Pork Tenderloin

15+ Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipes for Fast Dinners

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I still remember the evening I burned the toast and nearly missed a soccer pickup because I was trying to coax a frozen pork roast into behaving on the stove. After that I began keeping a lean pork tenderloin in the freezer and the Instant Pot on the counter. It became a small ritual to pull out one tenderloin, flip through a quick recipe, and know dinner would be on the table fast. That is where 11 Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipes for Fast Dinners really earned its place in my kitchen rotation.

1. Garlic Herb Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the kind of everyday dinner that feels comforting and thoughtful without a lot of fuss. The garlic and fresh herbs give the tenderloin a homey flavor that pleases kids and grown ups alike. Cook it when you want something simple for weeknight family dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter

How to Make It:

  1. Pat the pork dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to saute and brown the pork on all sides about 3 minutes total then remove.
  3. Add minced garlic to the inner pot and stir for 30 seconds, then pour in chicken broth to deglaze.
  4. Return the pork to the pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
  5. Let the pressure naturally release for 8 minutes then quick release any remaining pressure.
  6. Remove pork, rest 5 minutes, slice and finish with a pat of butter over the warm slices.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the broth for a gentle tang.

Serving Idea: Serve with buttered green beans and warm dinner rolls.

2. Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

Sticky, sweet, and garlicky is a combination people come back to. This recipe is fast enough for a Tuesday yet pretty enough to bring to a casual dinner with friends. It caramelizes slightly when you broil the sliced pork for a minute.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1.25 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water for thickening

How to Make It:

  1. Brown the pork in the Instant Pot on saute with oil, about 3 minutes, then remove.
  2. Combine garlic, honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and rice vinegar in the inner pot.
  3. Return pork to pot, seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  4. Allow a natural release for 7 minutes then quick release.
  5. Remove pork and tent with foil to rest.
  6. Set Instant Pot to saute, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until sauce thickens, spoon over sliced pork.

Swap This With That: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor profile.

Serving Idea: Pair with steamed jasmine rice and steamed broccoli.

3. Maple Mustard Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

A bright blend of sweet maple and sharp mustard cuts through the richness of pork in a friendly, grown up way. It is a great option when you want dinner to feel a little special but still quick.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

  1. Rub pork with salt and pepper and brown in the Instant Pot with olive oil for about 3 minutes total.
  2. Whisk maple syrup, mustard, chicken broth, and vinegar in the pot.
  3. Return pork, seal lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
  4. Let the pressure release naturally for 8 minutes then quick release.
  5. Remove pork, slice and spoon sauce over the top.

Best Pairings: Roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potato.

Personal Note: I like to make extra sauce and reserve some for sandwiches the next day.

4. Asian Soy Ginger Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe brings warm ginger and umami soy flavors that are brightened with a touch of rice vinegar. It is a fast route to an Asian inspired weeknight meal that pairs well with quick sides.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1.25 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

How to Make It:

  1. Sear the pork on all sides in the Instant Pot using sesame oil then remove.
  2. Add ginger and garlic, saute briefly, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar and water.
  3. Return pork, seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  4. Allow a 7 minutes natural release, then quick release remaining pressure.
  5. Remove pork to rest and thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry on saute until glossy.
  6. Slice pork and drizzle with sauce.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to the finished sauce for extra aroma.

Swap This With That: Use tamari for a gluten free version.

5. Balsamic Fig Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

The sweet and tangy balsamic with figs makes pork taste slightly decadent while still being quick to prepare. It is lovely for a date night at home or when you want a weekend dinner without fuss.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1.25 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dried figs chopped
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make It:

  1. Brown the pork in the Instant Pot with olive oil then remove.
  2. Add chopped figs, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar and thyme to the pot.
  3. Return pork, seal lid and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.
  4. Let the pressure naturally release for 7 minutes then quick release.
  5. Remove pork and simmer the sauce on saute until figs soften and sauce reduces.
  6. Slice pork and spoon fig balsamic over the top.

Serving Idea: Serve with creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles.

Personal Note: I often use leftover fig sauce on toasted bread the next morning.

6. Smoky BBQ Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

If you want barbecue flavor without firing up the grill this is the weeknight shortcut. The tenderloin picks up a smoky sweet sauce that everyone recognizes and eats quickly.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1.25 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make It:

  1. Season and brown pork in the Instant Pot with oil, then remove.
  2. Stir together barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in the pot.
  3. Return pork, seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  4. Allow a 6 minutes natural release then quick release the remainder.
  5. Remove pork and spoon sauce over sliced pork or broil briefly to caramelize.

