How to Cook Pork Hocks to Perfection in an Instant Pot

Pork hocks, also known as pork knuckles, are an underrated cut of meat that can make for a delicious and flavorful meal when cooked properly. Pork hocks consist of the ankle joint of the pig’s leg and contain quite a bit of collagen, which breaks down into gelatin when cooked low and slow. This gives pork hocks an incredibly rich and smooth texture.

While traditionally braised or simmered for hours on the stovetop, pork hocks can easily be made in an instant pot or pressure cooker in a fraction of the time. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have fall-off-the-bone tender pork hocks ready in under an hour!

In this article I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook pork hocks perfectly in an instant pot including

• Benefits of cooking pork hocks in an instant pot
• Choosing the right cut of pork hocks
• Instant pot pork hock recipe step-by-step
• Serving suggestions and side dishes
• Storing and reheating leftovers

Why Cook Pork Hocks in an Instant Pot?

Cooking pork hocks in an instant pot has several advantages over traditional stovetop braising methods:

Speed – The pressurized environment of the instant pot allows the pork hocks to become tender in a fraction of the normal cooking time, usually in under an hour. Stovetop braising can take upwards of 2-3 hours.

Convenience – With an instant pot you simply add your ingredients set it, and let it do the work with minimal monitoring needed. The instant pot also conveniently switches to a keep warm setting when done cooking.

Flavor – The closed environment concentrates and infuses the pork hocks with flavor from spices, aromatics, and cooking liquid.

Collagen breakdown – The high heat and pressure help break down collagen extremely effectively for fork-tender meat

Easy cleanup – With only one pot to clean up, using the instant pot saves you time and hassle compared to dirtying multiple pots and pans.

Choosing the Right Pork Hocks

Look for pork hocks that are meaty with a good amount of fat and skin still attached. The skin provides gelatin when cooked and the fat keeps the meat moist and flavorful. Pork hocks can sometimes be split into a lower and upper hock – the meatier lower hock works best.

For optimal flavor and tenderness, choose fresh hocks rather than pre-cooked. Hocks are often sold skin-on or skinless. Skin-on will provide more unctuous, luscious texture.

Pork hocks weigh around 1 to 1.5 lbs each. Plan on 12 oz of meat per person if serving as a main course.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Pork Hocks Recipe

This straightforward instant pot pork hocks recipe results in incredibly succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat in a savory braising liquid.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork hocks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth or stock
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Water or additional broth as needed

Instructions:

1. Rinse pork hocks and pat dry with paper towels. Use a knife to score the skin and fat cap in a crosshatch pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. This will allow the seasonings and braising liquid to better penetrate the meat.
2. Press “Saute” on instant pot and add a tablespoon of oil. Brown pork hocks for 3-5 minutes per side until well browned. Remove and set aside.
3. To the pot, add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Saute for 2 minutes until onions are translucent.
4. Add soy sauce, vinegar, broth, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to dissolve any browned bits from pot bottom.
5. Nestle pork hocks into liquid and add enough water or broth until hocks are about 2/3 covered.
6. Secure lid and ensure valve is set to sealing position. Pressure cook on high for 45 minutes.
7. Once cooking completes, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick pressure release.
8. Carefully remove hocks and transfer to a plate. Set cooking liquid aside.
9. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones and shred or chop meat.
10. Return shredded pork to cooking liquid and keep warm until ready to serve.
11. Serve pork hocks over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes with braising liquid spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

The rich, unctuous braising liquid makes a perfect gravy for the succulent pork. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce slightly. The flavor improves even more overnight, so consider making it 1-2 days in advance.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Beyond just a main course, instant pot pork hocks make fantastic additions to soups, stews, and greens. And the leftover meat has so many uses! Here are some tasty ways to serve up succulent instant pot pork hocks:

• Over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes
• In tacos, tamales, or tortas
• On sandwiches or pizza
• Added to beans, soups, or stews
• Chopped into salads
• With roast vegetables or in a hash
• In dumplings, egg rolls, or wontons
• Simmered in vegetable greens like collards or mustard greens

Some classic side dishes that pair excellently with pork hocks include:

• Buttery mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower
• Egg noodles or spaetzle
• Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets
• Coleslaw, potato salad, or cucumber salad
• Skillet corn bread or buttermilk biscuits

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the bonuses of cooking pork hocks in an instant pot is leftovers! Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

• Allow pork hocks to cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers or resealable freezer bags.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 4-6 months.
• The braising liquid can be frozen as well for making soups or stews later on.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent drying out.
• For best results, reheat in the instant pot on manual high pressure for 5 minutes plus natural release. The meat will reheat evenly and absorb more flavor.
• Crisp up leftover shredded meat in a skillet or air fryer before serving in tacos or sandwiches.

With this handy guide, you’ll be ready to start enjoying incredibly tender, succulent pork hocks straight from your instant pot any night of the week. The options for serving are endless, so get creative with seasonings, sides, and leftovers. Just be warned – once you realize how easy and delicious instant pot pork hocks can be, you may find yourself craving them again and again!