The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, and for good reason. It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more all in one! This recipe takes advantage of its versatility to create perfectly cooked pork chops and fluffy rice simultaneously, saving you time and effort. Forget the hassle of juggling multiple pots and pans; this one-pot wonder is your new weeknight dinner hero.
What You'll Need:
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Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor
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Equipment:
- 6-quart or larger Instant Pot
- Trivet (to keep pork chops out of the rice)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prep the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optionally soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
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Layer the Ingredients: Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned pork chops on the trivet. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the rice to the bottom of the pot, around the trivet.
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Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release, followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure.
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Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the pork chops and allow them to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving alongside the pork chops.
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops and Rice:
- Thickness Matters: Using uniformly thick pork chops ensures even cooking. Thicker chops may require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked pork chops can be dry. The resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Rice Variety: While long-grain white rice is used in this recipe, you can experiment with other varieties, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Brown rice will require a longer cooking time.
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary pair well with pork.
Troubleshooting Common Problems:
My pork chops are dry.
This is often caused by overcooking. Next time, try reducing the cooking time by a minute or two, and ensure you let the pork chops rest before slicing. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness (internal temperature of 145°F) can also help prevent dryness.
My rice is mushy.
This can happen if you use too much liquid or cook the rice for too long. Make sure you're using the correct liquid-to-rice ratio (2:1 in this recipe).
My rice is undercooked.
This is usually due to insufficient cooking time or not enough liquid. Try increasing the cooking time slightly or adding a little more liquid next time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen pork chops?
While not recommended for this recipe, you can cook frozen pork chops in the Instant Pot. However, you'll need to significantly increase the cooking time. Consult your Instant Pot's manual for guidelines on cooking frozen meat.
What other vegetables can I add?
Many vegetables can be added to this recipe! Consider adding chopped onions, carrots, or green beans along with the rice. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the pork chops in a skillet first, then transfer them and the rice and broth to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. However, the results may vary in texture.
Can I use different types of rice?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time. Experiment to find what works best for your preferred rice type. Consult your rice packaging for specific cooking instructions.
This Instant Pot pork chops and rice recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a complete meal in one pot. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
