If you are craving a juicy, flavorful dinner that comes together faster than you think, this Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops Recipe is an absolute game changer. Tender boneless pork chops are bathed in a luscious honey-mustard sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tang, all cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to weeknight favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, from the caramelized onions to the punchy mustards and aromatic rosemary, creating a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
- 1 tablespoon oil: For browning the pork chops to develop that rich, savory crust.
- 4 boneless pork chops: The star of the dish, these become tender and juicy with pressure cooking.
- 1 onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce while softening in the pot.
- 1 cup water: Creates steam and blends the flavors inside the Instant Pot.
- 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard: Brings texture and a mild tangy bite to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard: Adds smooth mustard flavor to complement the grains.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the tang with just the right hint of natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors you’ll build.
- 1 sprig rosemary: Provides earthy aroma and a subtle woodsy note.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (+ 1 tablespoon cold water, mixed to make a slurry): Used to thicken the sauce into a glossy finish perfect for coating the chops.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Sauté and Brown the Pork Chops
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heating the oil until shimmering. Place the boneless pork chops in the pot and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Brown them on both sides until you get a lovely caramelized crust. This step is crucial because it locks in juices and adds beautiful flavor through the Maillard reaction, giving the chops an unbeatable starting point.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
After the chops have browned, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about one minute while stirring. This will soften the onions slightly and enhance their natural sweetness, which balances the tangy mustard later in the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Sauce Ingredients
In a measuring jug, whisk together the water, whole grain mustard, prepared mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this flavorful mixture over the pork chops in the Instant Pot. Don’t forget to scrape those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon—they hold tons of flavor that will deepen your sauce!
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Pressure Cook
Add the sprig of rosemary on top of the pork to infuse the dish with a warm herbaceous note while it cooks. Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook the pork chops on high pressure for 8 minutes. The pressure cooking quickly tenderizes the meat while marrying all the flavors in the pot.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Thicken Sauce
Once cooking is complete, turn off the Instant Pot and allow a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining steam. Carefully open the lid and remove the pork chops to a serving plate. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the juices left in the pot, then set the Instant Pot to sauté again. Stir the sauce continuously until it thickens to a luscious, glossy finish—this thick sauce is what makes this dish truly memorable.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the thickened honey mustard sauce generously over the pork chops and get ready to feast. The combination of tender meat and that tangy-sweet sauce is the epitome of comfort food done right.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few more fresh rosemary leaves can add a beautiful pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the sauce. A light drizzle of additional honey or a dash of cracked black pepper on top makes the dish look irresistible and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the savory honey mustard sauce beautifully. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad lighten the meal and provide lovely textural contrast. For a low-carb option, try roasted cauliflower or steamed green beans tossed in lemon and garlic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the pork chops over a bed of buttery garlic noodles or wild rice pilaf, drizzle extra sauce around the plate, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider serving it family-style in a large, rustic serving dish so everyone can help themselves to the heavenly sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops Recipe tastes just as delicious the next day. Store the pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and meat together helps maintain moisture and keeps every bite luscious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork chops and sauce for up to 2 months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of the chops and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce warms evenly and remains velvety smooth. If the sauce thickened too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it as you reheat.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will add extra flavor, though they may require a couple more minutes of pressure cooking to become tender. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check for doneness before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can brown the chops and onions in a skillet, then add the sauce ingredients and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens. While it takes longer, the flavor remains just as fantastic.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as substitutes and will keep the balance of sweet and tangy in the sauce intact. Avoid using granulated sugar because it won’t dissolve as smoothly.
Do I need to prepare the cornstarch slurry in advance?
Preparing the slurry ahead helps prevent lumps when thickening the sauce, but you can also mix it quickly before adding. Just make sure the water is cold so it combines smoothly with the cornstarch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the mustard and other ingredients you use are gluten-free. Always check labels on prepared mustard and any packaged ingredients to be sure. This recipe naturally lends itself well to gluten-free cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like it took all day to prepare but actually comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with tender pork creates a winning combination you’ll want to come back to again and again. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved classic in your meal rotation!
Print
Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the tangy taste of whole grain and prepared mustards with the sweet notes of honey. Tender boneless pork chops are browned and then pressure cooked with onions and rosemary, resulting in juicy meat with a rich honey mustard sauce thickened with cornstarch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot and Brown Pork Chops: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the inner pot, then add the boneless pork chops. Sprinkle the chops with salt and pepper and brown them on both sides to develop flavor and color.
- Add Onions: Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot with the pork chops and continue cooking for 1 minute while stirring to soften the onion slightly.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a measuring jug, combine 1 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon of prepared mustard, 2 tablespoons of honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Add Sauce and Rosemary: Turn off the Instant Pot sauté mode. Pour the honey mustard sauce mixture over the browned pork chops. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate their flavor, then add 1 sprig of rosemary on top.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes to tenderize the pork and infuse it with the sauce flavors.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, turn off the Instant Pot. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a manual release to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Remove Pork Chops: Take the pork chops out of the Instant Pot and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the cooking juices inside the pot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Pour the thickened honey mustard sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use boneless pork chops for even cooking and tenderness.
- Make sure to brown the pork chops well to develop deeper flavor.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the pork juicy and tender.
- Adjust honey amount to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
