A Short Cut To Thai 5-Spice Pork Stew (Instant Pot Recipe)
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Served Person: 5
- pinch of sea salt
- 2 lbs boneless organic pork butt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (to sear the pork)
- 6-8 boiled chicken eggs
- 1 tbsp dry coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp 5 spice powder
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp organic raw honey *skip this if whole30
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
- extra chopped cilantro leaves and stems
- 1 tbsp thai ginger (galangal) grated (alt. ginger)
- 2 tbsp garlic cloves slice lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cup coconut aminos (or 1 cup gluten free tamari)
- 4 tbsp chinese rice wine (or shaoxing wine or dry sherry)
- 1 1/2 tbsp sliced thai ginger (galangal) (alt. ginger)
- 1 cup chopped cilantro - include leaves stems, and roots (if possible)
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled and quartered
- 1 whole garlic head peeled and sliced in half (place them in a cheesecloth or disposable tea filter bags - dispose after stew)
- 8 cups of tap water (for a 5-liter size instant pot)
- Carbohydrate 4.72942200391043 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0878760001174212 g
- Fiber 0.914460011921354 g
- Protein 0.681666000713475 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0279384000311192 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (220g)
- Sodium 1397.6136028331 mg
- Sugar 3.81496199198908 g
- Trans Fat 0.0152376000138724 g
- Calories 20 calories
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: A Thai 5-Spice Pork Stew Story
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present struggle to put a healthy and delicious meal on the table. So when I stumbled upon this recipe for Thai 5-Spice Pork Stew in my Instant Pot cookbook, I was initially skeptical. Could something so flavorful and seemingly complex be truly quick and easy? The answer, my friends, is a resounding yes! This recipe has become a weeknight staple, a testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked meals don't have to take all night to prepare.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its incredible taste – a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy – but also in its simplicity. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing the pork to become incredibly tender while infusing the flavors of coriander, peppercorns, five-spice powder, and cacao into a rich, aromatic broth. The addition of coconut aminos lends a depth of umami that elevates the entire dish. I love the subtle sweetness of the honey, though it's easily omitted for those following a Whole30 or similar diet. Honestly, the hardest part of this entire process is peeling the boiled eggs – a small price to pay for such a rewarding meal.
Beyond the ease of preparation, this stew is incredibly versatile. I often adjust the spice level depending on my family’s preferences, sometimes adding a little extra chili for an extra kick. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making this a perfect meal-prep option as well. Serving it over steamed rice is traditional, but I've also enjoyed it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The addition of the perfectly soft-boiled eggs adds a delightful textural element and provides a nice protein boost.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Simplicity and Flavor
This isn’t just a recipe; it's a reminder that delicious food doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It's about finding simple, flavorful shortcuts that allow us to enjoy quality time with our loved ones without sacrificing the deliciousness of a home-cooked meal. It's a testament to the fact that even the busiest of us can find time to nourish ourselves and our families with flavorful, satisfying food. The fragrant spices, the tender pork, and the perfectly cooked eggs combine to create an experience that's as comforting as it is delicious. This recipe has become more than just a meal; it's a small act of self-care in the midst of a busy life.
And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try substituting different vegetables or adding your own twist. The possibilities are endless. This is a fantastic base recipe upon which you can build your own culinary creations. So, grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a delicious culinary adventure that won't steal your precious time.
Step-by-step
- Place ingredients under “aromatic base” in a mortar and pestle. Pound the ingredients until they are mixed well. (Alt. blend them in a small food processor). Set aside. (You should smell an amazing aroma coming from this combo).
- Press the “Sauté” function key. Select a temperature with the “Adjust” key for “Normal”.
- When Instant Pot reaches the given working temperature, it displays “Hot” add 2 tbsp of olive oil and you can start sautéing/browning meat.
- We are looking for a light golden brown color (not dark brown) so it should take you about 5 minutes total to sear the meat. Season a pinch of salt on each side of pork.
- Set the pork aside in a large size bowl/plate.
- Keep the “Sauté” function on for the next step.
- If the pot is dry, add another tbsp of olive oil and sauté the “aromatic base” from step 1 until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Turn off Sauté function key.
- Add the pork back to the pot. Add all ingredients under “Pork stew combo”.
- Carefully Seal/Lock the pressure cooker. Select “Meat/Stew” function key. 35 minutes.
- In the meantime, boil 6-8 chicken eggs on a stovetop. When cool, peel and set aside.
- When the pork is done, spoon off the top layer of fat on the surface.
- Add the eggs and let them soak in broth. (p.s. the eggs will be even more tasty next day)
- Ladle a few spoonful of stew liquid over steamed rice and stewed pork. Slice one egg. Sprinkle some cilantro and serve with pickled cabbage/cucumber/ or plain sauerkraut.
