How to Cook Chinese Food Using an Instant Pot: A Quick and Delicious Guide

Why Use an Instant Pot for Cooking Chinese Food?

When I first got my Instant Pot, I couldn’t believe how much it simplified my cooking routine. As someone who loves Chinese food, but doesn’t always have the time to prepare intricate meals, the Instant Pot became my kitchen game-changer. In the past, making traditional Chinese dishes like braised pork belly, dumplings, or even a savory soup would require hours of preparation and cooking. But with the Instant Pot, all these dishes can be made in a fraction of the time without sacrificing flavor. The Instant Pot is perfect for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy delicious Chinese meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for friends and family, the Instant Pot brings convenience and speed to your cooking. Let me walk you through how to cook some of my favorite Chinese dishes using the Instant Pot.

Essential Tools and Ingredients for Instant Pot Chinese Cooking

Before we get into the recipes, it’s important to have the right tools and ingredients on hand. While the Instant Pot is the star of the show, certain pantry staples will help you create authentic Chinese flavors.

Essential Ingredients

Soy sauce: A must-have in almost every Chinese dish, soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor. Rice vinegar: This adds a bit of tang and balance to many dishes. Sesame oil: Adds a unique aroma and richness. Five-spice powder: A blend of spices often used in Chinese cooking for a warm, aromatic flavor. Ginger and garlic: These two ingredients form the base of many Chinese dishes, offering a flavorful kick. Chinese rice wine: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to your cooking.

Essential Tools

Instant Pot: The 6-quart model is perfect for most meals, though a larger size might be necessary for bigger batches. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring, especially when dealing with hot ingredients. Steaming rack or trivet: If you plan to steam dumplings or buns, this accessory will be incredibly useful.

Cooking Classic Chinese Dishes in the Instant Pot

Let’s dive into how you can use your Instant Pot to prepare traditional Chinese dishes in record time.

1. Instant Pot Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Braised pork belly is a beloved Chinese dish, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavors. Traditionally, it takes hours to cook, but with the Instant Pot, it can be done in less than 45 minutes!

Ingredients

1 lb pork belly, cut into chunks 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp sugar 2 slices ginger 1 cinnamon stick 2-3 star anise 1 cup water 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp rice wine

Directions

Sauté the Pork Belly: Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add sesame oil and sauté the pork belly pieces until they’re browned on all sides. Add the Aromatics: Add the ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Sauté for an additional minute. Simmer with Sauces: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, rice wine, and sugar. Pour in the water and give it a quick stir. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 25 minutes on high pressure. Once done, let the pressure naturally release. Finish: Open the Instant Pot, and you’ll be greeted with tender, succulent pork belly. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal.

2. Instant Pot Chinese Chicken Soup (Gong Bao Ji Ding)

If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal, this chicken soup is a perfect choice. It’s a popular dish in many Chinese households, and making it in the Instant Pot simplifies the process.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 carrot, sliced 1 cup baby corn 3 cups chicken broth 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tsp five-spice powder Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken: Use the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot. Add a little oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot until softened. Add Chicken and Broth: Add the chicken, baby corn, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, and five-spice powder. Stir everything together. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 10 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with steamed rice.

3. Instant Pot Chinese Dumplings

Making dumplings from scratch can be time-consuming, but the Instant Pot can help streamline the process, especially if you’re steaming your dumplings.

Ingredients

Dumplings (store-bought or homemade) 1 cup water

Directions

Prepare the Dumplings: If you’re using homemade dumplings, ensure they’re ready to go. If using store-bought, place them on a steaming rack. Set Up the Instant Pot: Add water to the bottom of the Instant Pot and place the trivet or steaming rack inside. Steam the Dumplings: Place the dumplings on the steaming rack, close the lid, and set the Instant Pot to ‘Steam’ for 8 minutes. Once done, carefully release the pressure. Serve: Enjoy your dumplings with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.

Additional Tips for Cooking Chinese Food in the Instant Pot

Layer Ingredients: When cooking in the Instant Pot, it’s important to layer your ingredients properly. Always add the liquid first and then the solid ingredients to ensure even cooking. Don’t Overcrowd: The Instant Pot works best when there’s enough space for steam to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the pot for best results. Use the Right Settings: Different Chinese dishes require different cooking methods. Use the ‘Pressure Cook’ function for braising and stews, the ‘Sauté’ function for browning, and the ‘Steam’ function for dumplings and buns.

Final Thoughts on Cooking Chinese Food with an Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to cook Chinese food has opened up a world of possibilities for me. The convenience, speed, and ability to make flavorful, authentic meals with minimal effort is something I’ve come to rely on in my kitchen. I encourage you to try these recipes and experiment with your own favorite Chinese dishes using the Instant Pot. It’s a fantastic tool that brings both tradition and modern convenience together in one pot!