Braising Instant Pot Pork Shoulder Steak for Super Soft, Tender Meat
Your pressure cooker is ideal for turning pork shoulder steaks into some of the most tender meat you’ll ever eat. With a few simple ingredients and a quick method, you can have a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish ready in under 30 minutes. Ready to cook? Follow along in the bistro kitchen.
What You Need For This Recipe
Gather the following ingredients before you start. The amounts and full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Pork shoulder steaks – choose well-marbled cuts so the fat renders and keeps the meat juicy
- Sweet soy sauce
- Onion – regular or sweet white onion works well
- Vinegar – helps tenderize the meat
- Seasoning – five-spice is recommended, but use your favorite blend
- Hot sauce (optional) – Sriracha or another hot sauce for a spicy kick; omit if you prefer mild
- Garlic – fresh, minced
- Olive oil – for searing
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Water

How To Make Instant Pot Pork Shoulder Steak
- Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and let it heat up.
- Add the olive oil to the hot pot.
- Sear the pork shoulder steaks on both sides until nicely browned.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then scatter them over the steaks.
- Pour the sweet soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), vinegar, and water over the meat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
- Cancel Sauté, close the lid, and select Manual or Pressure Cook. Set the timer for 15 minutes.
- When cooking finishes, let the Instant Pot natural release for at least 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Open the pot and serve the pork shoulder steaks hot.

Pressure Cooker Pork Shoulder Steak Recipe
Pork can dry out if overcooked, especially lean cuts, but pork shoulder is richly marbled. As it braises, the fat melts and infuses the meat with flavor, keeping it juicy and tender. The pressure and steam inside an Instant Pot speed up this process and deliver consistently soft results.
You can serve the steaks whole or shred the cooked meat for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls. Adjust seasonings to suit your preferred flavor profile.

Can You Make Pork Shoulder Steak Ahead?
Yes. Braised pork often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Cook the steaks, cool them, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when ready to serve so the meat stays moist.

How To Store Pork Steak
Leftovers keep well when stored properly:
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Freezer – For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Pork Shoulder Steak
Reheat gently to retain moisture:
- Instant Pot – Use Keep Warm, or add about 1/4 cup water and pressure cook for 4 minutes to warm through.
- Skillet – Add the meat and a splash of water or broth to a skillet or Dutch oven. Warm over low heat, covered, until heated through (5–10 minutes).
Can You Overcook Pork Shoulder In An Instant Pot?
Yes, it is possible to overcook pork shoulder. Overcooking can dry the meat or, if undercooked, leave it tough. Following the recommended time and allowing a brief natural release helps ensure the steak finishes tender and moist.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Pork Shoulder Steaks?
Braising in a pressure cooker is the best approach for pork shoulder steaks. Start by using the Sauté function to brown the meat, then add liquid and switch to Pressure Cook. This method produces tender, flavorful results quickly.
More Pork Recipes To Try
If you enjoy pork shoulder steak, consider exploring other pork recipes such as pulled pork, slow-cooked pork chops, pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot, air-fryer pork ribs, and pork chops with mushroom sauce.

Instant Pot Pork Shoulder Steak
Prep Time: 10 minutes /
Cook Time: 15 minutes /
Total Time: 30 minutes
This recipe yields soft, moist, and tender pork shoulder steaks cooked in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pork shoulder steaks
- 4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4–1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Select Sauté on your Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
- Sear steaks on both sides until browned.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then place them over the steaks.
- Drizzle with sweet soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), vinegar, and water. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cancel Sauté, close the lid, and select Manual or Pressure Cook for 15 minutes.
- Allow a natural release for at least 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 343 • Total Fat: 21g • Saturated Fat: 6g • Unsaturated Fat: 13g • Cholesterol: 81mg • Sodium: 899mg • Carbohydrates: 14g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 12g • Protein: 23g
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and for guidance only.