Instant Pot Frozen Pork Tenderloin
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is a reliable, flavorful weeknight meal that I turn to when time is tight but quality can’t be compromised. I’ve perfected this recipe through plenty of testing, and it lets you cook pork tenderloin straight from frozen, delivering tender, juicy results every time. It’s a trusted go-to for busy cooks who want delicious meals without the stress or hassle, backed by my hands-on experience and real-life kitchen success.
An underrated protein source, pork makes for delicious meals and is extremely versatile. For example, you can make pork chops, pulled pork, pork loin roast, or one of the other many cuts of pork. However, pork tenderloin is my go-to!
Tenderloin can be easy to overcook in the oven or on the stove. Not with the Instant Pot, though. That's why insta pot pork tenderloin is the way to go!
Serve this instapot pork tenderloin with amazing side dishes like Greek pasta salad with penne pasta, creamy Instant Pot asparagus risotto, sweet baked brown sugar carrots, or my favorite Italian stuffed mushrooms!
Jump to:
- What is a Pork Tenderloin?
- Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot Ingredients
- How to Make Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot
- Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot Variations
- Tips For Making Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot
- How should I serve this pressure cooker pork tenderloin?
- How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Instant Pot Recipes
- More From Lynn's Way Of Life
- 📖 Recipe
What is a Pork Tenderloin?
The pork tenderloin is a cut of meat that comes from the back part of a pig. Tenderloins typically weigh a little over a pound and are long and cylindrical in shape.
Pork tenderloin is lean enough to be compared to chicken breasts. As a result, they're easy to overcook, which is why pressuring cooking is a great option! The steam helps prevent the meat from drying out, keeping it tender and juicy.
Be careful not to confuse pork tenderloin with pork loin, which is a slightly fattier cut of meat. Wider and fatter, pork loins are sold in two to three-pound packages.
Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot Ingredients
You only need six simple ingredients to make a tender and juicy Instant Pot pork loin!
- Pork tenderloin. We are using a two-pound loin or two one-pound packages.
- Chicken broth. This will create the steam for the Instant Pot. You can use low-sodium chicken broth from the store, or you can make homemade chicken broth. Or, use vegetable stock or water if preferred.
- Soy sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce or regular soy sauce can be used.
- Honey. If you don't have honey on hand, maple syrup or brown sugar can be used instead.
- Garlic powder. Feel free to add more or less to taste, and include salt and pepper as desired, too.
- Cornstarch. This will thicken the sauce at the bottom of the pot once the pork is done cooking.
See printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot
Step 1: Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder to the Instant Pot. Mix to combine.
Step 2: Place the trivet insert into the Instant Pot, and place the frozen pork tenderloin on the trivet.
Step 3: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, and make sure the knob is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and the cook time to 25 minutes.
Step 4: Let the Instant Pot natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After the natural release is done, quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot, and let it rest on a cutting board.
Step 5: In the meantime, remove 1 cup of cooking liquid from the Instant Pot, and place it in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch, and mix well to dissolve.
Step 6: Add the cornstarch slurry back to the Instant Pot and mix well. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function, and let the gravy thicken.
Step 7: Slice the pork tenderloin, and top with the gravy in the pot. Serve and enjoy!
Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot Variations
Balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can be added to the cooking liquid along with the soy sauce for even more flavor!
To brown the pork tenderloin first, add olive oil to the bottom of the pot before adding any liquid. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook on all sides until brown. Be sure to scrape up those browned bits when making the gravy!
Tips For Making Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot
- If your pork tenderloin is not frozen, cook it on high pressure for 3 minutes, and natural release for 15 minutes.
- The Instant Pot will take 5-10 minutes to come up to pressure.
- The internal temperature of the pork should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can easily check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Use your favorite spice rub if that is what your family loves! If you are using one with black pepper and chili powder, I would change up the gravy as those flavors will likely clash. We love making pork and sauerkraut too when we are in the mood for pork!
How should I serve this pressure cooker pork tenderloin?
Serve this juicy pork over Instant Pot white rice, Instant Pot brown rice, Instant Pot Mexican rice, or with Instant Pot sweet potatoes.
How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, add a little bit of vegetable oil or olive oil to a pan, and sauté over medium heat for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, except the cornstarch. Let the slow cooker cook on high for 4 hour or low for 8 hours. After the cooking time is up, make the cornstarch slurry and let the cooking liquid thicken for another 45 minutes.
Overcooking pork tenderloin is the most common reason for it to turn out tough. If not using frozen meat, feel free to sear it in a bit of oil before cooking. This can help lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Feel free to create a spice rub by combining Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and onion powder for more flavor. Or, include balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the cooking liquid along with the soy sauce.
More Instant Pot Recipes
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More From Lynn's Way Of Life
Yes! This is one of those set it and forget it kind of meals. Add the frozen tenderloin and other ingredients to the Instant Pot, set the cooking time, and wait for the magic to happen!
You can double or triple this easy pork tenderloin recipe and use the pork for a fresh salad, sandwiches, or stir-fry's!
The sauce is full of delicious flavors, once thickened it acts as the perfect gravy! Serve this pork loin with Swedish Mustard Dill sauce too!
📖 Recipe
Frozen Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork Tenderloin From Frozen
- 2 cups Chicken Broth Low Sodium
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce
- ½ cup Honey
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder to the Instant Pot. Mix well until fully combined.
- Place the trivet insert into the Instant Pot and remove the frozen pork tenderloin from the package and place it on the trivet. If it does not fit, cut it to fit in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the knob is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and the cook time to 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, let the Instant Pot natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After the natural release is done, quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot and let it rest on a cutting board.
- Take out 1 cup of cooking liquid and place it in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch and mix well until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch slurry back to the Instant Pot and mix well. Turn the Instant Pot on sauté function and let the gravy thicken.
- Slice the pork tenderloin and top with gravy. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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- If the pork is not frozen, cook it on high for 3 minutes, and natural release for 15 minutes.
- The Instant Pot will take 5-10 minutes to come up to pressure.
- To make the sauce silky smooth, run the gravy through a fine mesh strainer.
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- The internal temperature of the pork should be 145 degrees f. You can easily check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
What about cutting the blue silver lining on the tenderloin if it’s fro zen?
I made this recipe last night and it was delicious! The pork was melt in your mouth, and the gravy was really tasty. Will be saving this recipe for future!
Making it for my first time tonight!!!
Love the flavor I added a dash of hot and spicy Manuka honey