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Who needs takeout when you can make a rich, flavorful, and satisfying pork lo mein at home in under 30 minutes? This Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is a game-changer—tender pork, perfectly seasoned noodles, and crisp veggies all cooked in one pot for the ultimate easy meal.
Quick, Flavorful, and Made in Just One Pot!
With a savory umami-packed sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish will satisfy your cravings without leaving your kitchen! Plus, no messy stovetop or multiple pans required—just toss everything into your Instant Pot, and dinner is ready in no time!
If you love a quick and easy Chinese-inspired meal, this one’s for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Magic – No need for multiple pots and pans—this is a true weeknight dinner win!
Super Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Better than Takeout – More flavor, healthier ingredients, and no delivery fees!
Instant Pot Perfection – Pressure cooking makes the pork tender and juicy, while the noodles absorb all the delicious sauce.
Easily Customizable – Swap proteins, add more veggies, or make it spicy—this recipe is flexible!
The Secret to the Best Homemade Lo Mein
The secret to restaurant-style pork lo mein at home?
🔹 Perfectly Cooked Noodles – Cooking them under pressure allows them to soak up flavor without getting mushy.
🔹 Savory Umami Sauce – A blend of dark and light soy sauce, hoisin, mirin, and sesame oil makes the flavors pop!
🔹 Crisp, Fresh Vegetables – Stir-frying at the end keeps them vibrant and full of texture.
🔹 One-Pot Simplicity – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You Need 🛒
For the Noodles & Pork:
🍜 8 oz spaghetti (or lo mein noodles) – Spaghetti works great if lo mein noodles aren’t available.
🐖 1 lb center-cut pork (diced) – Use boneless pork chops, tenderloin, or pork shoulder.
💧 2 cups water – To cook the noodles perfectly.
For the Vegetables:
🌶 1 red bell pepper (sliced) – Adds sweetness and crunch.
🥬 1 lb baby bok choy (chopped) – A classic lo mein green that adds freshness.
🥕 2 small carrots (julienned) – Thin strips for a great texture contrast.
🧅 1 yellow onion (sliced) – Mild and slightly sweet.
🧄 4 cloves garlic (minced) – The base of all great flavors!
For the Sauce:
🥢 3 tbsp dark soy sauce – Adds deep color and umami.
🥢 2 tbsp light soy sauce – Brings saltiness and balance.
🍯 1 tbsp hoisin sauce – Adds a touch of sweetness and richness.
🌿 1 tbsp sesame oil – Infuses nutty aroma.
🍶 1 tbsp mirin – Slightly sweet rice wine that brings everything together.
For Cooking & Garnish:
🥄 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola oil) – To sauté the pork and garlic.
🧂 Salt & pepper (optional) – Adjust to taste.
🌱 Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish) – Adds crunch and extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients & Marinate the Pork
- Prep the veggies:
- Slice the onion and red bell pepper.
- Chop the baby bok choy.
- Julienne the carrots.
- Mince the garlic.
- Marinate the pork:
- Dice the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix with ½ of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Stir well and let it sit while you prep everything else.
Why marinate? The soy sauce adds deep flavor, and the sesame oil keeps the pork juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Pork
- Turn on the Instant Pot’s Sauté mode (high setting).
- Add 1 tbsp oil and let it heat up.
- Add the marinated pork and cook until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove the pork and set aside.
Pro Tip: Browning the pork adds depth to the dish and enhances its flavor!
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in 2 cups of water, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any stuck bits.
- Break the spaghetti in half and arrange it in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking.
- Press the noodles down gently so they’re submerged in the liquid (but do NOT stir).
- Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- Once done, immediately perform a quick release and let the noodles sit for an additional 4 minutes before opening.
Why crisscross the noodles? It prevents clumping so the noodles cook evenly!
Step 4: Combine & Stir-Fry
- Open the lid and stir the noodles to separate them.
- Add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin.
- Turn Sauté mode back on (high setting).
- Toss in the bok choy, bell pepper, onions, carrots, and cooked pork.
- Stir-fry for 5–8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your vegetables.
Why stir-fry? This locks in texture and crunch, just like in a restaurant!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve!
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
- Serve hot and fresh—and enjoy your homemade restaurant-quality lo mein!
Grab your chopsticks—it’s time to eat! 🥢🔥
How to Serve Your Lo Mein
🍚 With Extra Protein: Add shrimp, chicken, or beef for a heartier meal.
🥒 With a Side: Serve with cucumber salad or egg rolls.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Drizzle with chili oil or Sriracha for heat!
Make It Your Own!
