Instant Pot Tonjiru Recipe

This Tonjiru recipe is my go-to comfort food because it perfectly balances savory and umami flavors, making it a soul-warming dish on any chilly day. Plus, the Instant Pot simplicity means I get a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, leaving more time for my favorite Netflix binges.

I love making Tonjiru in the Instant Pot because it’s such a nourishing and hearty soup. It features a juicily tender pork belly and a medley of sliced vegetables like daikon radish and carrot, which are cooked to the perfect texture—that is, not too crunchy and not too mushy—in the broth.

And what a broth! It’s dashi, the Japanese broth made from umami-rich ingredients.

This kind of broth takes Misoshiru (miso soup) to another level.

Ingredients

• Pork Belly: Rich in flavor and protein; adds depth and heartiness to the soup.
• Daikon Radish: Low-calorie; high in vitamin C, adds mild sweetness and a crisp bite.
• Miso Paste: Fermented; packed with probiotics, adds umami and a savory depth.
• Konnyaku: Low in calories; high in fiber, provides unique chewy texture and absorbs flavors.
• Dashi Broth: Traditional Japanese stock; enhances umami, forms the flavorful base of the soup.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb (450 g) pork belly, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 daikon radish, peeled and sliced
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 block konnyaku, sliced
• 4 cups (950 ml) dashi broth
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sake
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Configure the Instant Pot to the sauté setting; pour in the vegetable oil. After it has heated, introduce the pork belly strips and allow them to sear until they’ve taken on a brown tone. Then, extract the pork belly and set it to rest momentarily.

2. In the same pot, place the sliced onion, carrots, daikon, potato, and konnyaku. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

3. Put the pork belly back into the Instant Pot. Add the dashi broth and sake, and mix them with the pork and vegetables.

4. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot for 10 minutes on high pressure.

5. After the timer goes off, let your Instapot do a natural release for about 10 minutes. The remaining pressure can then be released by carefully using the quick release method.

6. Open the lid with care. In a separate small bowl, combine the miso paste with a little of the hot broth from the pot and thoroughly mix. Pour the mixture back into the soup.

7. Include the soy sauce, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to “sauté” mode. This time, however, do not add any oil to the pot. Instead, just as you would do if it were a slow cooker, use the “sauté” mode to warm the pot back up so that it doesn’t cool down too much during the incorporation of the miso.

9. Spoon the Tonjiru into dishes and top with a sprinkle of sliced green onions.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, hearty Tonjiru.

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Wooden or silicone spatula
3. Tongs
4. Measuring spoons
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Small bowl
8. Ladle
9. Serving dishes

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pork?A: Yes, you can utilize pork shoulder or leg; however, you may need to alter the cooking time, as these cuts might be leaner and require longer to reach the desired tenderness.
• Q: Can I make this without pork for a vegetarian version?A: “Definitely. Substitute tofu for the pork, or just add more vegetables to the recipe. Use veggie broth instead of dashi, and you’ve got a great vegetarian dish!”
• Q: Is there a substitute for konnyaku?If konnyaku is unavailable, you can omit it or substitute it with firm tofu, which has a similar texture.
• Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?A: Indeed, you can keep Tonjiru in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. As it sits, its flavors will intensify.
• Q: How do I adjust the spice level?A. Increase the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of shichimi togarashi.
• Q: Can miso paste be substituted?A: You can use a blend of white and red miso, or just use one type of miso, for a different flavor. Adjust to taste.

Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Instead of this, you can use sesame oil for a substantially nutty flavor, or olive oil for a far lighter taste.
1 potato, peeled and cubed: Use sweet potato or taros in their place for a different texture and flavor.
1/2 block shredded konnyaku: Substitute with firm tofu for a soft texture. Shiitake mushrooms are a nice substitute if you’re looking for a boost in umami flavor.
4 cups (950 ml) dashi broth: If dashi is unavailable, chicken broth or a vegetarian broth can be used.
Two tablespoons of miso paste. For a milder flavor, use white miso. For a soy-free option, use chickpea miso.

Pro Tips

1. Miso Integration: When incorporating the miso paste, ensure it is fully dissolved by mixing it with a small amount of hot broth until smooth before adding it back to the pot. This prevents clumping and ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the soup.