“`html
If you’re craving a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tender in a flash, this Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe is your go-to solution. It’s juicy, packed with that irresistible honey garlic glaze, and made effortlessly in the Instant Pot so you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a fast favorite for busy weeknights and special dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or bringing a beautiful glossy finish to the dish.
- Pork tenderloin: The star of the show, tender and lean, perfect for quick cooking in the Instant Pot.
- Salt & pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- Olive oil: For searing the pork to get a flavorful crust and lock in juices.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture to the pot and a subtle savory depth.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Delivers that aromatic punch that makes this dish sing.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami richness and balances the sweetness.
- Fresh grated ginger: Provides a gentle warmth and complexity.
- Honey: Sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the sauce.
- Cornstarch + cold water slurry: Thickens the sauce into a silky glaze that coats every bite perfectly.
How to Make Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork tenderloin to keep the flavor clean and the texture perfect. Give it a good seasoning of salt and pepper so the natural flavors come alive as it cooks. If your tenderloin is on the longer side, cutting it into two pieces helps it fit snugly in the Instant Pot for even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
Set your Instant Pot to sauté and heat up the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the pork pieces and sear each side for about three minutes. This step is critical—it locks in juiciness and creates that beautiful golden crust which adds both flavor and texture to the finished dish. Don’t rush this part; if the pork sticks, give it a bit more time to develop that sear before flipping.
Step 3: Deglaze and Pressure Cook
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are flavor gold. Nestle the pork back into the pot, seal the lid, and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for just one minute—the Instant Pot will do its magic fast because of that initial sear.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the pork cooks, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, and honey in a small bowl. This mixture is going to transform the pork into a sweet, savory marvel with plenty of aromatic richness.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
When the cooking timer finishes, don’t rush to open the lid! Allow your Instant Pot to rest for 10 minutes; this natural pressure release helps the pork continue cooking gently and ensures it’s perfectly tender with just a hint of pink in the center.
Step 6: Rest and Thicken Sauce
Once the wait is over, take out the pork and let it rest for five minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, giving you moist, melt-in-your-mouth slices. Leave the chicken broth in the pot and stir in the honey garlic sauce along with the cornstarch slurry. Set your Instant Pot to sauté again and watch as the sauce thickens beautifully into a luscious glaze.
Step 7: Slice and Coat
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions, then return them to the pot, tossing gently so each piece is bathed in that heavenly honey garlic sauce. If you prefer your pork a little less pink, simply let the slices simmer in the sauce for a couple more minutes to reach your desired doneness.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a touch of brightness and contrast to this rich dish. Consider sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A few toasted sesame seeds can also give an extra nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.
Side Dishes
This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving with sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, which provide a lovely textural contrast and a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, consider plating sliced pork over a bed of buttery garlic noodles or nestled alongside a vibrant medley of roasted root vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce over everything and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—instantly elevating this homey meal to a feast worth celebrating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pork stays juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork tenderloin with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to keep the sauce and pork together to lock in moisture and flavor, so your meal tastes just as amazing when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the tenderness of the pork while warming the sauce to that signature glossy finish. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork tenderloin is ideal because it cooks quickly and stays tender, you could try pork loin or pork chops. Keep in mind that cooking times might need adjustment, and they may not be quite as tender.
Is it necessary to sear the pork before pressure cooking?
Searing is highly recommended because it seals in juices, adds depth of flavor, and creates those irresistible browned bits that enrich your sauce during deglazing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising on that savory umami flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger adds warmth and brightness, but if you’re in a pinch, a pinch of ground ginger can work. Use about one-quarter teaspoon ground ginger as a substitute.
How can I tell when the pork is perfectly cooked?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F. It might have a slight pink hue in the center, which is safe and results in a juicy tenderloin. Resting the meat after cooking helps finish the process evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe is a hands-down winner for anyone who wants a flavorful, juicy, and fuss-free meal. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with sweet and savory flavors, and versatile enough to serve with endless sides and garnishes. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your cooking routine—it’s that good!
“`
Print
Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin recipe cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This dish combines juicy pork medallions with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, enhanced by fresh ginger and soy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Trim off excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Season it generously with salt and pepper. If the tenderloin is long, cut it into two pieces to fit comfortably inside the Instant Pot.
- Sear the Pork: Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the pork and sear each side for about 3 minutes, forming a flavorful crust. If the pork sticks, allow it to cook a little longer until it releases easily. Remove the pork and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Return the pork to the pot, close the lid, and seal the valve. Set to high pressure for 1 minute.
- Mix the Sauce: While the pork cooks, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, and honey in a small bowl.
- Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This rest time lets the pork finish cooking to medium-well and stay juicy.
- Rest the Pork: Remove the pork and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Leave the broth inside the pot.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the prepared sauce mixture along with the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to the broth in the Instant Pot. Turn on sauté mode and cook until the sauce thickens, about a few minutes.
- Coat & Serve: Slice the pork into medallions and return to the pot to coat with the thickened sauce. If the pork is undercooked for your preference, simmer the sliced pork in the sauce for a few more minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cutting the pork into two pieces ensures it fits easily into the Instant Pot for even cooking.
- Searing the pork not only locks in juices but also adds depth of flavor through caramelization.
- The natural pressure release is essential to avoid overcooking and to achieve a tender, medium-well doneness.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
