If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare pork tenderloin, you’re in the right place! Using an Instant Pot is one of the best ways to make tender and juicy pork tenderloin with minimal effort.

This post will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your dinner is a hit. Plus, we’ll share tips and tricks to make it even better!

Try our 2 ingredient recipe for pork tenderloin in the instant pot. See the recipe card below to see how quick and easy it is to prepare with 2 ingredients.  Enjoy fresh BBQ today and have leftovers for a delicious, healthy pork salad. 

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot

Ready to cook a pork tenderloin in the instant pot?  Begin by purchasing a pork tenderloin from the grocery store.  I like to use Hormel Original so that I can add my own seasoning.  I purchased this one from Publix.

Remove the tenderloin from the wrapper and place it on a plate.  Generously sprinkle Duck Commander Phil Robertson’s Original Cajun Seasoning all over the meat and pat it down.  This is my favorite, easy and delicious go-to seasoning that adds a Cajun kick.  You can adjust to your taste by the amount that you sprinkle on to season the food.

Remove the silver pot from your instant pot  and place the trivet that came with your instant pot in the bottom.  Add 2 cups of water and place the seasoned tenderloin on the trivet in the silver pot.  Place the silver pot in your instant pot chamber.

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot

Place the lid with the sealing ring in place on the instant pot.  Set the pressure vent in sealing position on the lid.  See our detailed instructions on How to Cook Using Your Instant Pot.

Select to manually cook for 30 minutes.  This is the perfect cooking time if you want to slice or chop the tenderloin after you cook it. 

Chopped tenderloin makes a great BBQ salad – for now or leftovers.  You might want to add 5 minutes cooking time and let it set for 10 minutes after removing if you plan to shred it.

After the timer counts down and beeps the meat is done.  I like to let the pressure release naturally for about 5 or 10 minutes until the pin falls indicating the pressure has released. 

You can do a quick release by turning the sealing vent from sealing to venting if you are in a hurry.  Be sure to use a tongs or a potholder to shield your fingers from the steam releasing.

Remove the lid and silver pot.  Your tenderloin is ready to cut and serve.

Perfect Side Dishes to Accompany Pork Tenderloin

Collard greens prepared ahead of time and corn casserole go great with this.  Enjoy!

See this recipe on  Christy Jordan’s Meal Plan Monday at Southern Plate.

What is Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is one of the most popular cuts of meat. It’s lean, tender, and full of flavor. This cut cooks quickly and is perfect for weeknight dinners.

You might also hear it referred to as a pork loin roast. While pork chops and chicken breasts are great, pork tenderloin can offer a new taste experience!

Gathering Your Ingredients

Want a more deluxe recipe? You’ll need to gather a handful of basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pork Tenderloin: One or two pieces, depending on how many people you’re serving.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory flavor.
• Onion Powder: Another tasty addition.
• Chili Powder: For a bit of heat.
• Black Pepper: To season.
• Italian Seasoning: For a touch of herbiness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth.
• Balsamic Vinegar or Balsamic Glaze: For a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: To balance the savory notes.
• Cup of Chicken Broth: Keeps the pork moist while cooking.
• Salt: To taste.
• Fresh Garlic: For those who love an extra kick.

You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store!

Preparing the Pork Tenderloin

Step 1: Seasoning

First thing’s first—let’s get your pork tenderloin ready! (If you want only the 2 ingredient recipe see recipe card below.) Take a small bowl and mix together:

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

This mixture will act as a dry rub for the meat. Use a paper towel to pat the pork tenderloin dry, then rub this seasoning mix all over it. This will add flavor and help create a nice crust.

Step 2: Sauté Function

Now, let’s get cooking! Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Pour in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the pot.

Sauté each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until you see browned bits of pork. This adds flavor to the dish and helps prevent a burn notice. Use a wooden spoon to move the pork around if needed.

Step 3: Adding Liquid

Once the pork is nicely browned, add 1 cup of chicken broth (or low sodium chicken broth if you prefer). This is important for pressure cooking, as it creates steam to cook the pork evenly.

Step 4: Pressure Cooking

Close the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Select the high pressure setting and set the cook time for 15 minutes. If you’re using a frozen pork tenderloin, increase the cooking time to about 25 minutes.

What Happens After Cooking?

After the cook time is up, let the Instant Pot do a natural release for about 10 minutes. This means you should let the pressure come down on its own. After 10 minutes, you can carefully switch the valve to “quick release” to let out any remaining pressure.

Using an instant-read thermometer, check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked pork. If it’s not quite there, don’t worry! You can always seal it back up and cook for an extra few minutes.

Step 5: Resting the Pork

Once the pork is done cooking, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This is important because it allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicy pork tenderloin.

Making a Delicious Sauce

While the pork rests, you can make a quick sauce with the cooking juices left in the pot. If you’d like, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Stir it around with a wooden spoon and let it reduce slightly for a few minutes.

Serving Your Pork Tenderloin

Now it’s time to slice the pork! Cut it into thick slices and serve it with your choice of sides. It goes great with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can also pair it with a simple salad for a light meal.

Conclusion

Cooking pork tenderloin in an Instant Pot is truly one of the easiest ways to prepare this delicious cut of meat. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a savory pork dish that your whole family will love. Plus, you can always experiment with different cuts of meat using the same method.

So, next time you’re planning dinner, remember this instant pot pork tenderloin recipe. It’s perfect for dinner parties, busy weeknights, or any time you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Enjoy your cooking adventures!