Maple & Brown Sugar Pork [Instant Pot]

We’ve been in the mood for comfort food lately and pork tenderloin is one cut of meat I’ve been trying to incorporate more in our menus. With our crockpot, we love the recipe for Maple & Brown Sugar Pork. But with our new kitchen toy, I adapted the recipe for the Instant Pot. It came out wonderfully and in a fraction of time compared to the slow cooker version!

The pork has a great flavor with a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup and brown sugar. Leftovers (if there are any) are especially good. You can serve this with your choice of rice, egg noodles, or potatoes – but our favorite is mashed sweet potatoes with some fresh sage.

Additionally, you can your favorite cut of pork – pork loin, pork tenderloin, pork chops, or even a pork roast! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, get the slow cooker/crock pot recipe version here! 

About

Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot is a modern recipe that combines the traditional ingredients of maple syrup and brown sugar with the convenience of the Instant Pot. While this specific dish may not have a long history or cultural significance, the ingredients themselves have a rich history and cultural significance.

The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and pork in an Instant Pot is a reflection of modern cooking trends that value convenience and ease of preparation. While the dish may not have a long history or cultural significance. It is the ingredients themselves have deep roots in the culinary traditions of North America and Europe.

Maple & Brown Sugar Pork Recipe

recipe adapted from Southernfood.About.com

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Maple & Brown Sugar Pork Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork (tenderloins, pork loin, pork chops, or pork roast)
  salt and pepper
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard or country-style
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar (I used Champagne Orange vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or Maple Sugar Seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Maple & Brown Sugar Pork Recipe Instructions

1. Plug in the IP with insert set in place.
2. Wash and trim the pork and pat dry; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place pork in the IP. 
3. Combine garlic, mustard, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, thyme, maple syrup and chicken broth; pour over the pork. Turn pork to coat thoroughly. 
4. Secure the lid of the IP and ensure the valve is set to SEALING.
5. Press MANUAL and adjust the time as reflected below on HIGH pressure:
6. The display will reflect ON while the IP comes to pressure. Allow a few minutes for your IP to come to pressure.

• 7 minutes for fresh pork
• 10 minutes for partially frozen pork
• 13 minutes for fully frozen pork

1. The display will reflect ON while the IP comes to pressure. Allow a few minutes for your IP to come to pressure.
2. Once at pressure, the display will reflect the number of minutes you initially set and will begin to countdown to 0 minutes.
3. When the IP beeps after pressure cooking, allow your IP to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. While naturally releasing pressure (also known as NPR or NR), the display will reflect numbers counting up from 1.
4. The numbers indicate how many minutes the IP has stopped cooking since it beeped (or how many minutes it has been naturally releasing pressure).
5. No need to touch your IP while it naturally releases pressure.
6. The pin at the top of your IP will drop when all pressure has been released. Then it is safe to open.
7. When the display reflects 5 (which is 5 minutes since the IP has beeped). Turn the setting on top of your IP to VENTING.
8. Doing so allows the IP to quickly release any remaining pressure (also known as QPR or QR).
9. I use a wooden spoon to carefully turn the setting to avoid close contact with the potential steam. You may also want to turn your IP away from cabinets to allow the released steam to escape freely.
10. The pin at the top of your IP will drop when all pressure has been released and it’s safe to open.
11. Open up your IP when the pin has dropped (allow a few minutes for this to happen).
12. Transfer roast to serving dish, cover with foil, and keep warm.
13. Press MANUAL and bring liquid/juices in IP to a boil. Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes or until liquid/juices reduced by about one-third. 
14. Combine the cornstarch and cold water. Whisk into the reduced liquid/juices and cook for 1 minute longer until thickened as a gravy.
15. Serve pork sliced with the gravy.

(We loved this paired this pork tenderloin with mashed sage sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.)

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information and health benefits of Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, in general, pork is a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Maple syrup and brown sugar are both high in carbohydrates and calories, but they also contain antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients.

Benefits of Eating Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot

The benefits of cooking Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot include faster cooking times and the ability to lock in moisture and flavor. The pressure cooking process can also help to break down tough fibers in the pork. It makes it more tender and easier to digest. Using an Instant Pot can also be a convenient way to cook a meal, as it allows you to set it and forget it while the pork cooks.

It’s important to note that some recipes for Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot may be high in added sugars. It can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. To make a healthier version of this dish, consider using a lean cut of pork and reducing the amount of added sugars. Additionally, incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet can provide additional nutrients and health benefits.

Tips for Making Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot

Choose the right cut of pork: For this dish, you’ll want to choose a cut of pork that is suitable for braising or slow cooking, such as pork shoulder or pork loin. These cuts are more flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow. Also, they hold up well to the pressure cooking process.

Brown the pork first

Before adding the pork to the Instant Pot, take a few minutes to brown it on all sides in a skillet. This will help to develop a deeper flavor and color.

Use a flavorful liquid

The Instant Pot requires some liquid to create steam and build pressure. Instead of using plain water, try using chicken or beef broth, apple cider, or apple juice to add more flavor to the dish.

Adjust the cook time

The cooking time for Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork. A good rule of thumb is to cook the pork for about 20 minutes per pound on high pressure. You may need to adjust the cook time up or down depending on your specific recipe and preferences.

Release the pressure carefully

After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before using the quick release valve. This will help to prevent the pork from becoming tough or overcooked.

Add a finishing touch

Once the pork is cooked, you can add a finishing touch to the dish by broiling it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the outside. Alternatively, you can thicken the sauce by adding a slurry made of cornstarch and water. Then simmer the pork and sauce on the sauté function for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion: Give Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot a Try?

Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The combination of sweet maple syrup and brown sugar, along with savory spices and tender pork, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Using an Instant Pot to cook the pork also allows for fast and efficient cooking, as well as the ability to lock in moisture and flavor. This dish is also versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Overall, trying Maple and Brown Sugar Pork in an Instant Pot is a great way to add some variety and flavor to your dinner routine.