Instant Pot® Sweet and Sour Pork

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.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 329 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into large chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks
• 1 ¼ cups water, divided
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• aluminum foil
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (Optional)
• 1 onion, vertically sliced
• ⅓ cup pineapple juice
• 1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.