Imagine a soul-warming soup that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just one hour! This Chinese-inspired Pressure Cooker Pork Shank Carrots Soup is not just a meal, it's an experience that will transport you to a world of rich, deep flavors and tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pork shanks
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Set them aside for later use.
- Rinse the pork shanks under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Set your pressure cooker to the 'Sauté' function. Once it is hot, add a small amount of oil (if desired) and sear the pork shanks on all sides until they are browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
- After browning the pork shanks, remove them from the pressure cooker and set them aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Return the pork shanks to the pot and add the chopped carrots, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Stir everything together gently to combine the flavors.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure that the valve is set to the 'Sealing' position. Set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for 50 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the pork shanks for tenderness. They should be fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone. If they need more cooking time, you can return the lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes under pressure.
- Once the pork shanks are ready, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. You can also add more soy sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl gets a generous portion of pork shank, carrots, and broth. Enjoy your delicious Pressure Cooker Pork Shank Carrots Soup!
Tips
- Choose high-quality pork shanks with good marbling for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Pat the meat dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and flavor development.
- Don't skip the searing step - it creates a delicious flavor foundation for your soup.
- Use fresh chicken broth for the most robust taste, and adjust seasoning gradually.
- Allow natural pressure release to keep the meat tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
- If the soup is too fatty, you can skim off excess fat from the top before serving.
- For added depth, consider adding a star anise or a cinnamon stick during cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
