Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Juicy Perfect Wellplated Com

Follow up advice: do not skip the gravy. If by some act of the universe you mess up the Instant Pot pork tenderloin (which you will not if you follow this pressure cooker recipe), the easy gravy (which you cook in the Instant Pot while the pork rests) will cover your tracks. Rich and intensely savory with a touch of tangy sweetness from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and the pork’s own juices, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful. Shortly after college, pork tenderloin was one of the first “grown up” meals I cooked for an “adult” dinner party I was hosting (meaning we drank wine that came in bottles with twist-off tops, instead of in a box). I had no idea that you can overcook pork tenderloin easily—pork tenderloin is very lean so, unlike fattier cuts like pork shoulder, it doesn’t become more tender the longer it cooks. I also didn’t own a meat thermometer (the best way to tell if pork tenderloin is done and make sure you don’t overcook it), so that wasn’t auspicious for our pork’s tender future either. That night ended in pizza. Oops. Fortunately, my friends are all good sports. Even more fortunately, I now have this Instant Pot pork tenderloin to rely on! Despite our rocky start, pork tenderloin is one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook both for dinner parties and for easy weeknight dinners.

Pork tenderloin is lean, healthy, and a refreshing change of pace from Instant Pot Chicken and Baked Chicken Breast.It’s relatively inexpensive, yet it still feels festive. This Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, for example, is fit for special occasions and holidays.It is super versatile! Because pork tenderloin is mild, you can flavor it with a wide range of spices, sauces, and rubs.

The biggest hazard to pork tenderloin is overcooking, one of the many reasons I love making pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot. (Or if you’re a grilling aficionado, Grilled Pork Tenderloin is fabulous too!)

How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot

Pork tenderloins vary in size. While they are usually between 1 ½ and 2 pounds, they can be as small as 1 pound.

If your tenderloin weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds. Set your Instant Pot for 3 minutes (the pressure will take about 10 minutes to build, then the timer will start). When the timer is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 12 minutes.If your tenderloin weighs 1.25 pounds or less. Reduce the pressure cook time to 1 minute, followed by the same 12 minutes of natural release.

The biggest mistake when making pork tenderloin is overcooking.

Use an instant read thermometer to gauge when your pork is done.Err on the side of less versus more cooking time. You can always cook the pork longer if needed, but once it is overdone, there is no going back.Let carryover cooking be your friend. Pork is considered safe to eat at 145 degrees F. I like to remove mine when the pork reaches 135 to 140 degrees F, then let the carryover cooking finish the rest.Speaking of rest—meat needs to rest after cooking to allow the juices to reincorporate into the meat. If you cut it early, you’ll lose that beautiful moisture.

How to Cook the Best Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

As with much of cooking, the secret to this recipe’s success (in addition to NOT overcooking the pork—hopefully you are seeing the emphasis here) is in building layers of flavor. For Instant Pot pork tenderloin, that means an easy garlic herb rub, pan searing the outside of the tenderloin in the Instant Pot prior to pressure cooking, and finishing off the recipe with an easy honey Dijon gravy.

The Ingredients

Pork Tenderloin. A lean, boneless cut of meat, pork tenderloin is delicious and tender. It has a very mild flavor, so it’s perfectly suited for spice rubs and sauces (like the smoky rub on this Baked Pork Tenderloin). Plus, it’s rich in protein and vitamins.

Spice Mixture. A mixture of garlic powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper gives the pork an exceptional flavor. Chicken Broth. Helps deglaze the pot and builds the foundation for our gravy sauce. Soy Sauce. For rich umami flavor. Use low sodium soy sauce so the sauce doesn’t become too salty. Honey or Maple Syrup. Either honey or maple syrup will add the perfect amount of natural sweetness and pair nicely with the herbs and spices in the pork rub. Dijon Mustard. A tangy and delicious complement to the pork.Cornstarch Slurry. The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the gravy sauce to luscious, flavorful perfection.

The Directions

What to Serve with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Potatoes. Instant Pot pork tenderloin and potatoes would be delicious! Try Instant Pot pork tenderloin with these Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes in Oven. Crock Pot Baked Potatoes or Oven Baked Potatoes would also be tasty. Salad. Apple Walnut Salad and pork tenderloin would be a perfect match. Veggies. Pair this recipe with a healthy side like Roasted Asparagus or Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, or Baked Carrots.

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F. In a pinch, the pork can also be reheated in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze pork in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Instant Pot. One of my most-used kitchen appliances. Instant Read Thermometer. The easiest way to ensure your meat is cooked through. Measuring Spoons. This set is perfect for measuring spices.

Whether it’s your first time cooking pork tenderloin or you’re an old pro, this honey garlic pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a mini triumph. Successful dinners (with or without boxed wine) ahead! Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.