Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork hocks?
Look no further than your Instant Pot!
This versatile kitchen appliance makes cooking pork hocks a breeze, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that’s perfect for soups, stews, and more.
In this article, we’ll explore three different recipes for cooking pork hocks in the Instant Pot, each with its own unique flavor profile and cooking method.
Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot pro or a beginner looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to impress.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Hocks In Instant Pot?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over some basic steps for cooking pork hocks in the Instant Pot.
First, it’s important to blanch the pork hocks before cooking to remove any unpleasant smells and excess fat. This step is optional, but highly recommended for best results.
Next, you’ll want to choose your cooking method. Some recipes call for pressure cooking, while others use the sauté function.
Finally, be sure to marinate the pork hocks in a flavorful liquid after cooking for maximum flavor.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the recipes!
Preparing Pork Hocks For Instant Pot Cooking
To prepare pork hocks for Instant Pot cooking, start by bringing 3.5L of water to a boil. Once boiling, blanch the pork hock for 3 minutes to clean and remove excess fat. Then, remove the pork hock and rinse it in cold tap water. This step is important for removing any unpleasant smells and ensuring tender meat.
Next, choose your cooking method. For pressure cooking, add the pork hock and 1.5 cups of master stock (or another flavorful liquid) into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and pressure cook on high pressure for 20-30 minutes, depending on desired tenderness. Allow for a full natural release before opening the lid.
If using the sauté function, start by placing the diced pork inside the Instant Pot and filling it with boiling water. Press the “Sauté” function and set the temperature to “More”. Boil for 3-5 minutes, then rinse under cold water. Clean and dry the inner pot before adding oil and sautéing aromatics like green onion, ginger, anise, and cloves for 1 minute. Add your sauce or seasonings, then put the cooked meat back into the Instant Pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Finally, after cooking, marinate the pork hocks in a flavorful liquid for at least 1 hour to enhance their flavor. This can be done by placing the pork hock pieces in a smaller bowl and pouring the master stock (strained) over them.
By following these steps, you can ensure tender and flavorful pork hocks every time you cook them in your Instant Pot!
Recipe 1: Classic Pork Hocks In Broth
This classic recipe for pork hocks in broth is perfect for cooking in the Instant Pot. The first step is to soak the pork bones and pig’s feet in the bottom of the stock pot and cover with water and vinegar. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes to help pull the minerals from the bones. For added flavor, you can roast the meaty bones first, but this step is not necessary.
Once you’ve soaked or roasted the pork hocks, bring the Instant Pot to a gentle rolling boil and skim any scum that forms on the surface. Add veggies after skimming and turn the temperature to low to simmer very gently, covered, for 12-24 hours.
After simmering, let the broth cool to about room temperature and strain it from the bones and veggies. Transfer to storage containers and store in the fridge for up to 7 days. Freeze whatever you won’t use within a week.
This recipe yields meltingly tender pork hocks in a flavorful broth that can be used as a base for soups or stews. The Instant Pot makes it easy to cook this classic recipe with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe 2: Spicy Pork Hocks With Barbecue Sauce
If you’re in the mood for some spicy and flavorful pork hocks, this recipe is for you. The combination of ancho chili powder and homemade barbecue sauce gives the meat a delicious kick that will have everyone coming back for more.
To start, you’ll need 2 fresh pork hocks, which should be blanched beforehand. Once you’ve blanched them, season the hocks generously with ground ancho chili powder or Emeril’s Original Essence on all sides.
Next, prepare the barbecue sauce by heating up a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add in some vegetable or grape seed oil and diced Spanish onion along with a pinch of Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sweat the onion until it’s translucent and slightly caramelized, then add in some puréed garlic and cook for 1 minute stirring.
Deglaze the pan with brewed coffee and add in some water, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sweet Spanish paprika, smoked paprika, ancho chile powder, brown sugar, molasses, honey, and 2 chipotle peppers en adobo from a can. Cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
Once the barbecue sauce is ready, pour it into the Instant Pot along with the pork hocks. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 60 minutes on high pressure. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
Remove the pork hocks from the Instant Pot and set them aside to rest for a few minutes. While they’re resting, use an immersion blender to purée the barbecue sauce until it’s smooth.
Finally, dress the pork hocks with the barbecue sauce and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and spicy pork hocks with barbecue sauce!
Recipe 3: Asian-style Pork Hocks With Soy Sauce And Star Anise
If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful way to cook pork hocks in your Instant Pot, this Asian-style recipe is sure to impress.
To start, add a large tablespoon of dark soy sauce and rub it all over the surface of the pork hocks. This will give them a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in this recipe.
Next, place the pork hocks and ginger slices in your Instant Pot along with enough water to cover them completely. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
Once the pork hocks are cooked, transfer them to a wok or Dutch oven along with some of the pork broth from the Instant Pot. Add star anise, garlic, and other seasonings of your choice, then bring the broth to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering for 30 minutes.
Stir the pork hocks every 10 minutes to prevent them from burning on the bottom of the pan. If the broth becomes too thick while the pork is still tough, add more water as needed.
As the pork hocks become more tender and the sauce thickens, you can reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Serve with rice as part of a shared meal and enjoy the heavenly aromas that fill your home as you cook this delicious dish.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Pork Hocks In Instant Pot
If you want perfectly cooked pork hocks in your Instant Pot, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
First, make sure to brown the pork hocks before pressure cooking them. This will add depth of flavor to your dish. However, be aware that this step can be messy, so you may want to skip it if you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with the cleanup.
Second, adjust the cooking time according to the size and thickness of your pork hocks. If they are particularly large or thick, you may need to add a few extra minutes of pressure cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Third, use a flavorful liquid for cooking the pork hocks. Broth or stock is a great option, but you can also use water with added seasonings and spices for extra flavor.
Fourth, allow for a natural release of pressure when cooking the pork hocks. This will help ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.
Finally, marinate the pork hocks in a flavorful liquid after cooking to infuse them with even more flavor. This step is optional, but highly recommended for best results.
By following these tips, you can create perfectly cooked and flavorful pork hocks in your Instant Pot every time.
Serving Suggestions For Pork Hocks
Pork hocks are a delicious and hearty dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Traditionally, they are served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut, along with a large beer. However, there are many other sides that complement the rich flavor of pork hocks.
One popular side dish is red cabbage slaw. This fresh and crispy salad is a perfect palate cleanser and pairs well with the meat. German sauerkraut or Bavarian sauerkraut, as well as cooked German red cabbage, are also great options.
For starchy side dishes, Semmelknödel (bread dumplings) or Kartoffelknödel (potato dumplings) are the first choices. Mashed or boiled potatoes are also great options. A nice German potato salad or a German cucumber salad would be another delicious side dish to consider.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try serving pork hocks with Spätzle, a type of German pasta, or even with a simple German cabbage salad.
No matter which sides you choose, pork hocks are sure to be a hit at any meal. So fire up your Instant Pot and get cooking!