Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I recently discovered this amazing recipe for Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer in my kitchen! It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress your friends at a gathering. I remember the first time I made it: my husband took one bite and declared it a “must-have” dish in our rotation after jamming to some island tunes!
What makes this recipe so special is not just the flavors that transport you straight to a tropical paradise, but also how effortlessly the Instant Pot allows everything to come together. And trust me, nothing beats that melting tenderness of the pork combined with the bright, juicy pineapple. So, let’s dive in!
What’s in Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork?
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking and pressure cooking because it becomes incredibly tender. I usually go for organic, grass-fed pork if I can find it, as the flavor is just unbeatable.
Pineapple Chunks: Whether you use fresh or canned, pineapple brings that tropical sweetness that really ties the dish together. I personally love using fresh when it’s in season because it adds such a vibrant punch!
Bell Peppers: The combination of red and green bell peppers not only adds color but also a nice crunch. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins!
Onion: A classic ingredient, the onion becomes sweet and soft when sautéed, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Garlic: Because let’s be real, everything’s better with garlic! It adds a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen and pleases your senses.
Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce: These two bring that salty umami goodness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. I often opt for low-sodium versions to keep things on the lighter side.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients and enhances the dish’s overall depth.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce at the end, making it rich and satisfying.
Olive Oil: A little bit of healthy fat to sauté the onion and garlic before diving into the rest.
Chicken Broth: Adds another layer of flavor to keep the pork beautifully moist while cooking.
Cooked Rice: A wonderful base to soak up all that luscious sauce—definitely a must!
Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle of this on top for garnish brings a fresh touch and looks beautiful on the plate!
Is Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Good for You?
You might be wondering if this delightful dish has any health benefits—and it does!
Pork Shoulder: This cut is on the richer side but is packed with protein and essential amino acids. Just a heads up, since it’s a fatty cut, maybe enjoy in moderation if you’re watching your fat intake.
Pineapple: Beyond its yumminess, it’s high in vitamin C and bromelain, which can help with digestion. Who knew something so delicious could double as a health booster?
Bell Peppers and Onion: These veggies are full of vitamins A and C, and they add fiber to your meal. Win-win!
Overall, this dish is a deliciously satisfying option for a weeknight dinner that won’t leave you feeling heavy or bloated. Just make sure to pair it with some whole grain rice for a more wholesome option.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork
– 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Cooked rice, for serving
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
*Serves: About 6*
How to Make Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork?
1. Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the sauté function. Add in the olive oil and let it heat up.
2. When the oil is hot and shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Next, add the pork pieces to the pot, browning them on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. Don’t skip this step; it adds a depth of flavor that’s just heavenly!
4. Once the pork is nice and browned, pour in the pineapple chunks, diced bell peppers, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.
5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Amazing flavors are about to happen!
6. After the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release for any remaining steam.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of the sauce from the pot to make a slurry. Then stir this mixture back into the Instant Pot.
8. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully.
9. Serve the Hawaiian pork over a bed of fluffy cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
If you want to up the ante, consider adding some steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition! You could also swap out the pork for chicken thighs or cubed tofu for a delightful vegetarian option.
The leftovers (if there are any!) make a fabulous filling for tacos or a delightful addition to a grain bowl. Just don’t forget to keep that sauce; it’s pure gold!
I can’t wait for you to try this Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork! I’d love to hear about your cooking experience, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious meals ahead!
