Pork neck bones are an inexpensive, flavorful cut that become incredibly tender and juicy when cooked in an instant pot. The pressure cooking environment penetrates deep into the meat, breaking down collagen and connective tissue in a fraction of the normal time. The result is succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork neck bones smothered in delicious gravy or sauce.
Cooking pork neck bones in an instant pot or other electric pressure cooker couldn’t be easier. With just a few simple ingredients and less than an hour of cook time, you can transform a tough cut of meat into a mouthwatering meal the whole family will love.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best pork neck bones, prep and season them, step-by-step instant pot cooking instructions, and serving suggestions to make the most of this underutilized cut Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Pork Neck Bones
When selecting pork neck bones for instant pot cooking. keep these tips in mind
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Look for meaty bones vs bony ones to maximize the meat-to-bone ratio
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Choose bones that are 1.5 – 2 lbs each to prevent them drying out.
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Pick bones enhanced with a sodium solution for extra moisture and flavor.
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Opt for bones with streaks of fat marbling rather than excess external fat.
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Make sure bones are trimmed of cartilage or debris for easier prep.
Choosing neck bones with these qualities will set you up for tender, juicy results after pressure cooking.
Prepping Pork Neck Bones for the Instant Pot
Before cooking, proper prep ensures the best results:
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Rinse bones under cool water and pat dry.
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Trim any bits of cartilage or large lumps of fat off bones.
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Poke holes or score the meat and skin to allow seasonings to penetrate.
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Generously season all over with spices, herbs, sauces, etc.
Proper prep before pressure cooking is crucial for developing flavor and tenderizing the meat.
Flavor and Seasoning Ideas
One benefit of instant pot cooking is infusing big, bold flavors into the pork neck bones. Some tasty seasoning ideas include:
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Smoky dry rub with brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and cumin
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Spicy dry brine of salt, chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper
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Italian herb blend of rosemary, oregano, basil, and parsley
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Sweet and savory Asian marinade with hoisin, soy, sesame, and ginger
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Zesty wet rub of olive oil, mustard, lemon, and thyme
Get creative with marinades, spice blends, and sauces to make each batch of pork neck bones unique.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Pork Neck Bones
Follow these simple steps for perfect pork neck bones every time:
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Turn instant pot to Sauté setting and heat oil. Brown neck bones on all sides.
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Add aromatics like onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in liquid like broth, wine, or water to cover bones.
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Add herbs and seasonings. Cancel Sauté setting.
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Secure the lid and set valve to Sealing. Select High Pressure and set time.
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Allow natural pressure release, then quick release after 10-15 minutes.
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Carefully remove lid. Bones should be very tender.
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Transfer bones to a plate. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
It only takes a few easy steps to transform a tough cut into succulent boneless pork in under an hour.
Serving Suggestions
Pork neck bones cooked in the instant pot are fall-off-the-bone tender. Here are delicious ways to serve them:
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Over creamy polenta to soak up the rich gravy
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On cheesy grits for a Southern-inspired meal
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Mixed into jambalaya, gumbo, or etouffee
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Over egg noodles or pasta with the gravy as sauce
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Piled high on rolls for Italian pork sandwiches
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Added to soups, stews, beans, or greens for flavor
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Shredded for carnitas tacos or tortas with salsa and cheese
The possibilities are endless! Use your imagination to create extraordinary dishes.
Tips for Instant Pot Pork Neck Bone Perfection
Follow these handy tips for insanely tender, flavorful pork neck bones every time:
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Leave 1⁄2 inch space between bones so steam circulates properly.
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Add an acid like tomato paste, vinegar, or citrus juice to help tenderize.
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Pour in broth, wine, or cider rather than water for better flavor.
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Use natural release to allow time for collagen to fully break down.
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Check doneness after releasing pressure. Meat should shred easily.
Mastering these simple tricks will take your instant pot pork neck bones to the next level!
Recommended Instant Pot Pork Neck Bone Recipes
Here are some of my favorite flavor-packed instant pot pork neck bone recipes to try:
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Pork Neck Bone Stew with Potatoes and Carrots
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Instant Pot BBQ Pork Neck Bones
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Pressure Cooker Pork Neck Bone Chili
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Wine Braised Pork Neck Bones with Mushrooms
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Pork Neck Bone Congee or Jook
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Tomatillo Pork Neck Bone Tacos
The options are endless for turning this inexpensive cut into a mouthwatering family meal using the instant pot.
With its meaty texture and robust flavor, pork neck bones are an amazing – yet underappreciated – ingredient perfect for pressure cooking. In just under an hour, you can transform a tough and bony cut into fall-off-the-bone tender meat swimming in delicious gravy or sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pork neck bones used for?
Pork neck bones are great for making soups, stews, beans, chili, or any braised dish. They add rich, meaty flavor. You can also cook them on their own in gravy or sauce for a hearty meal.
How much meat is on pork neck bones?
There is usually only about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound of meat per pound of bones. Look for bones with the most meat on them when buying. The actual amount of edible meat will vary.
Can you cook frozen pork neck bones in an instant pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen pork neck bones in the instant pot! No need to thaw them first. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
How long should you cook pork neck bones?
In an instant pot, cook for 45-60 minutes on high pressure until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Cook time can vary based on amount and size of bones.
What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?
For thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking. Simmer for 5 minutes until desired consistency is reached.