Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Umami
Highlighted under: Quick Fix Eats
Delight in the savory flavors of this Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Umami, a quick and satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.
This Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Umami is a delightful dish that combines tender pork, colorful vegetables, and the perfect blend of sauces for an umami explosion in every bite. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe is both simple and incredibly satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation in just 45 minutes
- Savory umami flavors that elevate your palate
- One-pot cooking for easy cleanup
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins
A Taste of Umami
Umami, often referred to as the fifth taste, adds depth and richness to dishes. In this Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein, the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a savory experience that tantalizes the taste buds. Each ingredient plays a vital role in enhancing the overall flavor profile and ensures that every bite is packed with deliciousness. It's a culinary delight that evokes memories of your favorite takeout dishes, but made right at home.
The harmonious blend of flavors not only satisfies hunger but also offers a comforting meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With a few simple ingredients, you can unlock a world of taste that promises to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the greatest advantages of this Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein recipe is its suitability for meal prepping. You can easily double the ingredients and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy a meal that feels fresh and satisfying without the hassle of cooking from scratch each time.
This recipe's versatility also allows you to switch up the vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. By customizing the recipe to your preferences, you can keep mealtime exciting and healthy while minimizing food waste.
Cooking Tips for Success
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the cooking process for best results.
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Start by slicing the pork tenderloin into thin strips and chopping the vegetables. Set aside.
Sauté Pork
Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add vegetable oil, then add the sliced pork. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add Aromatics
Add garlic and ginger to the pot, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pork back to the pot along with the vegetables, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Cook Noodles
Add the lo mein noodles and 1 cup of water. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged, then seal the lid and set to 'Manual' mode for 5 minutes.
Release Pressure
Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and stir the lo mein to combine all ingredients.
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Umami!
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, chicken, shrimp, or even beef can be substituted based on your preference. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
What if I don’t have lo mein noodles? If lo mein noodles are unavailable, you can use spaghetti or any other thin noodle as a substitute. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles may require slight adjustments.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider serving your Pork Lo Mein alongside a fresh green salad or steamed dumplings. This adds variety and texture to your meal, making it feel more like a restaurant experience. Pair it with a light beverage, such as green tea or a crisp white wine, to enhance the flavors further.
If you're looking for a more casual dining option, you can serve the lo mein in bowls topped with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch. This not only elevates the dish aesthetically but also adds an extra layer of flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts can be substituted for the pork.
→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of lo mein noodles.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Umami
Delight in the savory flavors of this Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Umami, a quick and satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Quick Fix Eats
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by slicing the pork tenderloin into thin strips and chopping the vegetables. Set aside.
Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add vegetable oil, then add the sliced pork. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add garlic and ginger to the pot, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cooked pork back to the pot along with the vegetables, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Add the lo mein noodles and 1 cup of water. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged, then seal the lid and set to 'Manual' mode for 5 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and stir the lo mein to combine all ingredients.
Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein Umami!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 28g