For many people, Chinese food is automatically associated with take-out or weekend trips to a dim sum joint, but oriental cuisine is not just for eating out. With these delicious Instant Pot Chinese recipes, you can recreate the flavor experience in your own kitchen and in the process, avoid any unnecessary additives or MSG.
From succulent beef and broccoli to sticky pork belly and fluffy fried rice, Chinese dishes are both full of flavor and nourishing, especially those heavy in nutrient-dense foods like veggies, meats, seafood, and broths. While the take-out versions may often seem unhealthy with too much sodium and deep-frying, making these recipes at home is one way of controlling what goes in. The best part is, you’ll be surprised how easy they can be, especially thanks to the mighty Instant Pot.
We have put together some of our favorite Chinese recipes that you can make in a pressure cooker. Go and check out these blogs as well for more Instant Pot inspiration. There is a variety of meat, rice and vegetable dishes, including stews and soups. We hope you enjoy them! Tell us in the comments your personal favorites to make in the Instant Pot.
1. Instant Pot Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Char Siu is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. It’s the kind of meal you simply can’t wait to eat. Just the smell and a quick look at those tender slices of pork would leave your mouth watering. The marinade gives it its flavor, while the fatty cut of pork yields melt-in-your-mouth results every time. Recipe from Pressure Cook Recipes.
2. Mongolian Instant Pot Beef
Our version of Mongolian beef is free of refined sugar while still remaining jam-packed with flavor. It uses cheap cuts of beef like skirt steak and flank steak, so this recipe is totally budget-friendly. With the use of Tamari, it’s gluten-free too. You can feel good about eating this! Recipe from Instant Pot Eats.
3. Instant Pot Fried Rice
Of course, we had to include a classic fried rice dish! It’s a must-have when ordering take-out, and you know that it makes fantastic leftovers. You might be thinking you need a stove and a pan for “fried” rice, but the Instant Pot’s saute function will work just fine! Recipe from This Old Gal.
4. Instant Pot Short Rib Soup (Galbitang)
This recipe usually takes hours to simmer and break down the short ribs to their tender, juicy awesomeness, but the Instant Pot cuts back the time. You can’t complain about something this amazing being on the table in an instant. Talk about convenience! Recipe from Kimchimari.
5. Instant Pot Chicken & Corn Soup With Spinach
This recipe is often served as a starter at Chinese restaurants, and for good reason – it is tasty! Our version is nourishing, healthy, and perfect for beating cold and flu season. It makes a great appetizer or main meal, considering it features protein. Recipe from Instant Pot Eats.
6. One-Pot Teriyaki Rice With Chicken & Vegetables
One-pot meals are the pinnacle of cooking with the Instant Pot. When rice, teriyaki sauce, chicken, and a rainbow of vegetables are in the mix, we basically have the perfect meal. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got dinner on the table. Recipe from Life Made Sweeter.
7. Healing Instant Pot Congee
Congee is a traditional healing recipe – basically a savory version of rice pudding with a Chinese kick. You can really make it your own whether you want a real soup or something more porridge-like with thickness depending on the amount of broth you use. The aromatics will have you anticipating this before it even starts to cook. Luckily, it’s a quick one! Recipe from The Curious Coconut.
8. Instant Pot Chinese Beef & Potato Stew
Torn between beef stew and Chinese food for dinner? Don’t make the tough choice. Combine the two with this hearty beef and potato dish, where the spices are truly the soul of it. There’s some fun history behind this one, too. Recipe from Red House Spice.
9. Instant Pot Asian Salmon With Garlic Vegetable
Keep it simple! Sometimes, nights just call for those lighter meals. This salmon dish is a great way to get in your omega-3 fatty acids. In just 15 minutes, you have a full, balanced, and healthy meal with some Asian flair. Recipe from Instant Pot Eats.
10. BRAISED INSTANT POT PORK BELLY
What is a master stock? It is a sauce/stock mixture that is used and re-used to poach and braise meats, from chicken to pork, to beef and more. A traditional braised meat dish using a master stock can take hours to cook. Doing it in an Instant Pot means preparing your meal in a fraction of the time. Recipe from The Woks Of Life.
11. 15-Minute Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Cooking Chinese food for kids can be challenging. That’s where orange chicken comes in. This menu staple is simple to make at home, and it’s 100% family-friendly. Sweet notes, salty tones, and tiny bites of citrus flavour bring this dish together. Recipe from A Fork’s Tale.
12. Instant Pot Chinese Pulled Beef
This is your standard pulled beef – tender, juicy, and even slightly addictive – with Chinese flair. It’s perfect over egg noodles or zucchini noodles, incorporating fun spices like star anise, Szechuan peppercorns, and banana shallots. A little spice really rounds things out! Recipe from Super Golden Bakes.
13. Instant Pot Chinese Beef Short Ribs
Short ribs can be intimidating, but they’re anything but when you have the Instant Pot. If you’ve never made them, you’re in for a treat. These ribs are a great starter recipe served with veggies. You’ll definitely be going back for seconds! Recipe from Eat Beautiful.
14. Instant Pot Yellow Rice With Corn & Peas
Rice is a Chinese food staple. This yellow rice is fun and vibrant, easy to prepare, and even easier on the budget incorporating frozen peas and corn for minimal prep and loads of texture. Recipe from Instant Pot Eats.
15. Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken
Soy sauce, honey, and hot chili paste are the trio that brings life to Kung Pao chicken. This is another poultry favorite from your go-to Chinese restaurant that you can easily make at home. Throw it on the meal prep menu and top off some pre-cooked rice with it when the craving hits. Recipe from Slap Dash Mom.
16. Instant Pot Chinese Pulled Pork
BBQ and Chinese just go hand in hand. There’s no denying the incredible results you get. This is a great recipe to experiment with fusion cuisine, and you’ll know it was worth the (minimal) effort the moment it hits your plate! It’s pure bliss over a plate of stir-fried veggies. Recipe from Primal Palate.
17. Pressure Cooker Garlic Broccoli
Broccoli is perhaps the quickest thing you can make in your Instant Pot. With fresh garlic, it will pair perfectly with any main dish you choose to make. Recipe from Pressure Cooker Recipes.
18. Vegan Instant Pot Steamed Asian Dumplings
How could we leave you without some dumpling action? These guys are loaded with veggies in every bite, but you could really use this template for getting creative with your fillings! Either way, get your dim sum on in the comfort of your own home. Recipe from Healthy Slow Cooking.
19. Instant Pot Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
Do something a little different with that stray pork tenderloin you’ve got hanging out in the freezer. For example: smother it in delectable teriyaki sauce, slice, and serve over sticky white rice. Recipe from Slimming Eats.
20. Instant Pot Lo Mein
Finally, for those of you who end up in the ‘noodles’ section of the menu every time, here’s the only lo mein recipe you need – promise. Pack it up for lunch – it’s bound to keep you sane on those long workdays! Recipe from Noodles from Slap Dash Mom.
Chinese food is very delicious. This is my favorite food. My family also like this.