Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

If you’re looking for a pressure-cooker pork tenderloin recipe, this instant pot pork tenderloin rules. The best part is that you need only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time. Dinner is served!

This is also super healthy as pork tenderloin is a very lean meat. And if you swap out the soy sauce for tamari then the gluten-free eaters in your family can also enjoy. Cooking a pork tenderloin in a pressure cooker is a good choice whether you consider your instant pot a BFF in the kitchen or you’re itching to try out this new gadget.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

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• Brown Sugar: Be sure to pack the brown sugar tight when measuring so there are no air pockets.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is a concentrated vinegar that’s dark in color and comes from Modena, Italy.
• Rosemary: This recipe works best if you use fresh rosemary, as opposed to a spice jar of dried rosemary.
• Garlic: A garlic clove removed from a fresh garlic bulb works wonders here.
• Soy Sauce: Using the less-sodium version of soy sauce won’t alter the recipe at all. This Chinese fermented condiment features soybeans and roasted grain while also adding umami to the recipe.
• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is always best, as it’s the least processed. Olive oil alone is an ideal cooking oil as it easily handles high temperatures.
• Pork Tenderloin: Considered a lean meat—and a long, thin cut—pork tenderloin is moist and tender.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a crucial ingredient in this recipe because when mixed with water for the final step, it thickens the sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Create the vinegar mixture

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In a small bowl, whisk the brown sugar, water, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, garlic and soy sauce. Set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the pork

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In a 6-quart electric pressure cooker, choose either the sauté or browning setting and adjust the temperature to medium heat. Add the and olive oil. Once the oil is hot, brown the pork in batches. When the pork is done cooking, press cancel and return all of the pork and vinegar mixture to the pressure cooker.

Editor’s Tip: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce substitute we highly recommend. The key difference in this Japanese condiment is that it’s less salty and born out of soybeans, water and salt, and also has fewer additives.

Step 3: Cook the pork

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After you’ve locked the lid on the pressure cooker and closed the pressure-release valve, adjust to high for 20 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally. Then, remove the pork to a serving platter.

Step 4: Thicken the vinegar mixture

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Using a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons of water and stir this into the pressure cooker. Select the sauté setting and adjust to low heat. Simmer the vinegar mixture, stirring occasionally until thickened. This will take between three and five minutes. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the pork and sprinkle with fresh rosemary.

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Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Variations

• Sweeten it with brown sugar: Adding 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the vinegar mixture sweetens the recipe.
• Add a balsamic glaze: Appealing to paleo and gluten-free dieters, a maple balsamic glaze—which is part of our maple-balsamic glaze recipe—drizzled over the cooked pork as your last step is a crowd pleaser.

How to Store Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry about storing them for another night’s dinner. As long as they are kept in an air-tight container or resealable freezer bag, it’s all good.

Can you freeze Instant Pot pork tenderloin?

Generally speaking, if you reheat the frozen instant pot pork tenderloin within six months it should still taste good and remain fresh.

How long does Instant Pot pork tenderloin last?

If stored in the fridge in an airtight container you should eat it within three to four days.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

You could certainly cook the pork ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and then resume the recipe with Step 4.

How do you reheat Instant Pot pork tenderloin?

Zapping it in the microwave for 30 minutes on a medium-high setting or reheating it on the stovetop will work. The stovetop is a better option to ensure it’s heated all the way through.

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Tips

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What are some good sides to serve with Instant Pot pork tenderloin?

From cheese smashed potatoes to Eddie’s favorite fiesta corn, we pulled together our 100 favorite vegetable side dishes into this handy guide.

Can I use frozen pork?

Yes, absolutely! Placing it in the center of the instant pot ensures it’s cooked evenly through. You may also need more cooking time.

How do I spice this recipe up?

As is, this recipe is not spicy at all and appeals to all kinds of palates. But if you do want to add heat, we recommend taking a cue from our spicy pork tenderloin recipe that folds in chili pepper, ginger and thyme.