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If you’re craving a dish bursting with tropical sweetness and savory pork, this Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe is just what you need to brighten your dinner table. Imagine tender pork loin cooked to perfection in a luscious pineapple-infused sauce that balances honey’s gentle sweetness with tangy soy and a touch of ginger and garlic for warmth. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this meal comes together quickly, packing vibrant flavors and a delightful texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser to impress guests, this recipe delivers comfort and island vibes all in one pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating vibrant layers of flavor and that irresistible texture. From juicy pineapple chunks to aromatic garlic and tangy soy, you’ll see how every element adds its own magical touch to this easy-to-make Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe.
- Pineapple chunks in pineapple juice (20 oz): Provides natural sweetness and tenderizes the pork while giving the dish its signature tropical flair.
- Water (2 tbsp): Helps dissolve the cornstarch and balances the sauce’s thickness perfectly.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to a glossy, mouthwatering consistency without overpowering the flavors.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Adds a rich, floral sweetness that complements the pineapple and balances the savory elements.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Brings depth and umami, enhancing the savory punch of the pork and vegetables.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Offers a caramel-like sweetness that works beautifully with the pineapple and ginger.
- Minced ginger (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle warmth and zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Introduces a fragrant, savory base note.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp, separated): Used for sautéing, it enhances flavors while creating a savory crust on the pork.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and texture, balancing the tropical notes.
- Red pepper (1, chopped): Brings vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that pops against the pork.
- Boneless pork loin (2 lb): The star protein, tender and juicy after pressure cooking in the flavorful sauce.
- Parsley for garnishing: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and beautiful visual contrast to the rich dish.
How to Make Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe
Step 1: Separate Pineapple Chunks and Juice
Begin by carefully separating the pineapple chunks from the juice into two small bowls. This simple step lets you use the juice for your sauce while preserving the chunks to add direct bursts of fruity goodness later.
Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Into the bowl with the pineapple juice, add water, cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir these together well until fully combined, creating a harmonious sauce that will coat your pork with a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Pork
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and red pepper, stirring them around until fragrant and slightly softened. Add the pork loin pieces and sauté until no longer pink on the outside, developing a nice sear that locks in juices.
Step 4: Add Pineapple Chunks and Sauce
Next, add the reserved pineapple chunks to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the pork and veggies. Pour in the prepared pineapple sauce, mixing everything together so the rich flavors start melding beautifully.
Step 5: Pressure Cook for Tender Perfection
Seal your Instant Pot lid securely and select manual high pressure for 10 minutes. After the cooking time ends, let the pressure naturally release for 7 minutes to keep the pork super tender. Then, carefully turn the valve to vent and release any remaining steam.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
Once the pressure is fully released, give everything a final stir, making sure that luscious sauce coats the pork and vegetables evenly. Serve the Hawaiian pork hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for an inviting pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding a burst of freshness and a bright green contrast to the warm, golden hues of the pork and pineapple. You can also optionally add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even a simple green salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Hawaiian pork in warm tortilla wraps topped with shredded lettuce and diced mango for a tropical taco vibe. Alternatively, plating the pork over a bed of coconut rice creates an extra layer of creamy sweetness, elevating the overall island-inspired dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before storing to maintain flavor and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pork for up to three months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, labeling with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the pork and sauce evenly without drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pork shoulder or butt works wonderfully and might even add a bit more richness due to its marbling. Just adjust your cooking time if using a larger or thicker cut.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe leans toward sweet and savory with a hint of warmth from ginger but is not spicy. You can always add red pepper flakes if you want to introduce a bit of heat.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, though the cooking time will be longer. You can simmer the pork and sauce on the stove in a covered pot over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the pork is tender.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice if I don’t have any?
Pineapple juice is key for that tropical tang but you can use orange juice mixed with a splash of lime juice for a similar bright effect, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe captures the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy with effortless cooking that anyone can master. It’s the kind of meal you’ll reach for time and again, whether for a family dinner or entertaining friends. Dive in, savor those tropical notes, and enjoy a comforting dish that tastes like a little vacation on a plate.
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Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork recipe combines tender pork loin with sweet pineapple chunks in a flavorful sauce made from pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar. With a quick sauté and pressure cooking, it results in a juicy, savory-sweet dish perfect served over rice and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Parsley for garnishing
Meat
- 2 lb boneless pork loin
Canned & Jarred Goods
- 20 oz pineapple chunks in pineapple juice
Condiments & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil (separated)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Other
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Separate Pineapple: In two small bowls, separate the pineapple chunks from the juice to prepare for the sauce and cooking.
- Make Sauce: In the bowl with pineapple juice, add water, cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Set Sauce Aside: Place the sauce mixture to the side to be added later in the cooking process.
- Prepare Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode to begin cooking the vegetables and pork.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté chopped onion and red pepper until softened, then add the pork.
- Sauté Pork: Cook the pork pieces until they are no longer pink on the outside, ensuring a good sear for flavor.
- Add Pineapple Chunks: Stir in the pineapple chunks to the pot with meat and vegetables for a burst of sweetness.
- Combine Sauce: Pour the prepared pineapple sauce into the Instant Pot and stir to unify all flavors.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set to manual high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes to tenderize the pork and meld flavors.
- Natural Release: Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 7 minutes after cooking ends to preserve juiciness.
- Quick Release: Turn the valve to vent to release any remaining pressure safely.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian pork hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless pork loin evenly cut into chunks for even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or brown sugar based on your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, after cooking, you can switch back to sauté mode and simmer to reduce the sauce.
- This recipe is excellent served over steamed white or brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Be careful when releasing pressure manually to avoid burns from steam.
