Getting a tender, juicy pork loin on the table used to mean hours of careful cooking and monitoring. Between work, kids’ activities, and life’s daily demands, who has time for that? That’s where the Instant Pot comes to the rescue. This hands-off method lets you cook a satisfying pork loin in a fraction of the time, while still getting those flavors that taste like you’ve been cooking all day.
This Instant Pot pork loin recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays, and it’s pretty much impossible to mess up. Plus, the leftovers make great sandwiches for lunch the next day – if there are any leftovers, that is!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Pork tenderloin can be replaced with chicken breast or turkey tenderloin for those who don’t eat pork. These alternatives have similar cooking times and will absorb the flavors well. Adjust cooking time slightly as poultry may cook faster than pork. Brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol for those watching their sugar intake. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. Chicken stock can be swapped with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or bone broth for added nutrients. The flavor profile will remain similar, and the cooking process won’t change. For those avoiding Worcestershire sauce due to its anchovy content, try using soy sauce or coconut aminos mixed with a touch of vinegar and molasses to achieve a similar umami flavor.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 100-110 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
Ingredients
For the pork:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed well)
- 2 tsp coarse black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1.25-1.5 lb pork tenderloin (trimmed of silverskin)
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
For the sauce:
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (Colgin is my go-to brand)
- 1 cup chicken stock (I use Pacific Foods organic free-range)
- 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Remove the pork tenderloin from the fridge and let it sit in its package at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
This helps the meat cook more evenly.
Afterward, remove the tenderloin from its package, rinse it under cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
Trim any visible fat, then cut the tenderloin into 2 pieces of equal length.
Step 2: Season the Tenderloin
Coat each piece of pork tenderloin with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
In a small dish, combine your choice of dry seasonings and mix them well.
Apply the rub liberally onto the meat, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
Step 3: Sauté the Tenderloin
Set your Instant Pot to Saute mode.
Once it’s hot, add the seasoned tenderloin pieces and brown each side for a couple of minutes to lock in the flavor.
Once all sides are browned, press Cancel and remove the meat to a plate.
Step 4: Prepare the Cooking Liquid
Add chicken stock to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
Then add Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke to the chicken broth, mixing well.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Tenderloin
Place the browned tenderloin pieces directly into the liquid in the pot.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to “sealing.” Pressure cook (manual mode) on high pressure for 3 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the meat to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into pieces about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
After removing the meat, press Cancel on the Instant Pot, then switch to Saute mode once again.
Scoop out 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid into a separate cup and add 2 tablespoons of corn starch.
Mix well until the corn starch is fully dissolved.
Slowly pour this mixture back into the pot.
Once the liquid in the pot starts to boil, press Cancel.
Stir well and the sauce will thicken into a rich, flavorful gravy to serve with the pork.
