5 Irresistible Asian Instant Pot Recipes You Must Try

Embark on a culinary journey through Asia with these five delectable Instant Pot recipes that not only tantalize your taste buds but also save time in your kitchen. The Instant Pot, a modern marvel in cooking technology, allows you to create complex, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. Let's dive into the rich tapestry of Asian flavors with recipes that are sure to become staples in your culinary repertoire.

1. Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines, offers a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. Here’s how you can whip this up effortlessly:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs chicken thighs, bone-in
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₃ cup vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• ¹⁄₂ tsp peppercorns
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Steps:

1. In your Instant Pot, heat oil using the sauté function, then brown the chicken lightly.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, cancel sauté mode, and secure the lid.
3. Set to manual/pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure manually.

🍜 Note: For a thicker sauce, remove chicken and reduce the liquid using the sauté function after cooking.

2. Korean Beef Short Ribs (Galbi JJim)

Korean cuisine is renowned for its umami-packed flavors, and these braised beef short ribs exemplify this:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs, flanken cut
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 pear or apple, pureed
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger

Steps:

1. Marinate the ribs with all ingredients except water, for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté, brown the ribs in batches to develop flavor.
3. Add remaining marinade and water, set to manual/pressure cook for 30 minutes.
4. Natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

3. Vietnamese Pho

Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, is perfect for comforting and nutritious meals:

• 1 lb beef brisket or chuck
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anise
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 4 cloves
• 1 thumb-size piece of ginger, sliced
• 1 onion, halved
• Fish sauce to taste
• Herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint
• 8 oz dried rice noodles, cooked

Steps:

1. In your Instant Pot, toast spices on sauté mode until fragrant.
2. Add beef, broth, ginger, onion, and set to manual/pressure cook for 60 minutes.
3. Natural release for 15 minutes, then strain broth into a pot to remove solids.
4. Slice cooked beef thinly, serve over noodles with broth, and top with fresh herbs.

🌿 Note: Adding a spoonful of hoisin sauce or Sriracha can enhance the Pho’s flavor to your preference.

4. Japanese Ramen

The beloved ramen can be made at home with just a few ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or pork bone broth
• 2 packets ramen noodles
• ¹⁄₂ lb pork belly, sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup sake
• ¹⁄₄ cup mirin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp miso paste
• Eggs for toppings, soft boiled

Steps:

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté, and caramelize pork belly slices.
2. Add liquids, garlic, and miso paste; then set to manual/pressure cook for 20 minutes.
3. Natural release for 10 minutes, release remaining pressure manually, and remove pork.
4. Cook ramen noodles separately, then divide into bowls, pour over hot broth, and top with pork, eggs, and desired toppings.

5. Thai Green Curry

Bring the vibrant taste of Thailand to your kitchen with this easy-to-make curry:

• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

Steps:

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté, add coconut milk and curry paste, stir until fragrant.
2. Add chicken and vegetables, then liquid and seasonings. Set to manual/pressure cook for 5 minutes.
3. Natural release for 5 minutes, quick release the rest.

🌶 Note: For a milder flavor, adjust the amount of curry paste or add more coconut milk.

The versatility and convenience of the Instant Pot make these Asian dishes not only accessible but also an experience of exploring flavors from around the world. Each recipe showcases different techniques and ingredients, allowing you to enjoy an authentic taste with the benefit of quick, hands-off cooking. Incorporate these into your regular cooking routine, and you'll find yourself appreciating the depths of Asian cuisine in the comfort of your home. Whether it's the rich and complex Chicken Adobo from the Philippines or the aromatic broth of Vietnamese Pho, these recipes offer both a cultural immersion and a satisfying meal.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

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Yes, these recipes are quite flexible. You can substitute meats, vegetables, or even make them vegetarian by using tofu or mushrooms in place of meat. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly to suit the new ingredients.

How can I achieve the best flavor using my Instant Pot?

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Using the sauté function to brown meats or sauté aromatics before pressure cooking helps enhance flavor depth. Additionally, using fresh ingredients and high-quality spices will significantly improve the taste of your dishes.

Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

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Absolutely. Instant Pot dishes can be prepared in advance. Soups and curries often taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store them in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage and reheat when needed.