🐓 Swap Pork for Chicken – Use thin-sliced chicken breast.
🌱 Make it Vegetarian – Replace pork with tofu or mushrooms.
🍜 Extra Sauce? Double the sauce ingredients for a saucier lo mein.
Recommended Kitchen Tools (Amazon Picks!) 🛒
These tools save time, improve efficiency, and make your cooking experience even better! If you love quick, flavorful meals, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) – The Star of the Show!
Skip takeout and make Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein at home with ease! The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 lets you pressure cook tender pork, sauté veggies, and steam noodles all in one pot—cutting down on time and dishes. With customizable Smart Programs, you’ll get restaurant-quality lo mein in minutes. Plus, the stainless steel inner pot ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
High-Quality Chef’s Knife – For Easy Chopping!
For perfectly sliced pork and crisp vegetables in your Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein, a razor-sharp chef’s knife is essential! The KYOKU 8” Chef Knife from the Samurai Series features high-carbon steel for precision slicing, ensuring even cuts for tender, flavorful bites. With an ergonomic Pakkawood handle and razor-sharp 13-15° edge, this knife glides effortlessly through meat, veggies, and noodles.
Cutting Board – A Must-Have for Prep Work!
Prepping ingredients for Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is effortless with the ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bamboo Cutting Board Set. These three durable boards provide the perfect surface for slicing pork, chopping fresh veggies, and prepping noodles. The deep juice grooves prevent messes, while the knife-friendly bamboo keeps your blades sharp. Plus, the built-in handles make ingredient transfer easy.
Tongs – For Stir-Frying and Handling Meat!
Effortlessly toss and serve your Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein with the HOTEC Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs. This set of two (9″ & 12″) gives you full control when mixing noodles, flipping pork, or plating your dish. The silicone tips prevent scratches on cookware, while the locking mechanism makes storage easy. Heat-resistant and durable, these tongs are a must-have for stir-frying and meal prep.
Measuring Spoons & Cups – For Perfect Sauces!
Get the perfect balance of flavors in your Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein with the U-Taste Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set. Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, these durable, rust-resistant cups ensure precise measurements for sauces, marinades, and seasonings. The engraved markings won’t fade, and the color-coded handles make grabbing the right size easy.
Spatula or Silicone Cooking Spoon – For Stir-Frying
Toss and mix your Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein with ease using the di Oro Living Silicone Spatula Set. These heat-resistant (up to 600°F), non-stick-safe spatulas are perfect for stirring sauces, folding noodles, and sautéing veggies. The seamless one-piece design ensures easy cleaning, while the stainless steel core provides durability. A must-have for effortless cooking!
Check this out too: Japanese Soufflé Pancakes – Light, Fluffy, and Delicious!
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Heat in a pan with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Freeze? Not recommended—the noodles may get mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With tender pork, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your lo mein cravings without the need for takeout!
Make it tonight, and you’ll see why this is the best lo mein you’ve ever made at home!
Love Chinese recipes? Check this out: Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp – Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible!
Now It’s Your Turn!
Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out! If you love it, share with family and friends—this dish deserves to be enjoyed! 🥢✨
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Equipment
- Instant Pot (pressure cooker)
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
For the Noodles & Pork:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or lo mein noodles)
- 1 lb center-cut pork, diced
- 2 cups water
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lb baby bok choy, chopped
- 2 small carrots, julienned
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp mirin
For Cooking & Garnish:
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- Salt & pepper (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Ingredients & Marinate the PorkWash and prep the vegetables: slice the onion, red bell pepper, and baby bok choy; julienne the carrots; and mince the garlic.Dice the pork into small pieces and marinate it with ½ of the dark soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir until well coated and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the PorkTurn on the Instant Pot’s Sauté mode (high setting).Add 1 tbsp of oil and allow it to heat up.Add the marinated pork and cook until it turns golden brown, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Step 3: Cook the NoodlesAdd minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.Pour in 2 cups of water, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any stuck bits.Break the spaghetti in half and arrange it in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking. Gently press the noodles down so they are submerged in the liquid. Do not stir.Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.After cooking, immediately perform a quick release and let the noodles sit for an additional 4 minutes before opening the lid.
- Step 4: Combine & Stir-FryStir the noodles, then add the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin. Mix well to evenly coat the noodles.Turn the Sauté mode back on (high setting) and add the sliced bok choy, bell pepper, onions, carrots, and cooked pork.Stir-fry for 5–8 minutes, depending on how crispy you prefer your vegetables.
- Step 5: Garnish & ServeTaste and season with salt and pepper, if needed.Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.