Easy Weeknight Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal idea, Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is here to save the day! This flavorful dish combines tender pork with noodles and a variety of vegetables, all cooked to perfection in your trusty Instant Pot.

With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of pressure cooking, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. 

The pork becomes incredibly tender and infused with savory flavors like garlic and ginger, while the noodles soak up all of that delicious sauce.

Whether you’re craving Chinese takeout or just need a fuss-free dinner option, this Easy Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is sure to satisfy. 

So go ahead and grab your Instant Pot and get ready to whip up a meal that will impress your taste buds without breaking a sweat!

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Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein: An Easy Weeknight Meal

I thoroughly enjoy preparing meals in my Instant Pot as it allows me to get dinner on the table in a flash.  

Pork Lo Mein can be enjoyed as a quick and easy weeknight dinner or as a satisfying lunch. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences by adding or omitting certain ingredients.

If you’re a huge fan of Chinese takeout, this recipe is your ticket to Asian-inspired mastery in the comfort of your own kitchen, without the extended wait. 

Need more reasons to love this recipe? Keep reading!

One-Pot Wonder: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By utilizing the Instant Pot, you will enjoy the convenience of cooking everything in one pot, minimizing the cleanup process and leaving you with more time to savor your meal.

Foolproof Results: The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring consistent and perfectly cooked pork and noodles every single time. 

Versatility At Its Finest: By all means, get creative with this recipe! Whether you want to incorporate different vegetables, swap the protein, or need to cater to specific dietary needs, Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is incredibly versatile, and allows you to add your distinctive touch.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

To create a flavorful and satisfying Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein, it is important to gather the essential ingredients that contribute to its deliciousness.

Each ingredient serves a unique purpose and adds its own distinct flavor to the dish. Here is a breakdown of the key ingredients and their significance:

Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti provides the base for the dish, offering a comforting and familiar texture.

Center-cut Pork: It is important to choose a quality pork that is tender and well-marbled. The marbling ensures juiciness and helps to enhance the overall flavor.

Water: The water is used to cook the noodles in the Instant Pot. It helps create steam and pressure, resulting in perfectly cooked noodles.

Red Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds a vibrant pop of color and a slight sweetness that will help to balance the savory flavors. 

Baby Bok Choy: This leafy green vegetable adds a fresh and crisp element, while offering a mild, yet slightly bitter taste.

Carrots: Carrots bring a subtle sweetness along with a vibrant orange hue. 

Yellow Onion: The onion adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It helps build a flavorful base and provides a touch of depth to the overall taste.

Garlic: The minced garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic and pungent flavor, and adds a rich and bold taste to the sauce.

Dark Soy Sauce: This sauce has a deep, rich flavor and adds a distinctiveness to your dish. 

Light Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce has a milder flavor and helps balance the saltiness of the dark soy sauce. 

Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce brings a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish. It adds complexity and richness to the sauce, complementing the other flavors.

Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil goes a long way in adding a delightful nutty aroma and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Mirin: Mirin, a sweet rice wine, contributes a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. It balances the savory elements and adds a hint of complexity.

How Do I Prepare Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein?

Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is a recipe that checks all the boxes: it is quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. 

With the convenience of the Instant Pot and the harmonious blend of ingredients, this dish brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your dining table. 

From the tender marinated pork to the vibrant assortment of vegetables, every bite is a burst of delightful flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

8 oz Spaghetti Noodles

1 lb Center Pork 

2 Cups Water 

1 Red Bell Pepper 

1 Lb Baby Bok Choy

2 Small Carrots

1 Large Yellow Onion

4 Cloves of Garlic 

3 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce

2 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce 

1 Tbsp Hoisin Sauce

1 Tbsp Sesame Oil

1 Tbsp Mirin 

1 Tbsp Powdered Ginger

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tbsp Black Pepper

Oil of your choice (vegetable oil, canola oil)

1 Green Onion chopped, optional

Sesame Seeds, optional

Directions:

Step One

1. Prepare the pork by rinsing thoroughly, and gently patting it dry. 

2. Marinate pork and set aside. (see below for instructions on how to marinate pork.)

Step Two

1. Thoroughly wash all of your produce.

2. Slice the onion into thin strips, to ensure that they cook evenly. Separate the leaves of the baby Bok choy and slice the white stalks diagonally. Cut the carrots into thin  pieces and julienne the red bell pepper.  Mince the garlic. Set all of the veggies aside.

