Instant pot pork and sauerkraut is a really easy recipe to make. It’s just a handful of ingredients and your pork roast will be fork tender. Sweet apple with pork and sauerkraut is such a fantastic flavor combo.
This is great served over mashed potatoes or with just a side of green beans. I’ve been known to serve it with small whole potatoes on the side. I started out adding an apple chopped into the instant pot to balance out the acidic flavors of sauerkraut and that made it even better. This is the best recipe for pork and sauerkraut in your pressure cooker and it is alot faster than cooking in a dutch oven.
Why Do People Eat Pork and Sauerkraut on New Year’ s Day?
Pork and sauerkraut is a great recipe and it’s really popular on New Year’s. The Germans believe for generations that it brings good luck and riches. Apparently, they wish their friends and family as many riches as there are strands of sauerkraut.
Another German recipe of mine that you might want to try is my Smoked Bratwurst. It is a delicious change on standard Bratwurst. If you like sausages you’ll love that recipe too. I usually make them and just serve them on a bun but they are great with sauerkraut too.
The reason I love this recipe is that instead of using a slow cooker and waiting all day for it to be ready it can be made in a fraction of the time in the pressure cooker. This recipe is so easy that I would recommend it to anyone that got a new Instant pot during the holidays to make this their first recipe.
Jump to:
- Why Do People Eat Pork and Sauerkraut on New Year’ s Day?
- Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
- What Type of Pork to Use for Pork and Sauerkraut
- How to Make Pork & Sauerkraut in Instant Pot
- How Long to Cook Pork and Sauerkraut in the Instant Pot
- Substitutions
- Other Recipes to Enjoy
- Equipment
- Storage
- Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
The ingredients in this recipe are of course pork and sauerkraut along with some pantry staples. This is one of the easiest pork and sauerkraut recipes you’ll make that you will love the most.
What Type of Pork to Use for Pork and Sauerkraut
When I make instapot pork and sauerkraut I like to use pork shoulder butt roast. It has more fat than tenderloin and the end result for the pork is much more tender with this cut of meat.
- Pork Shoulder Butt Roast (Pork Loin Roast can also be used.)
- Bag of Sauerkraut ( Canned can also be used)
- Chicken Broth
- Apple ( I used a Honey Crisp)
- Diced Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Brown Sugar
- Caraway Seeds (These are optional)
Jump to recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Pork & Sauerkraut in Instant Pot
I will walk you step by step through the method I used to create this recipe. It is straightforward and I will make it simple to follow.
Step 1 – Season and Brown the Pork Roast
Season the pork roast with salt and pepper on both sides. The liberal here with the seasoning. We are going to sear this roast up well and get some color on it. This is an important step to create great flavor.
Note: If the roast is too big for the Instant Pot it can be cut into a few large chunks before browning.
Press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot and set it to the “More” setting for the highest heat. When the screen reads “HOT” we are ready to sear.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoon oil to the inner liner of the pressure cooker. I used avocado oil but any oil can be used. Give oil a few seconds to heat up.
Add pork roast to Instant Pot and sear for 5 to 8 minutes per side until you see color on the roast. If you are doing a big roast that was cut in pieces you may need to sear in 2 batches. If that’s the case that’s fine. It will all be cooked together in the next step.
Do not try to move the roast while it is searing. This is key to getting good color on the meat. After several minutes and turning the roast your roast should be seared nicely. Remove the roast and set aside.
Step 2 – Deglaze
If you don’t know what the term “Deglaze” means don’t let it scare you. Do you see all that stuff on the bottom of the liner of the Instant Pot that looks burned on? That is called “Fond” in cooking terms and it is a fancy word for FLAVOR.
Deglazing is the process of getting that off the bottom and into our food. It is and easy process. We are going to add the broth to the bottom of the pressure cooker while scraping with a wooden spoon and all of that is going to come off the bottom into the liquid.
Add the chicken stock and scrape with a wooden spoon to get all the bits from the bottom. Once you have done that move on to the next step. Press “Cancel” on the pressure cooker to stop saute mode
Step 3 – Pressure Cook the Pork and Sauerkraut
It is now time to pressure cook the pork and sauerkraut. Add the roast back to the pressure cooker along with the sauerkraut on top. Add the diced onions and apples.
Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the sauerkraut, apple, and onion. If you are adding the caraway seeds sprinkle those evenly as well.
Place the lid securely on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the “Seal” position. Press the “Manual Pressure” button on your pressure cooker until it is on the “High Pressure: setting.
How Long to Cook Pork and Sauerkraut in the Instant Pot
Set the timer of the Instant Pot for the Pork & Sauerkraut. I cooked 4 pound pork roast for 1 hour. The calculation is 15 minutes per pound if using Pork Butt. 20 Minutes per pound if using pork loin roast.
Once cooking time is complete DO NOT RELEASE THE PRESSURE. This is the key to really tender pork. Let the pressure cooker do a NATURAL RELEASE of pressure. This will give you the best results.
Substitutions
- Canned Sauerkraut – canned sauerkraut can be used also. I have also used sauerkraut that comes in a jar.
