Instant Pot pork steaks are a flavorful, tender dinner option that’s ready in about 30 minutes. The pressure cooker locks in moisture while creating rich, savory flavor. With a creamy sour cream gravy and minimal prep, this is a satisfying one-pot meal the whole family will enjoy.
When you’re short on time, making pork steaks in Instant Pot is a smart way to get dinner on the table fast. You don’t even need to thaw your meat ahead of time—this method works with fresh or frozen pork chops Instant Pot style. That means less prep and more flexibility.
The sauté function builds flavor right from the start by softening onions in broth, while pressure cooking keeps the pork tender and juicy. A simple addition of sour cream at the end transforms the cooking liquid into a rich gravy.
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Why We Love This Pork Steaks in Instant Pot Recipe
- Time-saving convenience
With the Instant Pot, you can have tender, perfectly cooked pork chops in under 30 minutes. Even if you’re using frozen meat, there’s no need to thaw them first—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - Rich and flavorful gravy
The combination of sautéed onions, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream creates a creamy, savory gravy that’s bursting with flavor. No additional seasoning is needed, making this dish simple yet delicious. - Perfect for any occasion
Whether you’re serving a quick weeknight dinner or hosting guests, these pork chops are versatile enough to impress. Pair them with your favorite sides for a complete, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Butter, ghee, or coconut oil: Used for sautéing the onions, these options add richness and flavor. Butter provides a classic taste, ghee offers a nutty depth, and coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative. You may also use olive oil.
- Onions: Sautéed onions are the base of the gravy, adding sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions can also be used.
- Pork chops: Choose bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference. Both options work well, but bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
- Beef stock: Adds a savory depth to the gravy. Substitute with chicken or vegetable stock if preferred, though beef stock provides the richest flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: This tangy, umami-rich ingredient enhances the gravy. Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a gluten-free substitute.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional): These thickeners are perfect for creating a rich, creamy gravy. For a low-carb or keto option, skip them and reduce the stock using the sauté function.
- Sour cream: The star ingredient that creates the creamy, tangy gravy. For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative.
- Salt and pepper: Optional, as the broth and Worcestershire sauce already provide plenty of seasoning. Add to taste if needed.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Although you can use thinly cut pork steaks for frozen pork chops Instant Pot recipes, avoid those thinner than ½” in thickness.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-infused gravy: Add rosemary or thyme to the broth for a fresh, earthy flavor.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne for a bit of heat and add more spices.
- Mushroom gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic powder for an earthy, umami-rich addition to the sauce.
- Garlic lovers: Add minced garlic to the sautéed onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese with the sour cream for a cheesy gravy.
Equipment Used in Our Recipe
- Instant Pot
- Instant read thermometer
How to Make Frozen Pork Chops Instant Pot
- Sauté the onions in the butter, ghee, or oil until softened.
- Deglaze the pan with broth and Worcestershire sauce. Deglazing is just a fancy word for a cooking technique that removes and dissolves browned food residue from a pan to add flavor.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Deglazing your Instant Pot before pressure cooking will help to avoid the “burn notice” that occurs when food burns on the bottom of the pot.
- Add the thawed or frozen pork chops to the Instant Pot and pressure cook them on high pressure.
- Create the creamy gravy by adding cornstarch. Whisk the sour cream for the yummy sour cream gravy sauce.
- For serving, plate the meat and pour over the creamy sour cream gravy sauce. Serve with your favorite sides.
Low Carb, Keto Pork Chops
At just 4 net carbs, these Instant Pork Chops are low carb and keto friendly. If you are aiming for even lower carbs, see the recipe for how to thicken the sauce without cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pork steaks in Instant Pot with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the rich sour cream gravy. Try it also with loaded potato casserole and easy homemade biscuit recipe with self rising flour would pair perfectly with this dish to make the ideal dinner. Top them with sauteed mushrooms for an even more delicious dinner! Add roasted carrots or sautéed green beans for a pop of color and flavor. For a comforting side, try buttered egg noodles or a fluffy dinner roll. Drinks like iced tea or a light white wine, such as Chardonnay, complement the dish beautifully. Finish with a simple dessert like apple crisp or vanilla pudding to round out the meal.
Recipe FAQs
Use a quick read or instant thermometer to check the temperature of the center of the pork chops. If it reads 145ºF, they are done.
Yes, you can. Use a skillet to sauté the onions, as in step 1. Then, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove them from the skillet to a plate and cover. Add the broth and Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan. Return the pork chops to the pan and simmer until they are 145ºF (5-10 minutes). Add cornstarch and sour cream as directed in the recipe instructions.
Yes, they are low in carbs, but you can make them lower by leaving out the cornstarch. See the recipe below for how to make them without cornstarch.
As I mentioned above, any cut of pork chops or pork steaks will work here. Although each of the cuts has different characteristics like the amount of fat or flavor, they’ll work perfectly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
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Instant Pot Pork Steaks
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or coconut oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced into slivers
- 4 pork chops, 1/2" to 3/4" thick (for frozen or chops thicker than 3/4", see recipe notes below)
- 1 cup beef broth or stock (can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional for low carb or keto)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot on to the sauté mode. Add the ghee, butter, or oil to heat. When the pot is ready (mine says HOT), add the onions. Stir occasionally, sautéing until they are softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, allowing the pan to deglaze by stirring until the bottom of the pan is smooth and clear. Deglazing your Instant Pot before pressure cooking will help to avoid the “burn notice” that occurs when food burns on the bottom of the pot.
- Lay your pork chops right over the onions and broth. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to close. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooking is done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. Then perform a quick release by carefully turning the lever. Use instant read thermometer to check that pork chops are 145º F.
- Remove pork chops to a plate and cover. For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water and whisk until it’s creamy and smooth. To thicken without the cornstarch, press cancel and set pot to saute for 5 minutes. This will help reduce the stock, for a low carb or keto sauce.
- Turn off pot and add sour cream. Stir until a smooth, creamy gravy sauce forms. Dip the pork chops back into the pot. Serve pork chops with sour cream gravy poured over and sprinkled with dried parsley.
Notes
- Herb-infused gravy: Add rosemary or thyme to the broth for a fresh, earthy flavor.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat and add more spices.
- Mushroom gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami-rich addition to the sauce.
- Garlic lovers: Add minced garlic to the sautéed onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese with the sour cream for a cheesy gravy.
- For pork chops that are thicker than 3/4″ or frozen, add 2 minutes to the pressure cooking time. Use a 10 minute natural pressure release.
- Although you can use thinly cut pork chops for Instant Pot Pork Chop recipes, avoid those thinner than ½” in thickness.
- Deglazing your Instant Pot before pressure cooking will help to avoid the “burn notice” that occurs when food burns on the bottom of the pot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition
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kushi says
Flavorful and delicious pork chop recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Lubna says
We don’t eat pork, so will try this with mutton. The spice mix is absolutely wonderful…
Adri says
I’ve never even thought of making pork chops in my Instant Pot. The result is super tender chops and the sour cream gravy really made everyone clear their plates! This is an Instant Pot recipe I’m very happy to finally have in my repertoire! It’s so delicious. 🤤