Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Skip the takeout and let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting with this bold and savory Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. It tastes just like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant with juicy pieces of pork, tender spaghetti, and crisp veggies that are all tossed in a rich, umami sauce, ready for the whole family to enjoy in less than 30 minutes!
Love recreating Chinese takeout at home? You’ll also want to try our Orange Chicken, a sweet-and-savory classic with a citrusy kick that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried broccoli. Soon, your kitchen will feel like the best takeout spot in town—minus the delivery fee!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS INSTANT POT PORK LO MEIN
- It's an easy one-pot recipe that'll take you under 30 minutes to whip up as a hearty meal for the family.
- The flavors are so incredible in this dish, you'll never want to buy Chinese Lo Mein takeout again!
- This recipe is loved by adults and kids alike. It's versatility means that you can easily swap out ingredients for those you prefer the most or for dietary requirements.
The best part about this recipe? It all comes together in one pot, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family or just craving something comforting, this pork lo mein is a go-to that never disappoints!
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Pasta – I've used spaghetti, but you could use egg noodles for a more traditional version. You do not need to cook the spaghetti separately as they will be cooked in the Instant Pot with the rest of the ingredients, adding extra flavor to the pasta.
- Pork – Center pork is great for this dish. Make sure to cut it into uniform sizes so that all the pieces cook evenly.
- Water
- Veggies – An assortment of red bell pepper, baby Bok choy, small carrots, yellow onion, and garlic cloves.
- Soy sauce – I've used both dark and light soy sauce. Chinese dishes are incomplete without the sharp soy sauce flavor.
- Hoisin sauce – Another classic ingredient used to create depth of flavor.
- Sesame oil – Olive oil and avocado oil are good alternatives as well.
- Mirin – This is a Japanese red wine used in cooking and adds a sweet and sharp taste to the lo mein.
- Oil – Go ahead and use an oil of your choice, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Salt and pepper – These seasonings are optional.
- Sesame seeds – Also optional, but a lovely addition when serving the lo mein.
NO INSTANT POT? NO PROBLEM!
Don't let the fact that you don't have an Instant Pot be the reason for not making this mouth-watering Chinese dish! Here is how you can make pork lo mein on the stove:
- Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until just tender and al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cut the pork into uniform pieces and marinate with half of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil and mix until well combined.
- Prepare your vegetables, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the garlic until it is fragrant and golden.
- Add pork and stir-fry until browned and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add the veggies and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Return the cooked pork to the pan. Add the noodles and sauce. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle it with green onions and sesame seeds and serve hot!
MORE TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE PERFECT LO MEIN
- You can add shrimp, tofu, or other cooked meat to the recipe to make it even more wholesome and filling.
- Pour any excess sauce over the noodles, in the end, to keep them moist.
- This instant pot lo mein recipe is versatile, so you can add seasonings, and sauces according to your liking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as snow peas, mushrooms, cabbage, and broccoli.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Instant Pot pork Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheat: Reheat your leftovers in the microwave or a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
- Freezer: I don't recommend freezing leftover pork lo mein as the freezing might change the texture of the noodles. If you do decide to freeze this dish, store it in an airtight container or Zip-lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed above.
MORE CHINESE-INSPIRED RECIPES
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 8 Oz spaghetti
- 1 lbs. center pork
- 2 cups water
- 1 red Bell pepper
- 1 lbs. baby Bok choy
- 2 small carrots
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Mirin
- 1 tbsp Oil of your choice vegetable oil, canola oil
- 1 tbsp Salt optional
- 1 tbsp Pepper optional
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Start by washing your produce.1 red Bell pepper, 1 lbs. baby Bok choy, 2 small carrots
- Cut the pork in small dice and marinate with half of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil and mix until well combined.1 lbs. center pork, 3 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- Turn on the Sauté setting on high on the Instant Pot. Add 1 tbsp of oil of your choice and let the oil get hot. Add the pork to the pot and let it sauté until it’s golden brown on the outside. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.1 tbsp Oil of your choice, 1 lbs. center pork
- Slice your onions, Bok choy, carrots and red bell pepper and mince your garlic. Set aside.1 red Bell pepper, 1 lbs. baby Bok choy, 2 small carrots, 1 yellow onion, 4 cloves of garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the instant pot and let it get golden-brown for about 30 seconds.
- Add the water to the instant pot and deglaze the bottom by scraping it clean with a spatula.2 cups water
- Break the spaghetti in half and put them down in a crisscross pattern. This will help prevent sticking to each other. Do not stir the noodles after you’ve created the pattern. Gently push the spaghetti down, so it is under the liquid.8 Oz spaghetti
- Close the Instant Pot with the lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- Once the 4 minutes have passed, immediately release the natural pressure release valve, and let it rest for an additional 4 minutes.
- After those 4 minutes, open the pot and stir the noodles around. Add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, mirin to the noodles and stir until combined well.3 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp Light soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp Mirin, 1 tbsp Salt, 1 tbsp Pepper
- Then turn on the sauté setting on high and add the sliced Bok choy, red bell pepper, onions, carrots, and pork to the pot and stir often for about 5-8 minutes. (Depending on how crispy you like your vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, and season to your liking.1 tbsp Sesame seeds
- Enjoy while hot!
Notes
- A 6‑quart pot was used for testing. In an 8‑quart, bump water to 2½ cups to avoid a burn warning.
- Criss‑crossing broken spaghetti really prevents clumps—resist the urge to stir!
- Deglaze thoroughly. Even tiny browned bits can trigger the burn message.
- Prefer softer veggies? Sauté them before pressure cooking, set aside, then stir back in at the very end to reheat.
- Add ½ tsp white pepper and a pinch of red‑pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle kick.
- Finish with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil after cooking for extra aroma.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions or a dash of chili crisp for restaurant vibes.
RECIPE FAQs
IS LO MEIN THE SAME AS CHOW MEIN?
Although both are egg noodles, lo mein noodles are traditionally stirred and tossed in sauce, while chow mein consists of fried noodles. The secret lies in how both the noodles are prepared.
CAN I USE EGG NOODLES INSTEAD OF SPAGHETTI?
Absolutely! Egg noodles are the traditional choice of noodles for this dish. I've used spaghetti, but you could also consider Hakka noodles or instant noodles.
IS HOME-COOKED LO MEIN HEALTHIER THAN TAKEOUT?
You bet! This recipe uses less oil and sodium compared to the takeout version. Plus, you always have the option of adding more vegetables or making healthier ingredient swaps to suit your dietary preferences.
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