adds a nice bite to complement the pork’s light sweetness.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with delicious earthy and savory flavors.
- Beef or chicken broth: Beef broth offers a deep umami taste, while chicken broth is lighter. Both are excellent options.
- Worcestershire sauce: This rich and beefy condiment enhances the umami flavors.
- Soy sauce: The tanginess of this savory ingredient complements the broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Brown sugar: Provides just the right amount of malty sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the sauce.
- Cornstarch and water: Optional, for thickening the sauce once the pork steaks are cooked.
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Steaks
Let’s dive into the cooking process:
- Begin by generously seasoning the pork steaks with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Preheat your Instant Pot and activate its ‘Sauté’ function. Pour in the vegetable oil and let it heat up evenly at the base.
- Carefully place the pork steaks into the pot and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes to achieve a rich brown crust. You may need to sear them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Once the steaks are perfectly browned, set them aside on a plate. In the same pot, sauté finely sliced onions and minced garlic until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden, releasing delightful aromas.
- Pour the broth into the pot, using it to deglaze by gently scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits, which add tremendous flavor to your sauce.
- Blend Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar into the pot, stirring gently to ensure a well-mixed sauce.
- Return the browned pork steaks to the pot, nestling them into the flavorful liquid. Secure the Instant Pot’s lid and select either the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ function. Set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for approximately 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the pork steaks from the pot and cover them to retain their warmth. Activate the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot.
- Prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and gradually stir it into the pot. Let the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Turn off the Instant Pot and serve the perfectly cooked pork steaks on a plate, generously ladling the rich sauce over the top for a delightful meal.
Garnish your creation with chopped cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your instant pot pork steaks, consider serving them on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or steamy vegetables. The sauce will wonderfully complement these sides, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.
Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the pork steaks and sauce in separate containers. This will make it easier to reheat the sauce without overcooking the pork. When reheating, do so gently on a stovetop over low heat or in a microwave using a lower power setting, heating in short intervals while stirring in between.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert notes and tips to enhance your Instant Pot pork steak cooking experience:
- Let the pork steaks sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before searing. This helps them sear more effectively and evenly, resulting in a perfectly browned crust.
- When deglazing the pot with broth, make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. These bits, known as “fond,” are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce.
- Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally is crucial for meat dishes. This relaxation helps the meat fibers retain their juices, resulting in juicier pork steaks.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, consider reducing it further on the ‘Sauté’ setting or adding a pat of butter or cream at the end.
- For added depth of flavor, sauté the onions and garlic, then deglaze the pot with a splash of white or red wine before adding the broth. Let the wine reduce by half before continuing with the recipe.
More Pressure Cooker Recipes
If you’re hungry for more quick and delicious meal ideas, explore these mouthwatering pressure cooker recipes:
- Instant Pot Bison Chili
- Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites
- Baked Pork Neck Bones
- Ninja Foodi Grill Ribs
- Avocado Tartare
- Air Fryer Flat Iron Steak
- Pulehu Ribs
- Oxtail Pasta
- Turkey Liver Recipe
We hope you love this Instant Pot pork steaks recipe as much as we do. If you give it a try, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments below.
For more delightful recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill today!