Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin (From Frozen!)

Can You Make Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot?

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!

Ingredients You'll Need

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.

Substitutions and Variations

• 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!
• Balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can be added to the cooking liquid along with the soy sauce for even more flavor!

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.

Step By Step Instructions

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!

Tips and Tricks

• 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!