Forget everything you think you know about slow-cooked pork. This isn't your grandma's pot roast; this is an ancient stewed pork leg, a recipe passed down through generations, perfected over centuries, and now brought to your Instant Pot for a surprisingly speedy 40 minutes. Imagine tender, fall-apart pork, infused with rich, savory flavors that evoke a sense of history and culinary tradition. This isn't just a meal; it's a journey through time, a taste of the past, reimagined for the modern kitchen. The rich, deeply satisfying broth alone is worth the effort.
This recipe utilizes the power of the Instant Pot to achieve unbelievable tenderness in a fraction of the traditional cooking time, preserving the authentic flavors without the all-day commitment. We'll guide you through each step, from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Instant Pot
- Mortar and pestle
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Pork leg meat (sliced)
- Garlic
- Peppercorns
- Coriander root
- Palm sugar
- Fish sauce
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Dark soy sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Aromatics
- Pound garlic, peppercorns, and coriander root until finely ground.
- Wash and cut the pork leg into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2. Sauté and Sear
- In the instant pot (or a regular pot/pan), stir-fry the pounded aromatics in vegetable oil until fragrant.
- Add palm sugar and stir-fry until it turns dark brown and fragrant, adding a little water if needed to prevent burning.
- Add fish sauce to the caramelized sugar and stir-fry until well combined.
- Add the pork leg pieces to the instant pot and stir-fry until seared on all sides.
Step 3. Pressure Cook
- Add enough water to cover the pork. Add dark soy sauce for deeper color if desired.
- Close the instant pot lid, set to pressure cooking mode, and cook for 35-40 minutes.
Step 4. Finish & Serve
- Carefully release the pressure and open the lid.
- Remove excess fat from the surface. Serve hot.
Read more: Thai Mussel Pie Tee: Michelin-Starred Amuse-Bouche Recipe
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use peppercorns instead of ground pepper.
- Don't overcrowd the instant pot; leave enough space for steam to escape.
- If the palm sugar is burning, add a little water to help it melt.
- Adjust the dark soy sauce amount to achieve your preferred color intensity.
- Add other ingredients like tofu or boiled eggs during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of a pork leg?
While a pork leg provides the best results due to its high collagen content, you can try a pork shoulder or butt. Cooking time might need slight adjustment.
2. What if my Instant Pot doesn't have the 'saute' function?
If your Instant Pot lacks a saute function, you can brown the pork in a separate pan on the stovetop before adding it to the pot with the other ingredients.
This ancient stewed pork leg recipe, expedited by the magic of the Instant Pot, delivers a surprisingly quick and incredibly flavorful meal. Enjoy the tender, succulent pork and rich broth, savoring a taste of culinary history in the comfort of your own home. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this remarkably easy yet sophisticated dish!