Meal Prep Tip: Shred leftover pork and store in sauce for sandwiches or tacos during the week.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use a store brand barbecue sauce to keep costs down without losing flavor.

7. Apple Cider Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

Apple and pork are a classic pairing and this version uses cider to bring a bright, autumnal note without extra work. It is ideal when you want seasonal comfort that is still quick.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh sage

How to Make It:

  1. Brown the pork in the Instant Pot with olive oil then remove.
  2. Add apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, salt and pepper to the pot and stir.
  3. Return pork, seal and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
  4. Let pressure release naturally for 8 minutes then quick release.
  5. Remove pork to rest and simmer sauce until slightly reduced, stir in fresh sage.
  6. Slice pork and spoon cider reduction on top.

Best Pairings: Roasted carrots and a simple green salad.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not overcook the pork in the pressure cooker or it will dry out; aim for the recommended times and allow a rest.

8. Creamy Mushroom Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

A buttery, savory mushroom sauce turns the tenderloin into a gentle dinner that is both elegant and approachable. It is a nice change when you want a creamy element without heavy labor.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1.25 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

  1. Brown the pork in the Instant Pot with butter then remove.
  2. Add mushrooms and garlic to the pot and saute until softened.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Return pork, seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Natural release for 7 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
  6. Remove pork and stir heavy cream and Dijon into the mushroom liquid, simmer until slightly thickened then serve over sliced pork.

Swap This With That: Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Meal Prep Tip: Store leftover pork and sauce together in an airtight container for easy reheating.

9. Cajun Spiced Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

Bold spices make this version lively and satisfying. It is a great choice when you want to add a little heat and character to a fast dinner without long prep.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges

How to Make It:

  1. Rub pork with Cajun seasoning and salt, then brown in Instant Pot with oil for about 3 minutes.
  2. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pot.
  3. Return pork, seal and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
  4. Allow a 7 minutes natural release then quick release.
  5. Remove pork, rest 5 minutes, then slice and finish with a pat of butter and a squeeze of lemon.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper smoky notes.

Serving Idea: Serve with corn on the cob and a wedge of lemon.

10. Lemon Rosemary Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright lemon and aromatic rosemary create a fresh, Mediterranean style pork that feels light and clean. It is great for spring dinners or when you want something that pairs well with green salads.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1.25 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

  1. Rub pork with olive oil, lemon zest, rosemary, salt and pepper, then brown in the Instant Pot.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pot.
  3. Return pork, seal and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
  4. Allow a 7 minutes natural release then quick release the remainder.
  5. Remove pork and rest 5 minutes, slice and spoon pan juices over slices.

Best Pairings: Serve with lemon roasted potatoes and a crisp arugula salad.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not skip deglazing after browning or the pot may trigger a burn warning.

11. Hoisin Pineapple Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet pineapple and sticky hoisin deliver a playful sweet and savory dinner that feels like takeout without the extra sodium. It is quick to make and bright enough for warmer evenings.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1.25 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make It:

  1. Brown the pork in the Instant Pot with oil then remove.
  2. Stir hoisin sauce, pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, soy sauce and ginger into the pot.
  3. Return pork, seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  4. Allow a 7 minutes natural release then quick release.
  5. Remove pork and reduce sauce on saute if needed, slice and spoon sauce and pineapple over the pork.

Meal Prep Tip: Chop leftover pork and toss with sauce for quick grain bowls during the week.

Serving Idea: Serve with a simple cabbage slaw and steamed rice.

FAQ

Can I cook a frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot?

Yes you can cook frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot. Add a couple of extra minutes of pressure cooking time and allow a longer natural release. Always check internal temperature before slicing.

What internal temperature should pork tenderloin reach?

Cook pork tenderloin to an internal temperature of 145 F and then let it rest 3 to 5 minutes for safe, juicy results.

How thin should I slice the pork for serving?

Slice pork into 1/2 inch medallions for a nice balance of tenderness and presentation. Thinner slices are fine for sandwiches.

How do I avoid overcooked dry pork in the Instant Pot?

Use the recommended short pressure times and allow a natural release when possible. Resting the meat after cooking helps the juices redistribute.

Conclusion

Pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is one of those reliable weeknight tools that feels like a small kitchen victory. These 11 recipes offer a range of flavors from bright and herby to sweet and sticky, all designed to get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing taste. Try one that speaks to your mood, keep a few staple ingredients on hand, and let the pressure cooker take the heavy lifting. You will likely find a few favorites that become as habitual as that saved frozen tenderloin in your freezer.

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