Yum, Pin, or save this Instant Pot Egg Meatloaf (Cha Trung) recipe because it’s sure to become your favorite. I’ve revamped a classic Vietnamese dish so it can be made using everyone’s favorite electric pressure cooker, the Instant Pot. Wouldn’t you know it, it’s super easy to make and the results are amazing. The hearty Egg Meatloaf is a delicious combination of ground pork, eggs, crab meat, wood ear mushroom, bean thread noodle, fresh ingredients and savory seasonings. Ever wonder how the restaurants get that golden layer on the egg meatloaf? I’ll share the “secret” ingredients and technique to get that beautiful golden color.
Notes on the Instant Pot Egg Meatloaf (Cha Trung) Recipe, Tips and Tricks
What makes this egg meatloaf so wonderful are the abundant ingredients. The wood ear mushrooms, bean thread noodle, and onions balance the pure protein of the ground pork, eggs and crab meat and help to lighten the meatloaf while also adding delicious texture.
This recipe makes a generous 2 1/2 pound meatloaf. I use a 7-cup Pyrex dish to cook the egg meatloaf. Any heat-safe dish, glass or metal, would work well. I also use a steamer rack / trivet so the dish isn’t sitting in the hot water which may cause the egg meatloaf to cook unevenly.
Substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, beef or firm tofu for more tasty options.
Watch the video for instructions.
Instant Pot Egg Meatloaf / Cha Trung
Instant Pot Egg Meatloaf / Cha Trung
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dried wood ear mushrooms
- 1.5 oz bean thread noodle
- 3 green onions
- 1/4 small yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 oz crab meat
- 1 lb ground pork
- 7 large eggs, divided
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp annatto oil
Instructions
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Transfer the wood ear mushrooms and bean thread noodle into separate bowls and cover with hot water. Let soak for 10 minutes.
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Drain the hydrated mushrooms and noodles. Squeeze gently or toss in a colander to remove the excess water.
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Finely chop the mushrooms. Chop the noodles into 1 inch lengths.
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Mince the white portion of the green onions. Chop the green stems. Finely chop the yellow onion. Mince the garlic.
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Transfer the canned crab meat into a small strainer. Using a spatula or spoon, press down on the crab meat to drain the liquid. (Discard the liquid.)
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In a large bowl, add the ground pork, chopped wood ear mushrooms, bean thread noodle, drained crab meat, green onions, yellow onion and garlic. Add 5 whole eggs into the bowl. For the remaining 2 eggs, separate the eggs and transfer just the egg whites into the bowl. Transfer the egg yolks into a separate small bowl and set aside for now.
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Add the fish sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper and vegetable oil.
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Mix everything together combining well. Avoid over-working the mixture as this will make the meatloaf tough.
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Brush vegetable oil on the inside of a 7-cup heat-proof dish. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the dish and spread out evenly.
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Add 2 cups hot water into the pressure cooker. Place the dish on a steamer rack and transfer into the pressure cooker. Close the lid and set the steam release handle to "Sealing".
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Set to cook using High Pressure for 20 minutes. After the cook time is completed, allow for a 10 minute natural pressure release.
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Release any remaining pressure and remove the lid. Press the SAUTE button to start the water boiling again.
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For the remaining 2 egg yolks, add the annatto oil and combine well. Brush the egg yolk mixture on top of the meatloaf, coating it evenly. Partially cover the pot with the lid leaving a gap. Steam cook for 5-6 minutes or until the egg yolks are dry.
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Remove the meatloaf from the pressure cooker. Cut into thick slices or slabs and serve while hot. Enjoy the Instant Pot Egg Meatloaf in a rice plate or sandwich.
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Store any remaining portions in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days.
Recipe Video
Notes, Tips & Tricks
- Substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, beef or firm tofu.
- The 7-cup Pyrex dish fits in both the 6 quart and 8 quart Instant Pots.
- After brushing on the egg yolks, do not cover the pot completely. Leave a gap to let steam escape. Covering completely will turn the egg yolks white and you'll lose the beautiful golden color.
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when I was in Melbrune Sep 19 I tried Viet meat loaf and love it so much. I will try this receipt thksq.
Hello friend,
I’ve made this many times before, the traditional way. And, I had to try your Instant Pot way…and it was a big hit!!!!!! I loved it, and will make it this way from now on. I also made the flan in the Instant Pot, following your directions. Another hit! No holes in the flan, and it was so smooth.
Thank you so much for all your recipes. You’re the greatest!
AM
Hi Anne Marie,
Yeah! So glad to hear you enjoyed these Instant Pot recipes. Gotta love the IP, it makes cooking so easy. Thanks for trying my recipes and sharing your comments.
I tried another Instant Pot version and failed. I tried your recipe and it was a huge hit. Thanks for your easy to make but yet delicious recipes. Yourcrecipes always turn out great.
Hi Kim,
Yeah! I am so happy to hear you were successful with making IP Cha Trung. Thanks for sharing your results with me! 🙂
Hi Trang,
Your baked Egg Meatloaf recipe has been a favorite in our house for so long now. I love the updated recipe for the Instant Pot. I made cha trung for dinner tonight and whole family gives it 2 thumbs up for taste and me for the simplicity. Thank you for awesome recipe!
Hi Trista,
I am so glad you enjoyed my updated recipe. Thanks for trying it and sharing your comments with me! 🙂