Enjoy the authentic flavors of China with this quick and easy Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauces combine for a satisfying and flavorful meal. The noodles are cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot (my favorite kitchen appliance EVER!), making this a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners.
Pork Lo Mein is a dish you can enjoy any time of year, but it’s especially great for busy weeknights or casual family meals. It’s also popular during Lunar New Year because noodles represent long life and good fortune.
(If you're searching for simple weeknight dinners, this one pan roasted chicken and vegetables is my absolute favorite!)
📖Printable Recipe
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Enjoy the authentic flavors of China with this quick and easy Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauces combine for a satisfying and flavorful meal. The noodles are cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot (my favorite kitchen appliance EVER!), making this a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 Oz spaghetti
- 1 lbs. center pork
- 2 cups water
- 1 red Bell pepper
- 1 lbs. baby Bok choy
- 2 small carrots
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon Light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Mirin
- Oil of your choice (vegetable oil, canola oil)
- Salt, optional
- Pepper, optional
- Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Wash your produce. Cut the pork into small cubes and marinate with half of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil. Slice the onions, bok choy, carrots, and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
- Turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté mode (high). Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat it up. Add the marinated pork and cook until golden brown on the outside. Remove the pork and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the water and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom with a spatula.
- Break the spaghetti in half and add them to the Instant Pot in a crisscross pattern. Gently push the noodles down so they are covered with the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- Immediately release the natural pressure release valve and let the pot rest for 4 minutes.
- Open the pot and stir the noodles around. Add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin. Stir to combine.
- Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode (high) and add the sliced bok choy, red bell pepper, onions, carrots, and pork. Stir-fry for 5-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired crispness.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
- Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 533Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1546mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 39g
Ingredients
- Spaghetti – the base of the dish that soaks up all the delicious flavors. I like how it holds up even after pressure cooking.
- Pork – gives the dish that savory, tender bite. Perfect for satisfying those meat cravings!
- Water – simply helps cook the noodles and blend the flavors.
- Red Bell Pepper – adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color. My kids love the brightness it brings.
- Baby Bok Choy – gives a fresh, leafy crunch that balances the rich flavors. It’s one of my favorite veggies to throw into quick meals.
- Carrots – for a bit of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Plus, they add a nice color.
- Yellow Onion – adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the dish once cooked down.
- Garlic – my go-to for bringing a fragrant, savory punch to just about anything.
- Dark Soy Sauce – brings rich color and a deep, umami flavor. It’s the secret to that perfect lo mein sauce!
- Light Soy Sauce – adds a lighter salty note to balance out the darker soy sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce – adds that touch of sweetness and tang that ties the flavors together.
- Sesame Oil – gives the pork and noodles a nutty, aromatic touch. I love how it rounds out the dish.
- Mirin – a subtle hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Cooking Oil – to cook the pork and veggies to perfection.
- Salt & Pepper – for adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
- Sesame Seeds – optional, but I always sprinkle some on for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Recipe
Wash your produce. Cut the pork into small cubes and marinate with half of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil. Slice the onions, bok choy, carrots, and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
Turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté mode (high). Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat it up. Add the marinated pork and cook until golden brown on the outside. Remove the pork and set aside.
Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the water and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom with a spatula.
Break the spaghetti in half and add them to the Instant Pot in a crisscross pattern. Gently push the noodles down so they are covered with the liquid. Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Immediately release the natural pressure release valve and let the pot rest for 4 minutes.
Open the pot and stir the noodles around. Add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin. Stir to combine.
Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode (high) and add the sliced bok choy, red bell pepper, onions, carrots, and pork. Stir-fry for 5-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired crispness.
Garnish with sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein!
Hint: After pressure cooking, give the noodles a quick stir so they don’t stick. It makes mixing everything easier later!
Substitutions & Variations
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, just swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free noodles.
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the pork with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.
To make it a bit more deluxe, try topping the dish with some crispy fried onions or a drizzle of chili oil.
And for a kid-friendly twist, sprinkle some crushed potato chips on top—trust me, they’ll love it!
💭Crucial Success Tips
Don’t overcook the veggies! You want them to stay slightly crisp to keep that perfect balance of texture with the tender pork and noodles. Sauté them just until they’re vibrant and still have a bit of bite!
FAQ
Absolutely! Chicken works just as well and gives a lighter flavor.
Nope! The Instant Pot handles it all in one go, saving you time and dishes.
Yes! Feel free to toss in broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
How To Store Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Store any leftover Pork Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles and veggies hold up well, but the bok choy might lose some crispness.
This dish doesn’t freeze well, as the noodles can get mushy after thawing, so I recommend enjoying it fresh!
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