Instant Pot Pork Chops

Step 1

Tenderize Pork Chops: Use back-end of a heavy knife or meat tenderizer to pound both sides of pork chops (make criss-cross patterns as shown in photo). Pat dry pork chops with paper towels. Season one side of pork chops with salt & black pepper just before you place them in Instant Pot.

Step 2

Brown Pork Chops in Instant Pot: Press "Saute" button to heat up your Instant Pot using "Sauté Normal" function. Wait until it says "HOT" (~8 mins). *Pro Tip: Ensure Instant Pot is as hot as it can be in order to induce a Maillard reaction. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28g) in Instant Pot. Ensure the whole bottom is coated with butter. Place 2 pork chops in Instant Pot with seasoned side facing down. Brown for roughly 2 minutes per side. Lightly season the other side with salt & black pepper. Set aside the browned pork chops, then repeat browning step for the other 2 pork chops.

Step 3

Optional Flavor-Enhancing Step - Saute Mushrooms: Add in sliced mushrooms, saute until all mushrooms’ moisture have evaporated (~8 mins). *Pro Tip: The mushrooms’ edges should be slightly crisped & browned.

Step 4

Saute Garlic and Onion: 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. If you’ve skipped the optional mushroom step, add the mushrooms here. Saute for another 2 minutes.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Pressure Cook Pork Chops: Add in 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce. Give it a quick mix. *Note: We're adding the second tablespoon of soy sauce after pressure cooking. Place the 4 browned pork chops and meat juice back in Instant Pot. *Pro Tip: Make sure the pork chops are partially soaked in the cooking liquid. Close lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position. 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 will start natural releasing as soon as it reaches high pressure. Carefully open the lid.

Step 7

Make Mushroom Sauce: While the Instant Pot is natural releasing, mix exactly 2 tbsp (20g) all-purpose flour with ½ cup (125ml) heavy cream. Set aside pork chops. Bring the content to a simmering with "Saute" function. Mix heavy cream mixture into the mushroom sauce in Instant Pot one third at a time until desired thickness.

Step 8

Season & Serve: Taste and season the mushroom sauce with 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce. *Note: Use less or more soy sauce accordingly. Place pork chops in Instant Pot. Then you're ready to serve these deliciously juicy tender Pork Chops. Enjoy~