Instant Pot Pork Chops

Cooking Pork Chops in Instant Pot can be quite tricky because of how quickly they cook! However, cooking flavorful & juicy tender Pork Chops is definitely not mission impossible! 😉

How to Cook the Best Instant Pot Pork Chops Tips

1) Why are My Pork Chops Tough & Dry?

The #1 reason is overcooking! Pork chops are usually quite lean and will become tough once they are overcooked.

For best result, you will want to use bone-in pork chops that are well-marbled. The bone will act as a shield for the surrounding meat. A thicker cut of pork chop will work better in the Instant Pot as it is less likely to overcook.

2) What is the Safe Cooking Temperature for Pork Chops?

Back in 2011, the USDA has lowered the recommended safe internal temperature from 160°F to 145 °F with a 3 minutes rest time. That means pork chops can be served a little pink.

3) How Much Time do I Need to Add if I Want to Cook More Pork Chops in Instant Pot?

You will want to use less time as more pork chops will increase the “get up to pressure” time.

For our recipe, you will want to reduce the natural release time accordingly as the pressure cooking time is already at “0 (zero)” minute.

Time to cook Juicy Tender Pork Chops in Instant Pot!

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Pork Chops Cooking Guide

Prepare Ingredients for cooking Juicy Pork Chops in Instant Pot: 

We chose the mature Cremini mushrooms over white mushrooms as their flavor are deeper and more complex.

Just slice them up like this 🙂

Tools for Instant Pot Pork Chops

• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
• Wooden Spoon
• Pyrex Measuring Cups
• Mixing Bowl

Tenderize Pork Chops

Use the back-end of a heavy knife or meat tenderizer to pound on the pork chops.

*Pro Tip: Don’t worry about using too much power as pork chops are very resilient to force.

Pound both sides of pork chops and make the criss-cross patterns (as shown in above photo). 

Pat dry the pork chops with paper towels.

Season one side of the pork chops with salt and black pepper just before you place them in Instant Pot.

Brown Pork Chops in Instant Pot

Press “Saute” button to heat up your Instant Pot using “Sauté Normal” function. It will switch to “ON” on the screen.

Wait until it says “HOT” on the screen. It will take roughly 8 minutes.

*Pro Tip: Make sure Instant Pot is as hot as it can be in order to induce a Maillard reaction.

Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28g) in the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Ensure the whole bottom is coated with butter.

Place 2 pork chops in Instant Pot. The seasoned side should be facing down. Brown for roughly 2 minutes per side. Lightly season the other side with salt and black pepper.

*Pro Tip: This is the color you are looking for with your Pork Chops.

Set aside the browned pork chops, then repeat this step for the other 2 pork chops.

Optional Step: Saute Mushrooms

*Note: This is an optional step, but it will greatly enhance the flavors.

Add in the sliced mushrooms, then saute until all moisture from the mushrooms have evaporated (takes roughly 8 minutes).

*Pro Tip: The edges of the mushrooms should be slightly crisped & browned. 

Saute Garlic and Onion

*Pro Tip: Add in one more tablespoon of unsalted butter if necessary.

Add in sliced onions, minced garlic, ½ tsp (0.7g) dried thyme, and ½ tsp (0.9g) dried rosemary to the browned mushrooms. If you are not doing the optional mushroom step, you can add the mushrooms here as well. Saute for another 2 minutes.

Deglaze

Pour in ¾ cup (188ml) unsalted chicken stock, then deglaze by scrubbing all the flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Give it a quick mix.

Pressure Cook Pork Chops

Add in 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce. Give it a quick mix

*Note: We’re adding the other tablespoon of soy sauce after pressure cooking.

Place the 4 browned pork chops and meat juice back in the Instant Pot.

*Pro Tip: Make sure the pork chops are partially submerged in the cooking liquid.

Close lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.

• Pressure Cooking Method: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 0 (zero) minute + 8 minutes Natural Release

*Pro Tip: Yes, you can set the Instant Pot to “0 (zero)” minute with the + and – buttons. It simply means it will start natural releasing as soon as it reaches high pressure.

After 8 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning the Venting Knob to Venting position.

Carefully open the lid.

Make Mushroom Sauce

While the Instant Pot is natural releasing, mix exactly 2 tbsp (20g) all purpose flour with ½ cup (125ml) heavy cream.

*Note: This flour-heavy cream mixture should become a thick sauce-like liquid.

Set aside the pressure cooked pork chops.

Bring the content to a simmering with the “Saute” function.

Mix heavy cream mixture into the mushroom sauce in Instant Pot one third at a time until desired thickness.

Season & Serve Pork Chops

Taste and season the mushroom sauce with 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce.

*Note: Use less or more soy sauce according to your tastes. 

Place the pork chops in Instant Pot. Then you’re ready to serve these deliciously juicy tender Pork Chops! 🙂

Enjoy your deliciously juicy tender pressure cooker pork chops!~

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