Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps: A Flavor-Packed Modern Classic
A simple dish that pairs savory meat filling with tangy pickled onions and crisp greens.
Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps offer a vibrant fusion of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, all bundled into fresh lettuce leaves. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day spreads, or a fun family dinner, these wraps showcase the versatility and convenience of the Instant Pot while celebrating the irresistible taste of Asian-inspired comfort food.
Related: Best Pork Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and convenient: Using an Instant Pot dramatically shortens the cooking time while delivering fall-apart tender pork.
- Full of flavor: Brown sugar, ginger, five-spice, and tangy sauces infuse every bite with layers of taste.
- Balanced and light: Crisp lettuce and punchy pickled onions brighten the rich, sticky pork, creating a satisfying but not heavy meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to suit spice preference, toppings, and serving style—great for a party or weeknight meal.
Ingredients Overview
This dish is built on a trio of components—succulent pork, pickled onions, and fresh lettuce—with each element playing a critical role in the overall flavor and texture harmony.
| Component | Main Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Rub | Brown sugar, five-spice, ground ginger, garlic powder, mustard, salt, pepper | Infuse pork with aromatic spices and sweetness |
| Pork & Sticky Sauce | Pork shoulder, olive oil, hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, chicken stock, brown sugar, cornstarch | Create tender, richly flavored, sticky pork filling |
| Pickled Onions | Red onion, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, red pepper flakes | Bright, tangy accent to cut the richness |
| For Serving | Bibb/Boston lettuce leaves, sesame seeds, sliced green onions | Provide crisp texture and fresh finish |
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these steps for foolproof Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps.
1. Make the Pickled Onions
- Combine rice vinegar, sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Pour over thinly sliced red onions in a heatproof bowl.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use—make ahead by up to 2 days for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare and Rub the Pork
- Blend brown sugar, five-spice powder, ground ginger, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add boneless pork shoulder, pressing the rub into all surfaces to ensure even coating.
3. Sear the Pork in the Instant Pot
- Set Instant Pot to sauté; add olive oil and butter.
- Sear pork on all sides until deeply browned—about 2 minutes per side. This develops flavor and color.
- Remove the pork and set aside.
4. Build the Sauce and Pressure Cook
- Add chicken stock to the pot. Scrape up any browned bits with a spatula (this deepens the flavor).
- Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Mix until combined.
- Return pork to the pot. Lock the lid, seal the valve, and set to high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
5. Shred and Finish the Pork
- Remove pork to a sheet pan and shred with two forks.
- Switch Instant Pot back to sauté. Stir in remaining brown sugar.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Pour into sauce; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Return shredded pork to the sauce. Mix until sticky and all pieces are coated.
6. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
- Lay out Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves on a platter.
- Fill each leaf generously with sticky pork.
- Top with drained pickled onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately, allowing diners to wrap and enjoy.
Topping Variations and Serving Ideas
- Crunchy Additions: Try shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or fried shallots for added texture.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro, mint, or Thai basil offer herbal brightness.
- Sauces: Drizzle with extra Sriracha, sweet chili, or spicy mayo.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken thighs or tofu for a twist—adjust cook time as needed.
- Wrap Options: Use small romaine leaves, endive, or tortillas if Bibb lettuce isn’t available.
What others are reading
Instant Pot Tips for Perfect Pork
- Searing: Don’t skip the sear—browning the pork intensifies taste and improves texture.
- Natural Release: Allowing the pressure to release gradually results in juicier, more tender pork.
- Sauce Thickness: Cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce quickly. Stir continually to prevent clumping.
- Shredding: Shred when warm for best texture; add back to sauce while hot to maximize stickiness.
Nutrition Highlights
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder | High in protein for satisfying satiety |
| Lettuce Wraps | Low in carbs and calories compared to tortillas or buns |
| Pickled Onions | Vinegar adds brightness and may aid digestion |
| Homemade Sauce | Less sodium and additives than store-bought alternatives |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the pork ahead?
A: Yes. The shredded pork and sticky sauce keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving in lettuce leaves.
Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A: Use a slow cooker on high for 4–5 hours, or braise gently in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 2–3 hours, until tender.
Q: Are there gluten-free options?
A: Replace soy sauce with tamari, choose gluten-free hoisin, and always check labels for packaged ingredients.
Q: Which lettuce is best?
A: Bibb and Boston lettuce offer tender, cup-shaped leaves optimal for wraps. Romaine hearts or large endive are good alternatives.
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the Sriracha in both pork and sauce. Swapping Thai sweet chili sauce for more hoisin further mellows the heat.
Expert Tips for Success
- Advance Planning: Make pickled onions up to 3 days ahead—the flavor deepens over time.
- Browning: Ensure pork is well-browned for maximum caramelization; don’t crowd the pot if doubling the recipe.
- Lettuce Prep: Wash and dry lettuce thoroughly; damp leaves can dilute flavors and cause wraps to tear.
- Serving Style: Set out all components buffet-style for easy, interactive assembly—fun for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
- Include lightly dressed Asian slaw or cucumber salad to offer cooling contrast.
- Provide extra lime wedges for a fresh, citrusy finish.
- Add roasted peanuts or cashews for crunch and flavor depth.
More Inspired Lettuce Wrap Recipes
- Pork Banh Mi Wraps: Marinated pork, pickled vegetables, and Sriracha mayo wrapped in butter lettuce (see The Pioneer Woman’s banh mi lettuce wraps).
- Chicken Thai Lettuce Wraps: Ground chicken, peanut sauce, and herbs served in crisp greens.
- Vegetarian Options: Swap pork for tofu or tempeh marinated in similar sauces.
Storage and Leftovers
- Keep pork and pickled onions separate from lettuce to avoid sogginess.
- Store pork in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Refresh lettuce leaves as needed to serve leftovers.
Chef-Level Variations & Presentation
- Garnish plates: Sprinkle sesame seeds and microgreens for a restaurant-ready finish.
- Make it a bowl: Layer pork over rice or noodles, top with onions and lettuce shreds for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Fusion twist: Add a drizzle of Japanese mayo or a dash of toasted chili oil.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Meets Convenience
The Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe perfectly demonstrates how modern tools and vibrant global flavors can elevate everyday cooking. With minimal prep and bold payoff, these wraps promise to satisfy cravings for Asian comfort food in a lighter, fresher form—all in under an hour. Grab your Instant Pot, gather the ingredients, and discover why this dish is destined to be a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
References
- https://thesecretingredientblog.wordpress.com/2019/10/16/instant-pot-sticky-pork-lettuce-wraps-by-ree-drummond/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35928382/instant-pot-sticky-pork-lettuce-wraps-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32629079/pork-banh-mi-lettuce-wraps-recipe/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/2222844/instant-pot-sticky-pork-lettuce
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g40026230/leftover-pulled-pork-recipes/
Similar Articles
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