- Apple Juice – Apple juice can be used in the broth to give an even sweeter profile to the pork and sauerkraut recipe.
Other Recipes to Enjoy
Pellet Smoker Bratwurst
Air Fryer Italian Sausage
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Equipment
If you do not have an Instant Pot or Foodi or some kind of pressure cooker I am going to link to some that I like, and some cooking essentiaIs I find useful. These are affiliate links I do get a small commission for these but it is at NO COST to you. I appreciate the support.
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Ninja Foodi XL 8 Qt. Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot 100 PCS Pressure Cooker Accessories Set
Instant Pot Official Silicone Steamer Basket
ThermoPro Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
Just in case you are looking for an air fryer I have the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL.
Storage
When it comes to the storage of pork and sauerkraut I like to store the two items separately. I’m not really a fan of sauerkraut kind of fermenting around my pork leftovers. This may be me but it’s just my recommendation. I just store each one and it’s on container and it will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 4-5 Pound Pork Butt Roast
- 1 24 oz. Bag of Sauerkraut I used Silver Floss Brand
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth I used Better than Bullion Organic Chicken Base
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar I used the light one
- 1 tsp. Caraway Seeds Optional
- 1 Whole Apple Peeled and Diced
- 1 Whole Medium Onion Diced
Instructions
- Salt and Pepper Pork Butt liberally coating on all sides.
- Turn Instant Pot on saute mode HIGH SETTING. Wait for screen to say “hot.” Add 1 Tablespoon Oil of choice to liner.
- Place roast in Instant Pot and sear until it has got some nice color. About 5 minutes per side.
- Place Sauerkraut and caraway seeds,Onion into Instant Pot. Place diced apple and brown sugar on top of Sauerkraut.
- Place lid onto pressure cooker and turn valve to the SEAL position.
- Pressure cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes per pound. Let pressure cooker do a Natural Release when cooking is completed.
- Makes about 4-5 servings
christina m gaffney
this is one of my favorite meals, i, on occasion, add radishes in (whole) while cooking and for a real special treat i also do chunked sweet potatoes so healthy and delicious This is also good in my opinion with chicken just thought I’d share some of our ways to change it up because we eat it more than once a yar we enjoy it that much and yes the apples are delicious and i’ve also had some very hard pears that i wanted to use so guess where they went? yes, and i enjoyed it but i really do love pears.
I really enjoy your dinner corner, thank hou very much for sharing
Matt
You are very welcome. I like that you make changes and try different things.
Matty.
Matt
You are very welcome. So glad that you enjoy it. Happy New Year.
Joe
Does this make a gravy?
Matt
There is actual liquid that can be spooned over the pork at the end but I would not call it actual “gravy”
Matty
ces
When printing the recipe, it cut off the apple and the onion.
I don’t see where to add the broth so threw it in with everything.
It’s in the pot – hoping it will be a favorite!
Matt
hmm wonder whey print is doing that. Well, you did the right thing.
Matty.
Denis Spelman
Can I use frozen pork? Increase cooking time?
Matt
You could use frozen pork loin but you are going to have to skip the initial sear which adds flavor. Also yes cooking time would increase since you are going to have to add the pork in one piece instead of big chunks.
Matty
Judy
My dinner was delicious! I used Instapot, a pork sirloin roast, 3.5 lbs, balance of your ingredients and PC’d for 65 min with Natural Release….. Your recipe is a keeper!. Thank you!
Matt
I am so glad that you enjoyed it….Happy NEW Year.
Matty.
Melissa
? Do you drain and/or rinse the sauerkraut? Can you sub the apple juice for the chicken broth or just put it in as an additionall liquid?
Matt
Sorry for the late reply. I forgot to hit send. I am sure that you could use apple juice. THere is quite a bit of fat in pork shoulder to balance the flavor. As far as rinsing the sauerkraut it is a personal choice. If you do rinse it will be a bit less acidic. Hope that helps. Happy New Year.
Nina
It turned out delicious Thanks
Matt
I am so glad that you enjoyed it.
Matty.
Keith
Best Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe Ever, So Easy
Matt
I love pork and sauerkraut. I’m glad you enjoy it as well. The instant pot makes it so easy.
Matty.
Marti
Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut!!! Love it and have saved your site. I am not a good cook but this was easy and I didn’t use brown sugar because I am diabetic. It was nicely sweet with the chopped apple. Finally a tender pork recipe I can make!
So happy.
Matt
Yay! I am so glad to hear your success. I am glad you enjoyed it. I make this a couple times a year at least. It’s not just for New Years. Thanks for the nice comment.
Matty.
Cassy
How would I need to change recipe if I am using boneless pork chops? Thank you and I am looking forward to trying it. Best, Cassy
Matt
I don’t recommend replacing pork shoulder with pork chops.
Dorothy Larson
What is the best way to reheat this the day after. I need to make it New Year’s eve and travel with it on the 1st
Matt
The best way to reheat pork and sauerkraut is on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the oven at a low temperature covered with foil to prevent drying out, as this method gently heats the dish while preserving its moisture and flavor; avoid overheating in the microwave as it can dry out the meat and sauerkraut
Hope that helps.
Matty.