Are you looking for something different to make in the Instant Pot? I have the perfect recipe for you! This Instant Pot Char Siu is amazing in so many ways. You get all the flavors in a one-pot meal. This Chinese BBQ Pork recipe is a hot favorite in my house and beats takeout every time.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Instant Pot Char Siu is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to make in the pressure cooker.
- Tasty: The flavorful Char Siu sauce perfectly complements the tender and juicy pork, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Great Side Dish: Char Siu pairs great with Instant Pot Rice and Sweet and Sour Chicken.
📋 Ingredients
Here are the ingredients for Instant Pot Chinese Pork.
- Boneless Pork Loin: Lean and tender, the main protein for a quick and flavorful dish.
- Soy Sauce: Infuses savory and umami notes, a staple in Chinese cuisine.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory balance, essential for Chinese-inspired flavors.
- Dry Red Wine: Enhances richness and complexity in the marinade.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in caramelization during cooking.
- Minced Garlic: Introduces aromatic richness to enhance the overall savory profile.
- Chinese Five Spice Powder: Signature spice blend for quintessential Chinese flavor.
- Natural Red Food Coloring: Optional for traditional visual appeal.
- Sesame Oil: Infuses nutty and aromatic essence for depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and smooth texture to the marinade.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Options: While pork shoulder is traditional, try pork belly for a richer, fattier result or pork loin for a leaner option. You can also experiment with other proteins like chicken thighs or tofu for a non-pork variation.
- Marinade Adjustments: Customize the marinade by substituting hoisin sauce with a blend of soy sauce and honey, or try using brown sugar or rock sugar to tweak the sweetness. Adding a splash of Chinese rice wine can further enhance the flavor.
- Spice Infusions: Enhance your Char Siu by incorporating extra garlic, ginger, or a pinch of five-spice powder. For a bolder taste, consider adding Szechuan peppercorns or a hint of chili for subtle heat.
- Glaze & Finishing Touches: Adjust the glaze consistency by experimenting with thicker or thinner versions; brush on additional glaze during the cooking process for a more caramelized exterior. Finishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions can add extra texture and visual appeal.
🔪How to Make Instant Pot Char Siu
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Char Siu Marinade and cooking Char Siu in the Instant Pot.
Making Chinese Pork Sauce
- Thinly slice the pork into strips about 3 inch long and place in a large sealable plastic bag.
- In a small bowl add the five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, minced garlic and the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the marinade into the plastic bag with the pork. Seal the bag and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Pressure Cooking Chinese Pork
- Add the olive oil and Sesame oil to the Instant Pot. Place the char siu pork inside the Instant pot and set it to saute function. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring to evenly cook.
- Add the leftover marinade to the Instant Pot. Close the Instant Pot lid. Set the sealing vent to the closed position.
- Pressure cook the Instant Pot Char Siu for 4 Minutes on High Pressure.
- Once your char siu has cooked and the Instant Pot beeps, release the pressure using the quick-release method.
- Transfer the cooked pork with a slotted spoon and serve over rice bowls or as a side dish alongside your favorite stir fry or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or cilantro leaves. Enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Ensure a rich and flavorful Instant Pot Char Siu by marinating the meat for an extended period. Letting the pork soak in the marinade for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator enhances its taste and tenderness.
- Broil for a Crispy Finish: After pressure cooking the Char Siu in the Instant Pot, achieve a delightful caramelization and crispy exterior by placing the pieces under the broiler for a few minutes. This step adds a tasty texture to the succulent meat.
💭 FAQs
Cha Siu is known for its sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal for pairing with a variety of side dishes. The meat itself has a rich and tender texture that makes it melt in your mouth.
Are you wondering what makes Chinese pork red? The pork turns red from some of the spices, but sometimes food coloring is also used to make the pork red. Pork can also have a bit of a red tint to it as well.
It is best to use light soy sauce. Light soy sauce is less salty and has a more delicate flavor than dark soy sauce. It is also thinner in consistency, which helps it to penetrate the meat better. If you do not have light soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce.
You can use just about any cut of pork for this Instant Pot Chinese pork. Ribs, pork tenderloin, and loin chops are all great options.
You should aim for cuts that are well-marbled with fat to ensure the best flavor and tenderness. Other cuts you may want to use may include pork roast, pork butt, pork belly, and pork shoulder.
No, you do not need to use sesame oil for this recipe. However, it will give your dish an irresistible flavor and aroma that is perfect for pairing with rice or noodles.
If you cannot find sesame oil or do not want to use it, feel free to substitute any neutral-flavored cooking oil instead.
To store cooked Char Siu, allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cooking Char Siu:
- Rice: Char Siu is typically served with steamed white rice, however, you could also serve it with Brown Rice.
- Szechuan Pork Stir Fry: Stir-fry sliced char siu pork with bell peppers, onions, and green beans in a wok or skillet until the pork is crispy and browned.
- Fried Rice: Cook fried rice with egg, scallions using our Hibachi Fried Rice recipe.
- Noodle Soup: Cook ramen noodles in a pot of broth, then add sliced char siu pork and your favorite toppings like bok choy or baby spinach.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Instant Pot Char Siu Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless Pork Loin or boneless spare ribs
- ⅓ Cup Soy Sauce
- ⅓ Cup Hoisin Sauce
- ¼ Cup Dry Red Wine
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- ½ Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- ½ Teaspoon Chinese Five Spice Powder
- 2 Drops Of Natural Red Food Coloring
- 1 Tbsp. Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Instructions
- Thinly slice the pork into strips about 3″ long and place in a large sealable plastic bag.
- In a small bowl add the five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, minced garlic and the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the marinade into the plastic bag with the pork. Seal the bag and place in the refrigerator overnight.
- Steps for pressure cooking char siu pork.
- Add the olive oil and Sesame oil to the Instant Pot. Place the char siu pork inside the Instant pot and set it to saute function. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring to evenly cook.
- Add the leftover marinade to the Instant Pot. Close the Instant Pot lid. Set the sealing vent to the closed position.
- Pressure cook the Instant Pot Char Siu for 4 Minutes on High Pressure.
- Once your char siu recipe has cooked and the Instant Pot beeps, release the pressure using the quick-release method.
- Transfer the Chinese Pork slotted spoon from the Instant Pot and serve over rice bowls or as a side dish alongside your favorite stir fry or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or cilantro leaves. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Tasty Instant Pot Chinese Recipes
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