Step Three

1. Turn the Sauté setting on your Instant Pot to HIGH. Add 1 tbsp of the oil of your choice and allow the oil to heat.

2. Add the pork to the Instant Pot and sauté until golden brown on the outside. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.

3. Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot, saute until golden brown for about 45 seconds.

4. Add the water to the instant pot and deglaze the bottom by scraping it clean with a wooden spoon or spatula.

5. Break your spaghetti noodles in half and place them into the bottom of the Instant Pot  in a crisscross pattern. This will help to prevent them from sticking. Do not stir the noodles after placing them into the pot. Gently submerge noodles into the liquid.

6.Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. 

7. After 4 minutes have passed, immediately release the natural pressure release valve, and let it rest for an additional 4 minutes.

8. After  4 minutes, open your Instant Pot and gently stir the noodles. Add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin to the noodles. Stir until ingredients are thoroughly combined. 

9. Turn the Instant Pot saute’ setting on HIGH, and add the sliced bok choy, red bell pepper, onions, carrots, and pork to the pot. 

10. Allow the vegetables to cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often. This process allows the vegetables to become tender yet retain a slight crunch, while the pork develops a beautifully caramelized exterior. Adjust the sauté time based on your preference for the crispness of the vegetables.

If you prefer your vegetables to be on the softer side, extend the sautéing time by about 2 or 3 minutes. If you enjoy a little crispness, reduce the sautéing time slightly by 2 to 3 minutes. Remember to keep an eye on the ingredients and stir regularly to ensure even cooking and to prevent any burning.

11. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to your liking.  Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you desire. 

Enjoy!

How To Marinate Pork:

To ensure your Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein turns out irresistibly tender and flavorful, follow these steps to prepare and marinate the pork:

Selecting the right cut of pork: Choose center-cut pork for its optimal tenderness and marbling. This cut is well-suited for quick cooking methods like the Instant Pot.

Cut pork into small pieces: Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork and dice it into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the pork to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

Marinating the pork: In a bowl, combine half of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the diced pork and mix well until every piece is coated. Marinating the pork allows it to absorb the flavors, while tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor. 

Recipe Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding additional spices or herbs to the marinade. Try incorporating Chinese five-spice powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few drops of sriracha or chili sauce to the marinade for a delightful twist.

Allow the pork to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if time permits, marinating it for longer, such as 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator, will further enhance the flavor.

While the traditional recipe includes onions, Bok choy, carrots, and red bell pepper, feel free to get creative and customize your Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein with other vegetables.

Mushrooms can add an earthy flavor, while snow peas or sugar snap peas add a nice crispy element. 

*For those following a gluten-free diet, be sure to choose gluten-free soy sauces and hoisin sauce, as some brands may contain wheat-based ingredients. Always check the labels or opt for certified gluten-free versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes you can.  While spaghetti noodles work well for Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein, you can certainly choose a different type of noodles. Consider using udon noodles for a heartier texture or rice noodles for a gluten-free alternative. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary, so adjust accordingly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

You certainly can! To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the pork with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water. For a vegan version, ensure that all the sauces you use are vegan-friendly, and omit any animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, feel free to add a variety of vegetables to enhance both the flavor and the texture.

Can Pork Lo Mein be prepared ahead of time?

While Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components in advance to streamline the cooking process. Chop the vegetables, marinate the pork, and even cook the noodles ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and cook the dish. This way, you can have a flavorful meal ready in a fraction of the time.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. When reheating, it is recommended to sauté the dish in a hot pan with a little oil to revive the flavors and maintain the desired texture.

Can I freeze leftover Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein?

While it is possible to freeze the dish, the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change upon thawing and reheating. It is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a small amount of water or broth if needed.

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