Instant pot pork steaks are melt-in-your-mouth tender and moist, and unbelievably delicious! The steaks are pressure cooked in a bold soy, and brown sugar sauce, so every bite is infused with the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

pork steaks cooked in instant pot on a fork

When I want to cook food easily, fast, and with little to no effort, you know the instant pot is a top go-to kitchen gadget! With just the one device you can sear, sauté, simmer, and pressure cook nearly any cut of meat to tasty perfection. And this instant pot pork steaks recipe uses all of these great functions to create a tender, juicy, and flavorful entree that everyone will love!

Here is a convenient "one pan" main dish that's sure to become a regular in your meal planning rotation. In this easy recipe we quickly sear thick pork steaks; then in the same pot simple ingredients like garlic, Worcestershire and soy sauce, and brown sugar are combined to make a fragrant sauce.

The pork is pressure cooked in the sauce - just set it and forget it - and comes out perfectly fork-tender every time!

Enjoy as-is or thicken the deliciously sticky, sweet and savory sauce for an extra luscious touch. Either way it's a delight to serve with light or hearty starches and veggies for a satisfying meal in less an hour.

Recipe ingredients

Pork steaks. Choose steaks that are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.

Salt and pepper. A pinch each of these classic spices will elevate all of the savory flavors.

Vegetable oil. To brown the steaks in the Instant Pot.

Onion. White onion has a nice bite to round out the light sweetness of the pork.

Garlic. Adds delicious earthy and savory flavors to the dish.

Beef or chicken broth. Beef is more savory with a deep umami taste. Chicken broth is still savory, but much lighter. Both are tasty options!

Worcestershire sauce. Rich and beefy-tasting, this condiment really punches up the umami flavors.

Soy sauce. The tanginess of this savory ingredient compliments the of the broth and Worcestershire.

Brown sugar. Adds just the right amount of malty sweetness to balance the deep savory flavors of the sauce.

Cornstarch and water. Optional, to thicken the sauce once the pork steaks are cooked.

two raw meat chunks in the pressure cooker

How to make instant pot pork steaks

Begin by seasoning the pork steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides for even flavor distribution. Ready your Instant Pot and activate its 'Sauté' function. As it warms up, pour in the vegetable oil, allowing it to spread evenly at the base.

Wait patiently for the oil to become hot, which is crucial for searing the meat effectively. Once hot, gently place the pork steaks into the pot. Let each side sear for about 3-4 minutes, aiming for a rich brown crust on the steaks. Depending on the size of your Instant Pot and the pork steaks, you might need to sear them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

After browning the pork steaks to perfection, set them aside on a plate. Using the residual heat and the delightful drippings from the pork, add your finely sliced onions and minced garlic. Allow these to sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent with a slight golden hue, and the garlic emits its aroma.

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sauteing onions and garlic in the inner pot

Next, gently pour the broth into the pot. This step also helps in flavor development as you'll use the broth to deglaze the pot. With a wooden spoon, gently scrape the bottom of the pot, lifting any browned bits (known as "fond") that might have stuck during the sautéing process. This fond is packed with flavor and will enhance your sauce.

Blend the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar into the pot, stirring gently for a good mix.

Now, reintroduce the browned pork steaks to the pot, nestling them into the flavorful liquid. Secure the Instant Pot's lid firmly. Navigate its settings to select either the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' function. Set it to cook on high pressure for a duration of 15 minutes.

Once the 15 minutes are up, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After this interval, you can manually release any remaining pressure.

For those who prefer a thicker sauce to accompany the pork steaks, there's an easy fix. Remove the pork steaks from the pot, covering them to retain warmth. Activate the 'Sauté' function on your Instant Pot.

Prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch with some water and gradually stir this into the pot, letting the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Turn off the Instant Pot once done. Serve the perfectly cooked pork steaks on a plate, ladling the rich sauce over the top for a delightful meal.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to sear pork before cooking in Instant Pot?

Yes, in this recipe we first sear the steaks using the Saute function. Quickly cooking the meat on high heat locks in the juices, while the outside of the steaks get a lovely browned color. Therefore the pork is primed to be perfectly moist and tender when pressure cooked.

Why is my Instant Pot pork tough?

Tough meat it typically the result of either overcooking or undercooking. Definitely take the time to sear the steaks first; then follow the recipe instructions closely. When using an Instant Pot even a minute or two of cook time can make a big difference!

Is there a difference between pork chops and pork steaks?

These are in fact two different cuts of meat. Pork chops are a bone-in cut taken from the loin section of the pig. Pork steaks, on the other hand, are sourced from the shoulder area. Steaks may or may not have a bone, and tend to be slightly fattier - and therefore more tender and juicy - compared to chops.

Do you cover meat with liquid in pressure cooker?

No, meat does not always need to be covered with liquid. Just enough moisture is needed for the Instant Pot to build up the right amount of pressure.

How do you know when pork is cooked?

Because the steaks are cooked in a savory brown sauce, it can be hard to tell they are done cooking simply by looking at them. When cut into the meat should be cooked white throughout, with little to no pink color. But it is always a good idea to check with a meat thermometer to be sure: According to the USDA the internal temperature of pork should reach between 145 to 160 degrees.

instant pot pork steaks with brown glaze and chopped cilantro on top

Serving suggestions

Consider serving the instant pot pork steaks on top of bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. The sauce will complement these sides wonderfully.

Leftovers

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pork steaks and sauce in separate containers. This makes it easier to reheat the sauce without overcooking the pork.

Reheating: When reheating, do so gently, preferably on a stovetop over low heat. If using a microwave, use a lower power setting and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Expert notes and tips

Before searing, let the pork steaks sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Meat that's closer to room temperature will sear more effectively and evenly than cold meat straight from the fridge.
When deglazing the pot with broth, make sure you scrape up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom. These are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce.
Letting the Instant Pot release pressure naturally is essential for meat dishes. It allows the meat fibers to relax, resulting in juicier pork steaks.
Using a cornstarch slurry is a quick way to thicken the sauce, but for a richer flavor, consider reducing the sauce further on the 'Sauté' setting, or adding a pat of butter or cream at the end.
Consider adding a splash of white or red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic, and before adding the broth. Let the wine reduce by half. This adds a depth of flavor and a bit of acidity to the sauce

More pressure cooker recipes

Hope you will like this instant pot pork steaks recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have questions or suggestions

Instant Pot Pork Steaks

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 pork steaks
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening the sauce)

Instructions

Season pork steaks with salt and pepper. Activate the 'Sauté' mode on the Instant Pot, add oil. Brown steaks 3-4 minutes each side; set aside.
In the pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add broth, scraping pot's base. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Return steaks to the pot. Close the lid and 'Pressure Cook' on high for 15 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then manual release.
For a thicker sauce, remove steaks, activate 'Sauté', and add cornstarch-water
mix. Serve steaks with sauce.

Notes

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pork steaks and sauce in separate containers. This makes it easier to reheat the sauce without overcooking the pork.

Reheating: When reheating, do so gently, preferably on a stovetop over low heat. If using a microwave, use a lower power setting and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Nutrition values for this recipe are approximate.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 642Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 181mgSodium: 1250mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 53g