Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is juicy, tender and coated in a lightly sweet, buttery honey-mustard sauce that feels both comforting and elevated. Pressure cooking keeps the pork moist while building big flavor fast, making this a reliable pork tenderloin recipe for busy nights.
This is a go-to for easy weeknight dinners, family meals, or anytime you want a delicious dinner without hovering over the stove. It also works beautifully for casual entertaining when you want something impressive that doesn't require a lot of hands-on time.
For more quick dinners, check out our Instant Pot Mac and Cheese and our Pork Carnitas.
This recipe relies on a short ingredient list that builds flavor directly in the Instant Pot.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Pork Tenderloin: A lean but tender cut of meat that cooks quickly and stays juicy under pressure.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flavorful base while sautéing.
- Honey: Brings gentle sweetness that balances the savory mustard and broth.
- Grainy Dijon Mustard: Adds texture and sharpness for a more complex sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides smooth, tangy depth that blends easily into the sauce.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the pork evenly.
- Chicken Stock: Creates steam for pressure cooking and forms the base of the sauce.
To make this recipe easier, you'll need your Instant Pot and measuring cups and spoons.
- Maple Mustard Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly deeper, warmer sweetness.
- Garlic Forward: Add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for a more savory finish.
- BBQ Twist: Stir a little BBQ sauce into the cooking liquid for a smoky-sweet variation.
- Frozen Pork Tenderloin: Cook straight from frozen by increasing cook time slightly and ensuring proper internal temperature.
- Spice Boost: Add chili powder or black pepper for subtle heat.
Check out how quick and easy it was to make this easy recipe.
Rub tenderloin with honey, mustard and sprinkle with salt.
Melt butter in the Instant Pot on the sauté feature, then brown the meat for about 3 minutes per side then transfer to a plate.
Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pot and scrape up brown bits, then shut off Instant Pot.
Put a trivet in, then place the tenderloin on top. Turn on HIGH or MANUAL (depending on your machine) and cook for 5 minute with a 10 minute natural release time.
Ensure the pork is cooked to 145F, then allow it to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes.
If desired, remove trivet and thicken sauce on the sauté feature.
Hint: Letting the pork rest at room temperature briefly before cooking helps it brown more evenly.
- Sauté First: Browning the pork creates a beautiful crust and adds flavor to the sauce.
- Deglaze the Pot: Scraping up the little bits on the bottom prevents a burn notice and builds flavor.
- Check the Thickest Part: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the correct internal temperature (pork can be a little pink).
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pork to rest so the juices redistribute for the juiciest slices.
Another favourite that we love to make on repeat is our Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced pork with sauce or individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little broth to keep it moist.
Use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part; it should reach a safe internal temperature while still slightly pink inside.
Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?Pork loin is a thicker cut and requires a longer cooking time, so it's not a direct swap for this recipe.
What if my sauce is too thin?You can thicken it easily using a cornstarch slurry on the sauté setting after pressure cooking.
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Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 1/2 stick butter unsalted
- 1.5 pound pork tenderloin
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup broth low sodium
Instructions
- Rub tenderloin with honey, mustard and sprinkle with salt.
- Melt butter in the Instant Pot on the sauté feature, then brown the meat for about 3 minutes per side then transfer to a plate.
- Pour chicken broth to the bottom of the pot and scrape up brown bits, then shut off Instant Pot.
- Put a trivet in, then place the tenderloin on top. Turn on HIGH or MANUAL (depending on your machine) and cook for 5 minute with a 10 minute natural release time.
- Ensure the pork is cooked to 145F, then allow it to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes.
- If desired, remove trivet and thicken sauce on the sauté feature.
Tips
- Sauté First: Browning the pork creates a beautiful crust and adds flavor to the sauce.
- Deglaze the Pot: Scraping up the little bits on the bottom prevents a burn notice and builds flavor.
- Check the Thickest Part: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the correct internal temperature (pork can be a little pink).
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pork to rest so the juices redistribute for the juiciest slices.
- Room Temperature: Letting the pork rest at room temperature briefly before cooking helps it brown more evenly.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced pork with sauce or individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little broth to keep it moist.
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