Quick and Delicious Frozen Pork Recipes for Instant Pot Cooking

Hey there! Are you looking for a quick and hassle-free way to cook frozen pork? Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot! 

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of cooking frozen pork in an Instant Pot, sharing some mouthwatering recipes along the way. 

You’ll discover the convenience and benefits of using this versatile appliance to whip up tender and flavorful pork dishes in no time.

Preparing the Frozen Pork

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s cover the basics of preparing frozen pork for Instant Pot cooking. It’s essential to select the right cut of frozen pork, such as pork shoulder, pork chops, or pork tenderloin. 

If you have time, you can thaw the pork before cooking but fret not if you’re in a rush—we’ll explore cooking times and adjustments for frozen meat. Just make sure to follow the recommended methods for thawing, keeping in mind important food safety considerations.

Essential Tips for Cooking Frozen Pork in Instant Pot

To achieve the best results with frozen pork in your Instant Pot, keep these tips in mind. While it’s optional, I highly recommend searing the frozen pork before pressure cooking to enhance the flavor and texture. 

Adjusting the cooking times and settings is crucial when working with frozen meat, and adding an appropriate amount of liquid and seasonings is essential to infuse the pork with delicious flavors. 

Lastly, ensuring a proper seal and venting technique will help create a pressure cooking environment that yields tender, succulent pork.

Recipe 1: Flavorful Pulled Pork

Let’s kick things off with a classic favorite—pulled pork! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1. Frozen pork shoulder
2. Barbecue sauce
3. Chicken broth
4. Brown sugar
5. Garlic powder
6. Paprika
7. Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Sear the frozen pork shoulder in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
2. Add the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” mode, and cook for the recommended time.
4. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release, then remove the pork and shred it using two forks.
5. Serve the pulled pork on buns, with a side of coleslaw, or any other preferred accompaniments.

Recipe 2: Tender Pork Chops with Gravy

Next up, let’s indulge in some tender pork chops smothered in savory gravy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1. Frozen pork chops
2. Olive oil
3. Onion powder
4. Garlic powder
5. Paprika
6. Salt and pepper
7. Flour
8. Chicken broth
9. Worcestershire sauce
10. Cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Sear the frozen pork chops in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
2. Season the chops with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the pork chops from the pot and set them aside.
4. In the same pot, whisk together flour, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce to create the gravy base.
5. Return the pork chops to the pot, close the lid, and pressure cook for the recommended time.
6. Once cooked, release the pressure manually, and thicken the gravy using a cornstarch slurry.
7. Serve the tender pork chops with the delicious gravy and your favorite side dishes.

Recipe 3: Succulent Pork Stew

On chilly days, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty pork stew. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1. Frozen pork stew meat
2. Olive oil
3. Onion
4. Carrots
5. Potatoes
6. Tomato paste
7. Beef broth
8. Worcestershire sauce
9. Herbs and spices (such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves)
10. Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Sauté the onions in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
2. Add the frozen pork stew meat and brown it on all sides.
3. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices.
4. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot.
5. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to “Stew” mode, and cook for the recommended time.
6. Allow for a natural pressure release, and check if the pork and vegetables are tender.
7. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve the succulent pork stew piping hot.

Recipe 4: Mouthwatering Pork Carnitas

Last but not least, let’s take a culinary trip to Mexico with some flavorful pork carnitas. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1. Frozen pork shoulder
2. Orange juice
3. Lime juice
4. Garlic
5. Cumin
6. Chili powder
7. Oregano
8. Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Sear the frozen pork shoulder in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
2. In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the seared pork shoulder in the Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” mode, and cook for the recommended time.
5. Once cooked, release the pressure manually, and use forks to shred the pork.
6. Optionally, you can crisp up the shredded pork in a skillet for added texture and flavor.
7. Serve the mouthwatering pork carnitas in tacos, burritos, or alongside rice and beans.

Safety Reminders and Best Practices

Remember to always check the internal temperature of the cooked pork to ensure it reaches a safe level. 

Additionally, it’s important to thoroughly clean your Instant Pot after each use to maintain hygiene and prevent any cross-contamination.

Pork Pizzazz: Instant Pot Magic for Frozen Delights!

Congratulations! You’re now equipped with the knowledge and recipes to cook frozen pork in your Instant Pot. The convenience and deliciousness of these dishes make it a win-win situation. So, go ahead, try out these recipes, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own variations. Happy cooking!

Read More: How To Cook Frozen Pork Chops In Instant Pot? – 5 Easy Steps

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