Instant Pot Pork Stew is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pork, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato and wine broth make this recipe delicious and easy to prepare. This stew is a time-saving adaptation of a traditional favorite, ready in just 30 minutes using an Instant Pot.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Pork Stew:
  • 2 lbs pork loin (cut into 2-3 inch cubes)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion (peeled and chopped)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 5 cups chicken stock or beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 4 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 cup celery (diced)
  • 1 lb mini red potatoes (halved)
  • 2 cups baby Bella mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 bay leaves
• Cornstarch Mix:
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water
• Garnish:
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork:
   • Toss pork chunks with flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sauté in the Instant Pot:
   • Turn on the Instant Pot, select “Sauté” (High), and add oil. Brown the pork in batches for 5 minutes per batch. Set aside.
3. Cook Aromatics:
   • Add onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
4. Assemble the Stew:
   • Cancel “Sauté” mode. Return pork to the pot, add tomato paste, carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, and broth. Add bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pressure Cook:
   • Cover the pot, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
6. Release Pressure:
   • Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
7. Thicken the Stew:
   • Select “Sauté” again. If needed, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the stew to thicken. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
8. Serve:
   • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients

• Calories: 438 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 1306mg
• Potassium: 1344mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 7146 IU
• Vitamin C: 22mg
• Calcium: 66mg
• Iron: 3mg

Why Choose the Instant Pot for Pork Stew?

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, offering a way to achieve slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time. This dish traditionally requires hours of simmering to achieve tender pork and a fully developed broth. However, the Instant Pot allows for pressure cooking, which retains the depth of flavor while cutting the cooking time significantly.

In addition, the Instant Pot simplifies multitasking in the kitchen. From sautéing to pressure cooking and even thickening the stew, all steps can be done in one pot, reducing cleanup and maintaining consistency in flavor. It’s perfect for anyone seeking to save time without compromising the richness and quality of the dish.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

The flavors in Instant Pot Pork Stew are robust and well-rounded. The pork provides a savory and slightly sweet base, while vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes offer earthy undertones. Baby Bella mushrooms add depth and umami, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish. Tomato paste and red wine contribute acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the pork and broth.

Seasoned with bay leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper, the stew gains subtle herbal and aromatic notes. The addition of frozen peas at the end lends a pop of color and freshness to the dish, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.

The Art of Cooking Pork Stew in the Instant Pot

While the Instant Pot simplifies the process, mastering a few techniques can elevate your stew from good to exceptional. Here are a few key tips:

1. Proper Browning of Pork
   Searing the pork in batches ensures an even crust on the meat, which enhances the overall flavor of the stew. Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot during this step, as it can prevent proper browning.
2. Deglazing the Pot
   Using red wine to deglaze the pot after sautéing the aromatics is crucial. This step loosens the flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the pot, infusing the broth with added depth and richness.
3. Pressure Cooking and Natural Release
   Pressure cooking the stew for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld while ensuring the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Allowing a 10-minute natural release before a quick release prevents a sudden drop in temperature, which helps maintain the stew’s consistency.
4. Thickening with Cornstarch
   If you prefer a thicker stew, a simple cornstarch slurry does the trick. Adding it during the final sauté phase ensures the perfect texture without making the stew overly dense.

Nutritional Benefits of Instant Pot Pork Stew

This dish isn’t just comforting—it’s nutritious. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it offers a balanced meal in one pot. Pork provides high-quality protein and essential minerals like iron and potassium. The variety of vegetables adds a wealth of nutrients, including vitamin A from carrots, vitamin C from peas, and antioxidants from mushrooms. The use of a low-sodium broth keeps the salt content in check, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Furthermore, the recipe can be easily modified to suit dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative. To lower the calorie count, you can opt for leaner cuts of pork or reduce the amount of oil used during the sautéing process.

Pairing Suggestions for Instant Pot Pork Stew

While the stew is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a side dish can enhance the dining experience. Consider these options:

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the stew over a bed of rice or quinoa for added texture and substance.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.

For beverages, a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the flavors beautifully. Alternatively, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon offers a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Instant Pot Pork Stew is more than just a recipe—it’s a testament to the versatility and convenience of modern cooking. It combines the deep, slow-cooked flavors of traditional stews with the practicality of the Instant Pot, offering the best of both worlds.

The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it as a family meal or preparing it for a gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress with its hearty flavors and inviting presentation.

Moreover, this stew is an excellent choice for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors only deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Pork Stew is a dish that combines tradition with innovation. Its rich flavors, tender pork, and medley of vegetables make it a comforting choice for any occasion. By utilizing the Instant Pot, this recipe brings gourmet-quality results to your table in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this stew offers an approachable and rewarding cooking experience. Its balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience makes it a standout addition to your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself returning to it time and again for its warmth, heartiness, and undeniable charm.