Sometimes our families are in a serious mood for some Chinese food (okay, not sometimes… often)! How fun is it to create a takeout favorite at home though? This easy recipe is your ticket to Chinese restaurant flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. Read on to satisfy your cravings for a dish that’s quick, easy, and the whole family will enjoy with our Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein! 

Why We Love This Recipe

Here in the CCLS kitchen, we’re all about big flavor without the complications. As busy working moms, we’ve discovered tons of easy cheats to get dinner on the table with minimal effort. Aside from being a whirlwind of deliciousness, this pork lo mein recipe also happens to be:

• One-Pot Wonder: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By utilizing the Instant Pot and ingredients from the grocery store, 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. Even if you are new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you can trust the Instant Pot to deliver restaurant-quality results without the hassle. 
• Savvy Savings: By preparing Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein at home, you will save money that would otherwise be spent on takeout or dining out. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences and dietary needs. 
• Versatility at Its Finest: Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Whether you want to incorporate different vegetables, swap the protein, or cater to specific dietary requirements, the Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is incredibly versatile and welcomes your distinctive touch. 

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Spaghetti: This classic pasta provides the base for the dish, offering a comforting and familiar texture. Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if you prefer. 
• Center-cut Pork: The pork adds a savory and meaty element to the dish. It’s important to choose quality pork that is tender and well-marbled. The marbling ensures juiciness and enhances 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: The vibrant red bell pepper adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors. It also provides a good amount of Vitamin C and antioxidants. 
• Baby Bok Choy: This leafy green vegetable adds a fresh and crisp element to the dish. It offers a mild, slightly bitter taste and is packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and calcium. 
• Carrots: Carrots bring a subtle sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to the dish. They also provide a good source of Vitamin A and dietary fiber. 
• 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. It adds a rich and bold taste to the sauce and offers potential health benefits like boosting the immune system. 
• Dark Soy Sauce: This soy sauce variety has a deep, rich flavor and adds a distinctive umami taste to the dish. It enhances the overall savory profile and provides a beautiful caramel color. 
• Light Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce has a milder flavor and helps balance the saltiness of the dark soy sauce. It adds depth and complexity to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors. 
• Hoisin Sauce: Bring 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 to Make Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Step 1: Start by washing your produce. Cut the pork in small dice and marinate with half of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil and mix until well combined.

Step 2: Turn on the Sauté setting on high on the Instant Pot. Add 1 tbsp of oil of your choice and let the
oil get hot. Add the pork to the pot and let it sauté until it’s golden brown on the outside.

Step 3: Remove the meat from the pan and set aside. Slice your onions, Bok choy, carrots and red bell pepper and mince your garlic. Set aside. Add the minced garlic to the instant pot and let it get golden-brown for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add the water to the instant pot and deglaze the bottom by scraping it clean with a spatula. Break the spaghetti in half and put them down in a crisscross pattern. This will help prevent it sticking to each other. Do not stir the noodles after you’ve created the pattern. Gently push the spaghetti down, so it is under the liquid.

Step 5: Close the Instant Pot with the lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Once the 4 minutes have passed, immediately release the natural pressure release valve, and let it rest for an additional 4 minutes. After those 4 minutes, open the pot and stir the noodles around. Add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, mirin to the noodles and stir until combined well.

Step 6: Then turn on the sauté setting on high and add the sliced Bok choy, red bell pepper, onions,
carrots, and pork to the pot and stir often for about 5-8 minutes. (Depending on how crispy you
like your vegetables.

Step 7 (last step!): Garnish with sesame seeds, and season to your liking. Enjoy while hot!

Optional Variations

• Asian Fusion Twist: Introduce a fusion of flavors by substituting the pork with thinly sliced beef or tender chicken. Add a touch of ginger and a splash of Sriracha sauce to infuse the dish with a delightful kick. 
• Veggie Delight: Embrace a vegetarian or vegan variation by omitting the pork and adding an array of vibrant fresh vegetables like snow peas, snap peas, broccoli florets, and shiitake mushrooms. Enhance the umami factor with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a splash of vegetarian oyster sauce. 
• Spicy Seafood Medley: Being a couple of coasties, we are no stranger to seafood! We are all about the thought of swapping out the tender pork for tasty seafood like shrimp, calamari, and mussels. Elevate the spice level with a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for an unforgettable fiery feast. 
• Teriyaki Temptation: Transform the flavor profile by substituting the dark soy sauce with a flavorful sauce such as teriyaki sauce. Add a touch of sweetness with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory notes. 
• Noodle Dish Extravaganza: Venture beyond spaghetti noodles and explore other lo mein noodles options. Replace the traditional spaghetti with udon noodles for a heartier texture or try rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Experiment with different noodle thicknesses like egg noodles or even soba noodles for a delightful twist on this classic dish. 

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

• If you prefer your vegetables to be on the softer side, extend the sautéing time accordingly. 
• Conversely, if you enjoy a more crunch, reduce the sautéing time slightly. 
• Remember to keep an eye on the ingredients and stir regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent any burning.

 

FAQs

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time? 

A: While this Instant Pot Lo Mein recipe 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’re 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? 

A: 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 Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein? 

A: 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 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. 

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