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
Scale
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.
