Frozen Pork Chops in the Instant Pot

Name: Frozen Pork Chops in the Instant Pot
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced); 1 tsp garlic base (such as Better Than Bouillon® Roasted Garlic Base); 1/2 cup water; 2 tsp all-purpose seasoning (such as Savory Spice® Wash Park Seasoning); 1 1/2 tsp shallot salt (such as Savory Spice® Supreme Shallot Salt); 1 1/4 lbs bone-in (thick-cut, frozen pork chops); 6 oz portobello mushrooms (quartered); 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp browning sauce

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Frozen Pork Chops in the Instant Pot

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you forgot to defrost your pork chops for dinner? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But fear not, because your Instant Pot is here to save the day! In this article, we’ll explore how to cook frozen pork chops in the Instant Pot, providing you with a quick and delicious solution to your dinner dilemma.

Why Choose the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has become a kitchen staple for many households, and for good reason. It’s a versatile appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, from sautéing and pressure cooking to slow cooking and steaming. When it comes to cooking frozen pork chops, the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function is your best friend. It allows you to cook your pork chops from frozen to perfectly tender and juicy in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.

The Magic of Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking works by trapping steam inside the pot, which raises the temperature and increases the pressure. This high-pressure environment helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful pork chops. It’s like a little cooking magic happening right in your kitchen!

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Seasoning

Before you start cooking your frozen pork chops, it’s important to season them to enhance their flavor. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different seasoning blends!

Step 2: Sautéing (Optional)

If you prefer a crispy exterior on your pork chops, you can sauté them in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. This step is optional but can add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your dish. Simply select the sauté function on your Instant Pot, add a little oil, and brown the pork chops on both sides.

Step 3: Pressure Cooking

Once your pork chops are seasoned and sautéed (if desired), it’s time to pressure cook them. Place the pork chops in the Instant Pot, add a cup of liquid (such as broth or water), and secure the lid. Set the pressure cooking time according to the thickness of your pork chops (approximately 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness).

Step 4: Natural Release or Quick Release?

After the pressure cooking time is up, you have two options for releasing the pressure: natural release or quick release. Natural release involves allowing the pressure to release on its own, which can take around 10-15 minutes. Quick release, on the other hand, involves manually releasing the pressure using the pressure release valve. Choose the method that works best for you, keeping in mind that natural release can result in even more tender pork chops.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once the pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot. Your frozen pork chops should now be perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy. Serve them with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook pork chops directly from frozen?

A: Yes, the Instant Pot allows you to cook pork chops directly from frozen, saving you time and hassle.

Q: How long does it take to cook frozen pork chops in the Instant Pot?

A: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops, but generally, it takes around 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness.

Q: Do I need to adjust the cooking time for bone-in pork chops?

A: Yes, bone-in pork chops may require slightly longer cooking time compared to boneless chops.

Q: Can I use a marinade for the pork chops?

A: While you can use a marinade, it’s important to note that the liquid in the Instant Pot should be water or broth for proper pressure cooking.

Q: Can I use frozen pork chops in other Instant Pot recipes?

A: Absolutely! Frozen pork chops can be used in a variety of Instant Pot recipes, such as stews, soups, and stir-fries.

Q: Is it safe to cook frozen meat in the Instant Pot?

A: Yes, it is safe to cook frozen meat in the Instant Pot as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure that the meat reaches the recommended internal temperature.

Q: Can I cook other types of meat from frozen in the Instant Pot?

A: Yes, the Instant Pot can be used to cook various types of meat from frozen, including chicken, beef, and fish.

Q: Can I use the Instant Pot for thawing frozen pork chops?

A: The Instant Pot is not recommended for thawing frozen pork chops. It is best to thaw them in the refrigerator or using the defrost function on your microwave before cooking.

Conclusion

Next time you forget to defrost your pork chops, don’t panic. Simply turn to your trusty Instant Pot and let it work its magic. With the pressure cooking function, you can cook frozen pork chops to perfection in no time. Experiment with different seasonings and enjoy a delicious and hassle-free meal. The Instant Pot truly is a game-changer in the kitchen!

Frozen Pork Chops in the Instant Pot

Prep15 min

Total1 hr 10 min

Servings4

2 tbsp butter
1 medium yellow onion (, thinly sliced)
1 tsp garlic base (such as Better Than Bouillon® Roasted Garlic Base)
1/2 cup water
2 tsp all-purpose seasoning (such as Savory Spice® Wash Park Seasoning)
1 1/2 tsp shallot salt (such as Savory Spice® Supreme Shallot Salt)
1 1/4 lbs bone-in (, thick-cut, frozen pork chops)
6 oz portobello mushrooms (, quartered)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp browning sauce

Start by turning on a multi-functional pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, and selecting the Sauté function.
Once the pot is hot, add butter and stir until melted.
Add the onion and cook until it becomes soft and fragrant, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic base and pour in water, then stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose seasoning and shallot salt together.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides of the pork chops.
Place the pork chops on top of the onion in the pressure cooker.
Cancel the Sauté function and seal and lock the lid into place.
Set the pressure cooker to high pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and set the timer for 13 minutes.
Allow the pressure to build for 10 to 15 minutes.
Release the pressure using the natural-release method as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and let it sit for 12 minutes.
Carefully release the remaining pressure using the quick-release method, following the manufacturer’s instructions, which should take about 5 minutes.
Unlock and remove the lid of the pressure cooker.
Transfer the pork chops to a plate.
Cancel the pressure cooker’s function and switch to the Sauté function again.
Add the mushrooms to the pot and stir.
In a measuring cup, whisk together the whipping cream