This tender pressure cooker pork roast is perfect for busy days! With juicy meat and a rich flavor, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it cooks faster than traditional methods!
I enjoy serving it with mashed potatoes or veggies for a comfort meal. Trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of this roast filling your home! It’s a real crowd-pleaser! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Roast: For the best results, use a pork shoulder as it’s marbled with fat and stays juicy. If needed, pork loin is leaner and can work too, but it may dry out more easily.
Olive Oil: This helps create a nice crust. If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to use canola, vegetable oil, or even butter. Each has its flavor profile but will still get the job done.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme are key for flavor. You could swap in fresh minced garlic or onion for a more vibrant taste. If you don’t have thyme, Italian seasoning or rosemary work well as alternatives!
Chicken Broth: Using broth adds depth of flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use water, or for a vegetarian twist, vegetable broth will also do nicely.
How Do I Get a Beautifully Browned Crust on My Pork Roast?
Achieving that golden crust is crucial for flavor and texture. The trick is in the browning process. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Make sure to pat the pork roast dry; moisture will steam rather than sear.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in your pressure cooker. Wait until it’s hot and shimmering.
- Brown the roast on all sides for about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the deeper color brings out an amazing flavor.
Carefully remove the roast before adding veggies, as this keeps them from getting mushy. If you can, don’t skip the browning—it’s where a lot of the deliciousness comes from!
How to Make a Delicious Pressure Cooker Pork Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Roast:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
Optional Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 to 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes of cooking time in the pressure cooker. After cooking, you’ll let the roast rest for 10 minutes before serving. In total, you can expect the process to take a little over an hour and a half.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Roast:
Begin by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels. This is important as it helps create a nice crust. Once dried, season all sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Make sure every side is well-covered for maximum flavor!
2. Sauté the Roast:
Next, set your pressure cooker to the sauté function and heat the olive oil until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned pork roast and brown it on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Browning the meat adds a lot of flavor and gives it a beautiful color.
3. Add Vegetables (Optional):
Once the roast is nicely browned, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside. If you’re using onions and carrots, add them to the bottom of the cooker now. This will enhance their flavor as they cook.
4. Pressure Cook the Roast:
Place the browned pork roast back into the pressure cooker on top of the onions and carrots. Pour the chicken broth or water around the roast. For extra aroma, add a sprig of fresh thyme on top. Now, secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 60 minutes.
5. Release the Pressure:
When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. After that, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure by turning the valve. Be careful of the steam!
6. Rest and Serve:
Carefully remove the roast from the pressure cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the pork even more tender. After resting, slice the pork roast. Serve it with the cooked carrots, and spoon some of the cooking liquid over the meat for added flavor. Don’t forget to garnish with extra thyme if you like!
Enjoy your delicious and juicy pressure cooker pork roast! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gathering with friends. Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or even pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner and might dry out more easily, so be cautious with cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you prefer, you can use water instead of chicken broth. For a different flavor, try vegetable broth or homemade broth if you have it on hand!
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Roast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the meat moist when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the container.
Can I Cook This Recipe Without Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you don’t want to include vegetables, simply omit them and proceed with the recipe. The pork will still be flavorful and delicious on its own!
