Instant Pot Korean Burritos are simple to prepare and a fun twist on takeout. Make Korean BBQ–inspired shredded pork and cilantro-lime brown rice in an Instant Pot or a slow cooker for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Instant Pot Korean Burritos are flavorful, easy, and versatile. The pressure cooker (or slow cooker) does the heavy lifting—just assemble the burritos and enjoy. It’s a great way to change up weeknight meals with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients For This Recipe
- ripe pears (for tenderizing and natural sweetness)
- garlic and fresh ginger
- soy sauce and brown sugar
- chili paste such as Sambal Oelek (optional, for heat)
- sesame oil
- pork spare ribs (can be substituted with beef or chicken)
- brown rice
- fresh cilantro and lime (for the cilantro-lime rice)
- cabbage and chopped salted peanuts for crunch
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full ingredient list.
Why Pear?
Pears contain natural enzymes that help tenderize meat and add gentle sweetness. Asian pears are traditional, but any ripe pear works well—apples can be used as a substitute if needed.
No Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, use a slow cooker on HIGH for 3–5 hours and cook the rice separately on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or in the microwave. The flavors are the same and the method is flexible.
Swap the Protein
This recipe is adaptable: use shredded beef, chicken, or leftover cooked meat. If using pre-cooked leftovers, simmer them briefly with the sauce so they absorb the flavors. Top with your favorite condiments—spicy mayo, kimchi, extra chili paste, or sriracha all work great.
Expert Tips
- Use a slotted spoon when filling tortillas so excess sauce drains away and the burrito doesn’t get soggy.
- You can cook rice before or after the meat. If your pressure cooker only has one inner pot, plan to wash it between uses or cook rice separately.
- Adjust chili paste to taste—start with a tablespoon and offer extra at the table for those who want more heat.
More Easy Dinner Ideas
- Easy Chile Relleno Enchiladas
- Instant Pot Carnitas
- Easy Ramen Noodle Recipe
- Mexican Pizzas
- Instant Pot Frozen Beef Stew
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Instant Pot Korean Burrito
20 minutes
1 hour 40 minutes
2 hours
4 servings
679kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker (slow cooker option: see notes)
- Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 2–3 pears, cut into small pieces (depending on size)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (Sambal Oelek recommended)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound pork spare ribs
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
- 1 cup water
- handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- ¼ cup salted peanuts, finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine pears, garlic, and ginger in a food processor or blender and blend into a thick sauce.
- Add the pear mixture to the Instant Pot with soy sauce, brown sugar, chili paste, and sesame oil; stir to combine.
- Cut the spare ribs into 2–3 large pieces and add to the pot, coating them with the sauce. Seal the lid and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 90 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally before opening.
- Remove ribs to a cutting board, reserving the sauce in the pot. Shred the meat from the bones with tongs and a fork; return the shredded meat to the pot and mix into the sauce.
- In a clean inner pot, combine rinsed rice and water with a pinch of salt. Pressure Cook (High) for 7 minutes, then let natural release for 10 minutes before finishing manual release. Fluff rice and stir in lime zest, 2 tablespoons lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust lime as needed.
- Warm tortillas (cover with a damp paper towel and microwave 30–60 seconds). Assemble each tortilla with a layer of pork, a portion of cilantro-lime rice, cabbage, and chopped peanuts. Roll and serve.
Notes
- Slow cooker option: cook on HIGH for 3–5 hours. Prepare rice separately.
- Customize toppings and sauces: spicy mayo, kimchi, extra chili paste, or sriracha are great additions.
- You can swap pork for beef or chicken, or use leftover cooked meat—simmer with sauce to reheat and infuse flavor.
- If you have leftover takeout rice, use it to make the cilantro-lime rice instead of cooking fresh.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines for your Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Nutrition
Calories: 679 kcal
Nutrition estimates are approximate; verify using your own data if needed.