Weeknight Meals

This post is sponsored by the Wisconsin Pork Association. However, as always, all opinions are my own.

Instant Pot Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps are a quick meal made in one-pot, and perfect for getting ready to go back to school. Tender pork, mushrooms, pepper, onions, and sesame in a flavorful sauce with a touch of sweet and a touch of spice. All wrapped together in a crisp fresh lettuce wrap.

We are gearing-up to go back to school, and thank goodness for simple recipes like this one! Weeknights can be so busy, but this recipe is perfect because it can be prepped in advance and everything goes into the Instant Pot – dinner in under 30-minutes!

These Asian Pork Lettuce wraps are packed with fresh mushrooms, red peppers, ginger, garlic, and green onion. The sauce is soy sauce, hoisin, chili sauce, and a little brown sugar- the perfect balance of heat and sweet. My three-year-old loved this meal so it is not too much spice, and a delicious balance of flavors!

Fresh ingredients are what makes this dinner shine! I love the combination of the tender pork with fresh mushrooms, pepper, and onions! I also use a little lime juice just to give the dish a little more freshness from the citrus.

What type of pork should I use!?

I love to use pork loin for this recipe. Pork loin is sometimes confused with pork tenderloin, but it is different in a couple of ways. Pork loin is typically a larger cut of pork and sold is bigger pieces. It is not as long and thin as a pork tenderloin. Typically, pork loin is not as easy to shred as a pork shoulder, but I really like it for this recipe because I can get larger pieces of pork when I slice and shred the pork for the wraps. I also enjoy the lean quality of the meat! If you prefer your pork finely shredded a pork shoulder would be an excellent choice for this recipe.

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Cooking Pork in an Instant Pot

In an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, the liquid boils under pressure and allows the proteins, veggies, or grains to cook at an accelerated speed. Pork is an excellent protein for this cooking style because it is absorbs flavor so easily, and is very tender. However, it is important not to overcook pork.

Pork that is overcooked can be chewy and not as flavorful. Like many people, I was always told to cook pork well-done. However, that is not necessary, or the preferred way to cook pork.

Leftovers!

This recipe is not only great in a lettuce wrap, but delicious in a tortilla, over rice, on a bun, or even on a pizza! I even enjoy it with noodles!

How to Safely Cook Pork

The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145°F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer to measure the temperature at the thickest part of the cut without touching any bone. Once you have reached the desired internal temperature, remove from heat and let it rest for three minutes. When sliced, the pork should have a beautiful blush color inside. It will be juicy and full of flavor.

Since this recipe is in an Instant Pot it is important to remove the pork as soon as it is done cooking. Use a thermometer to check the temperature and allow it to rest. Make sure to use the Instant Pot off so that it does not continue heating. After this, you may shred and cut the pork into pieces for the wraps and return it to that sauce and veggies.

Why Do We Cook Pork Differently Than In Years Past?

Over the last 50 years, the way farmers raise pigs has changed.

Advancements in farming methods, technology and economics have significantly transformed farming. Yet one thing remains constant for
farmers: their mission to produce safe, nutritious food in a responsible manner.

On farms large and small, livelihoods are tied to the land and to the health of animals in a farmer’s care. Farmers realize that raising healthy pigs by using good farming practices results in safe, high-quality pork products.

More information about pig farming is available at PorkCares.org

Looking for more incredible and easy pork recipes?!

Grilled Honey Curry Pork Chops

7-Up Pork Chops

Simple Instant Pot Pork Verde Tacos

Instant Pot BBQ Beer Pulled Pork

Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce

Print

Instant Pot Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps (+Slow Cooker Instructions)

Prep Time 8 minutes

Cook Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs pork loin
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (like sriracha)
• 2 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• Juice of 1 fresh lime
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• Butter or Boston Lettuce, washed
• Sliced green onion and sesame seeds for topping

Instructions

1. Place pork on a cutting board and slice into two even pieces.

2. Place oil in the instant pot and set to saute. Add pork to the pot and brown on both sides. Add the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and peppers. Next, add the soy sauce and the chicken broth. Gently stir with tongs. Finally add the hoisin, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and lime. Stir gently to coat.

3. Secure cover and set to not venting. Manually sent pressure to high and time 22 minutes.

4. Allow pressure to naturally release for 3 minutes and then manually release the pressure. While pork cooks, whisk cornstarch in the the water and set aside.

5. Remove pork and allow it to rest for a few minutes. While resting whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce so it will thicken.

6. Next, cut or shred the pork into pieces for the wraps. Place pork back in the instant pot and coat in the sauce.

7. Spoon the pork into the lettuce cups. Top with green onion and sesame seeds.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Follow all steps above, but omit searing the pork. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours.

2. Remove pork and allow it to rest for a few minutes. While resting whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce so it will thicken.

3. Next, cut or shred the pork into pieces for the wraps. Place pork back in the instant pot and coat in the sauce.

4. Spoon the pork into the lettuce cups. Top with green onion and sesame seeds.