Best Instant Pot Vegan Hawaiian Recipes for Easy Meals

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Craving a tropical getaway but stuck at home? These best Instant Pot vegan Hawaiian recipes bring the vibrant flavors of the islands straight to your kitchen in a quick, easy, and 100% plant-based way.

Combining the sweetness of pineapple, the savoriness of soy sauce, and the punch of fresh ginger and garlic, these dishes are bursting with aloha spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, these recipes will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.

The Instant Pot makes cooking these dishes a breeze, locking in flavors and cutting down cooking time without sacrificing any deliciousness. Plus, these recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend feast.

Ready to bring a little island magic to your table? Let’s dive into these tropical delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan Hawaiian recipes are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that capture the essence of island cuisine. Using the Instant Pot helps to infuse every bite with concentrated taste while saving you time in the kitchen.

Benefits include:

  • Quick and easy preparation – perfect for busy lifestyles.
  • Plant-based and nutritious – great for vegans and anyone wanting healthy meals.
  • Versatile recipes – can be served as main courses or sides.
  • Flavorful – the perfect balance of pineapple sweetness and umami from soy sauce.

Plus, they’re an excellent way to explore vegan cooking without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor or texture. Your Instant Pot will become your new best friend in creating these tropical delights!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 can (14 oz) young green jackfruit, drained and shredded
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice and 1 ½ cups of water to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid, set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 4 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Fluff rice with a fork and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Prepare jackfruit: While aromatics cook, shred the canned jackfruit with your hands or forks, removing any seeds or tough core pieces. Add jackfruit to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with aromatics.
  4. Mix sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the jackfruit in the Instant Pot.
  5. Add pineapple and pepper: Stir in the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Mix everything well to coat evenly with the sauce.
  6. Pressure cook the jackfruit: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 8 minutes. When done, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Final touches: Open the lid carefully and stir the jackfruit mixture. If you want a thicker sauce, turn on “Sauté” mode and cook for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve: Spoon the jackfruit mixture over the cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

“For extra texture, try adding diced water chestnuts or chopped macadamia nuts for crunch!”

  • Jackfruit substitute: If jackfruit isn’t available, shredded king oyster mushrooms make a great alternative for a meaty texture.
  • Sweetness level: Adjust the maple syrup or agave to your taste. For a tangier twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
  • Spice it up: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce if you love heat.
  • Make it a bowl: Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb or protein boost.
  • Meal prep: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for meal prepping.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 7 g
Carbohydrates 58 g
Fat 5 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 14 g (natural from pineapple and syrup)
Sodium 450 mg (can be reduced with low sodium soy sauce)

Serving Suggestions

These vegan Hawaiian dishes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Serve with a side of Kansas City Coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
  • Pair with steamed edamame or roasted sweet potatoes for extra nutrients.
  • Add a refreshing drink like a tropical smoothie or iced hibiscus tea to complement the flavors.
  • Turn it into a wrap by stuffing the jackfruit mixture into warm tortillas with fresh spinach and avocado.
  • For a fun fusion twist, try topping it on a Maui Zaui Pizza for a vegan Hawaiian pizza experience.

More Delicious Vegan Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy these flavorful vegan options:

Conclusion

Bringing vibrant, tropical flavors into your home cooking has never been easier or more satisfying than with these Instant Pot vegan Hawaiian recipes. They combine the best of island-inspired ingredients with the convenience and speed of modern cooking technology, making them perfect for any day of the week.

The balance of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and tender jackfruit creates a delightful harmony that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, these recipes offer a delicious and nutritious alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Plus, using the Instant Pot means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Give these recipes a try, and don’t forget to explore other vegan delights like Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or a sweet treat like Marzipan Challah Recipe to complete your culinary adventure!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Instant Pot Vegan Hawaiian Recipe

Description: A flavorful and easy-to-make vegan Hawaiian dish using jackfruit and tropical ingredients. Perfectly cooked in the Instant Pot for a quick and delicious meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups young green jackfruit, drained and shredded
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Add shredded jackfruit, bell pepper, pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and ginger.
  4. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  6. Quick release the pressure and open the lid carefully.
  7. Stir the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot with rice or your favorite side.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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