Description
Craving juicy pork chops with minimal effort? Instant Pot Pork Chops combine tender pork with a savory onion soup mix and sweet apple juice for a quick, comforting meal. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a weeknight dinner or small gathering
Ingredients
Instant Pot Pork Chops use just four ingredients for a flavorful, tender result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 4 pork chops: Juicy, protein-packed base (bone-in or boneless).
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks: Adds richness and depth.
- 1 (1-ounce) package dry onion soup mix (such as Lipton®): Provides savory, umami flavor.
- 1 cup apple juice: Adds sweet, tangy moisture for the sauce.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Pork Chops: Tender and versatile, they absorb the savory-sweet flavors.
- Onion Soup Mix: Delivers instant seasoning with oniony depth.
- Apple Juice: Balances savory notes with sweet, fruity moisture.
- Butter: Enhances richness and creates a silky sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pork Chops: Use bone-in or boneless (bone-in for more flavor, boneless for faster cooking); substitute with chicken breasts (adjust cooking time to 6-8 minutes).
- Butter: Swap with olive oil, plant-based butter, or omit for a lighter dish.
- Onion Soup Mix: Make your own with 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Apple Juice: Replace with chicken broth, white wine, or orange juice.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free onion soup mix or homemade seasoning.
- Vegan Option: Not applicable, as pork is central; try a vegan alternative like seitan with vegetable broth.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Pork Chops: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes with the soup mix.
- Herb-Infused Pork Chops: Include 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary in the pot.
- Maple Pork Chops: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the apple juice.
- Creamy Pork Chops: Stir ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream into the sauce after cooking.
- Mushroom Pork Chops: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the pot before cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 pork chops, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 package onion soup mix, 1 cup apple juice.
- Cut butter into small chunks; pat pork chops dry.
Tip: Use pork chops of similar thickness (¾ to 1 inch) for even cooking; pat dry to ensure browning if searing (optional).
Step 2: Assemble in Instant Pot
- Place 4 pork chops in the Instant Pot.
- Dot pork chops with 3 tablespoons butter chunks.
- Sprinkle 1 (1-ounce) package onion soup mix evenly over the chops.
- Pour in 1 cup apple juice.
Tip: Arrange chops in a single layer if possible; pour apple juice around, not over, chops to keep seasoning intact.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
- Close and lock the Instant Pot lid.
- Set to high pressure for 5 minutes, following manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow 10-15 minutes for pressure to build.
- Use the natural-release method for 10-40 minutes (shorter for boneless, longer for bone-in or thicker chops).
Tip: Natural release ensures tender pork; check manufacturer’s guidelines for safe pressure release.
Step 4: Serve
- Carefully open the lid after pressure releases.
- Remove pork chops and serve hot, about 1 chop per serving, with sauce spooned over.
- Optionally, thicken sauce by simmering on Sauté mode for 2-3 minutes.
Tip: Rest chops for 2-3 minutes before serving; spoon sauce generously for extra flavor.