This New Year's Day Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut is so delicious and has only 5 ingredients! Plus it's 21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers friendly!
Hey guys! Did you all have the best holiday?? Or was it basically a dumpster fire and you're ready for the glorious fresh start of a new year? Either way I've got you with an easy, delicious meal (and maybe even some good luck!) to start the new year right 😉
I grew up eating Pork and Sauerkraut for good luck on New Year's Day and never really new why. Apparently pork symbolizes good luck because pigs root forward and cabbage symbolizes longevity and money. I'll take all of that thank you very much.
I like to think of myself as someone who is decidedly not superstitious, but then one year I forgot to buy pork for the pork and sauerkraut for New Year's day and I was practically hyperventilating as if I had ruined not only my whole year, but my entire family's. I had doomed us all!
We went out at the last minute and ended up having to get some kind of pork sausage because ALL of the other pork was gone on New Year's Day at our store. So apparently I'm superstitious AF. It's a little embarrassing, but I know I can be real with you guys. You get me.
Anyway, let's Q&A!
Can I cut this pork and sauerkraut recipe in half?
Yep! Just cut all of the ingredients in half - I've tested it and it worked great!
There's no liquid in this recipe aside from the liquid in the sauerkraut, will it still work?
I've tested this recipe SO many times (in my 6 quart duo, just fyi) to be absolutely sure and it works beautifully! Between the liquid from the sauerkraut and the liquid released from the meat, it ends up being the perfect amount!
Can this easy pork and sauerkraut be frozen?
Yes, it freezes beautifully (in fact I have some in the freezer right now)!
Can I use a different cut of pork?
If you're following the 21 Day Fix eating plan, then no, other cuts of pork aren't on the list. If you aren't, then you definitely can.
Is pork and sauerkraut gluten-free?
It is!
Is sauerkraut 21 Dy Fix approved?
Sauerkraut didn't use to be on the 21 Day Fix list of approved foods, but with the new Ultimate Portion Fix update, it counts as a green! That being said, sauerkraut has crazy sodium, you guys, so water, water, water!!
Is pork and sauerkraut healthy?
This one, made with lean pork tenderloin, is! It's 21 Day Fix approved and each serving is only 2 Weight Watchers Freestyle points!
What goes with pork and sauerkraut?
I love pairing this meal with potatoes, applesauce or mac and cheese!
Can I use homemade sauerkraut?
Sure!
Why do people eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day?
ICYMI up above, it's a German tradition - the pork symbolizes good luck because pigs root forward (so hopefully you'll move forward in your life through the new year) and cabbage symbolizes longevity and prosperity. So make it! Ya know, just in case 😉
Will I get rich if I eat this on New Year's Day?
Um... if you do, please let me know where you got your pork.
Where can I find more easy, healthy Instant Pot recipes that use few ingredients?
Right here! ⇒ 7-Ingredient-or-Less Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes {21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers}
How to make pork and sauerkraut in the Instant Pot:
Serve!
Don't forget to save this Healthy Pork and Sauerkraut recipe to Pinterest!
Just FYI – this recipe has only been tested in the Instant Pot 6 quart duo (which you can check out here! <- affiliate link). If you have an 8 qt, you may need to add more liquid or double the recipe.
Hey, can I ask a quick favor? If you make this Pork and Sauerkraut recipe, please let me know how it went by leaving a star rating (in the recipe card) and commenting! And if you snap a pic, I’d love for you to tag me @thefoodieandthefix on Instagram so I can check it out! I love seeing what recipes you guys are making!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
This delicious pork and sauerkraut recipe is so easy in the Instant Pot! Perfect for New Year's Day!
Ingredients
- 2 - 2 ½ lbs pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed (I like to use a garlic twist, but you can also chop with a knife) - or ground fennel
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (15 oz) cans of sauerkraut, divided
Instructions
- Spray your Instant Pot liner with olive oil cooking spray. Turn on saute function on your pot. Add the pork and the seasonings and stir to coat, searing the pork just long enough to get the seasonings to stick.
- Stir in one of the cans of sauerkraut, lock the lid in place and cook on manual (or pressure cook) for 30 minutes. When cooking is complete, let the pressure naturally release (meaning do nothing until the pressure releases on it's own).
- Drain the liquid from the remaining can of sauerkraut, stir that into the cooked pork and heat through on saute (this takes just a minute or two). Serve!
Notes
21 Day Fix Container Counts per serving: 1 Red, ⅔ Green
Weight Watchers Freestyle Points per serving: 2
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 ⅓ cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 3g
Nutritional information provided is approximate and for informational purposes only.
Fran says
I don't know if I'm suppose to cut the tenderloin up or leave it whole. The time seems long for cut up pork. But the picture shows it cut up.
Johnny says
I am wondering the same thing. Seems like a long time for cut up pieces
Stephanie says
Hi! This is for cut-up pieces (I've changed the recipe card for clarification). I tested this with some very short times, and then this longer time, and the longer time worked best for this recipe.