Mastering Perfectly Tender Pork Hocks in the Instant Pot – A Complete Guide

Pork hocks, also known as pork knuckles, are a flavorful cut of meat from the lower portion of a pig’s legs They consist of the leg bone surrounded by fat, skin, and a small amount of meat. When cooked properly, pork hocks become meltingly tender and make a delicious addition to soups, stews, beans, and more.

The Instant Pot is the perfect appliance for cooking pork hocks to perfection. The pressurized environment allows the tough connective tissues in the meat to break down rapidly, resulting in succulent, fall-off-the-bone tender pork hocks in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips, guidelines, and recipes to master cooking pork hocks in the Instant Pot for impressive results every time.

Benefits of Using the Instant Pot for Pork Hocks

Here are some of the major advantages to using the Instant Pot instead of conventional slow cooking methods

• Significantly reduced cook time thanks to pressure cooking
• Tender, juicy meat that would otherwise require hours of braising
• Intensified flavors as liquids reduce rapidly within the closed pot
• Ability to achieve meltingly tender pork while still retaining shape and texture
• Convenience of cooking pork hocks from start to finish in one pot
• Versatility to prepare pork hocks in small batches for just a few servings

How to Cook Pork Hocks in an Instant Pot

Follow these simple steps for perfect Instant Pot pork hocks:

• Choose fresh, quality pork hocks and rinse them well. Pat dry.
• Season the pork hocks with salt, pepper, spices, or other flavorings of choice.
• Place the seasoned pork hocks into the Instant Pot insert.
• Add enough liquid to cover pork halfway. This can be broth, stock, wine, etc.
• Secure the lid and set pressure valve to sealing position.
• Pressure cook on high pressure using cook times provided below.
• Allow pressure to release naturally before opening lid.
• Remove pork hocks and shred meat or serve bone-in.

Instant Pot Pork Hocks Cook Time

Pork hocks can vary in size so cooking time should be adjusted accordingly

• Individual or half hocks: 25-35 minutes
• Medium 1-2 pound hocks: 35-45 minutes
• Large 2-3 pound hocks: 45-60 minutes

Always allow the pressure to release naturally after cooking for maximum tenderness. If after cooking the meat seems tough, you can simmer with the lid off for 15-30 minutes until tender.

For even more convenient hands-off cooking, you can cook the pork hocks from frozen using the same cook times. The Instant Pot thaws and cooks them simultaneously.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pork Hocks

• Sear or brown the hocks first for deeper flavor before pressure cooking.
• Choose flavorful braising liquids like wine, broth, or ginger ale.
• Add aromatics such as onion, garlic, herbs for extra flavor.
• Let the pressure release naturally for juicier meat.
• Remove skin and bones then shred meat once fully cooked.
• Thicken excess braising liquid into a sauce.

Recommended Instant Pot Pork Hock Recipes

Simple Soy Sauce Pork Hocks

Ingredients: Pork hocks, soy sauce, garlic, water

Instructions: Marinate pork in soy sauce and garlic for 30 mins. Add to Instant Pot with water and pressure cook 40 mins.

Red Wine Braised Pork Hocks

Ingredients: Pork hocks, carrots, onion, red wine, broth

Instructions: Sear hocks, add veggies and wine, pressure cook 45 mins. Reduce sauce after.

Pork Hocks with Sauerkraut

Ingredients: Pork hocks, sauerkraut, broth, juniper berries

Instructions: Combine in Instant Pot and pressure cook 35 mins. Serve hocks on top of sauerkraut.

With the right amount of time and a flavorful braising liquid, the Instant Pot turns tough pork hocks into a melt-in-your-mouth dinner or addition to soups and beans. Follow the tips above for perfect results every time. Be sure to adjust cook times as needed based on size. In 45 minutes or less, you can enjoy the rich, succulent pork that traditionally requires hours of simmering.