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How To Cook Pork Tenderloin In An Instant Pot

One of the most frequently asked recipe questions that I receive is How To Cook A Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot.

Ever since I purchased my Instant Pot 6 quart Duo, I have seen hundreds of questions, comments, and debates on social media about the proper way to cook pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot.

And over the years I have tested many different methods and cooking times to answer this question with confidence.

But before I explain my tried and true method, there are some important facts to know.

smithfield pork tenderloin instant pot
Moist and juicy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin.

Pork Tenderloin versus Pork Loin

Not every pork loin is created equal.

Although they sound similar, pork tenderloin is not the same thing as pork loin. In fact, they don’t even come from the same cut of meat.

Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a very lean and delicate cut of meat. It is meat that runs along the backbone and is one of the most tender cuts of meat used when used with quick cooking methods.

It is sometimes called a pork loin filet, pork tender, or pork filet. They are sold as a long and skinny piece of meat and are often sold under brand names such as Smithfield.

You can purchase an unseasoned tenderloin from your local butcher or you can find it in the refrigerated pork section at your favorite grocery store.

However, I prefer to buy this inexpensive cut of meat already pre-seasoned. Today I am cooking a Smithfield pork tenderloin seasoned with a mesquite dry rub, however this Instant Pot recipe will work with any type of pork loin filet.

instant pot pork tenderloin
There is a big difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin. This is the pork tenderloin that was cooked for this recipe.

Pork Loin

On the contrary, pork loin is a larger cut of meat that comes from the back itself. It will have a large layer of fat on one side of the meat.

Butchers will cut down sections of a larger pork loin and typically sell them at between 2-5 pounds of weight. They are most often sold as the size of a typical roast.

However when cut down in thinner strips they resemble a thick steak.

Pork loins are best cooked for longer periods of time as compared to a pork tenderloin. We primarily use pork loin roasts to make pork and sauerkraut or even slow cooker pulled pork when we don’t have a pork shoulder roast in the freezer.

You will also see these names when purchasing a pork loin: pork loin roast, center cut pork roast, pork rib roast, pork center cut rib roast. They come in both boneless and bone-in cuts of meat.

pork loin wrapped in bacon
You can see the fat layer on the pork loin roast. This is a much different cut of meat than the pork tenderloin that we are cooking today.

So now you can see why all of the discrepancies of recommended cooking methods and times when someone searches ‘How To Cook Pork Tenderloin’ in an Instant Pot.

However, this recipe will explain how we cook the perfect, most juicy Smithfield pork tenderloin in our Instant Pot.

Safe Internal Temperature To Eat A Pork Tenderloin

The key to lean cuts of meat, including pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot, is not to overcook them. If they are cooked too long, the meat will be dry and tough.

You want to cook them so the internal temperature reaches 145°F when measured by a digital food thermometer.

If you don’t have a long probe digital thermometer, I highly suggest that you purchase one. The are a life saver when cooking all types of meat to the proper temperature.

searing pork tenderloin
I prefer to cut the pork tenderloin in half when browning.

For those that have heard that pork has to be cooked at a temperature over 160°F, please take note. The USDA states that pork chops, roasts, and steaks are safe to consume at 145°F.

However, pork sausage patties and ground pork mixtures such as meatloaf must be cooked to a temperature of 160°F.

Just another way to make everyone confused!

How To Cook A Smithfield Pork Tenderloin In An Instant Pot

In order to ensure that you have tender and juicy results, it is best to brown the meat prior to pressure cooking. It produces a barrier on the exterior surface of the meat that helps keep the moisture on the inside.

However because of the length of a tenderloin I prefer to cut it in half and sear the two pieces, rather than trying to brown one long piece.

After each side is seared, pour in your liquid and de-glaze the bottom of the pan. Be sure to remove all of the browned bits from the bottom of the pot before locking the lid in place.

Otherwise you risk getting the dreaded BURN notice during the cooking process. For a 6 quart Instant Pot, add at least 1 cup of liquid. However, if you have a larger 8 or 10 quart version, increase the liquid to 1.5 cups.

deglaze the pot
To prevent the burn notice, be sure to deglaze the pot.

What Type Of Liquid Should I Use When Making Pork Tenderloin In The Instant Pot

Any type of thin liquid will work for this recipe. However, there will be a definite difference in flavor depending on what you chose.

Although you could use water as your liquid, I would highly recommend something with a little more flavor. In fact, any type of stock will be better than using plain water.

I have used vegetable, beef, and chicken stock with good results. We have even used a combination of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and water to make Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin.

However, my favorite liquid to use to make pork tenderloin is root beer. And I only discovered this by accident.

I had leftover root beer after making Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. So the next day when I decided to make a pork tenderloin I decided to add the root beer as the liquid and the results were DELICIOUS!

glazed smithfield pork tenderloin instant pot
Pork tenderloin drizzled with the root beer glaze.

In fact, I even took things one step further. After the meat was cooked and taken out to rest, I thickened up the liquid with a little corn starch and made a Root Beer gravy to pour on top! YUM!!

Although the root beer gravy is optional, I would highly recommend it. You can even slice the Smithfield pork tenderloin and add it back to the thickened gravy in the Instant Pot and serve it directly from there. It is absolutely delicious!

Enjoy! Mary

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Yield: 6

How To Cook Pork Tenderloin In the Instant Pot

smithfield pork tenderloin in an instant pot

Moist and delicious Smithfield pork tenderloin filet cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot smothered in a root beer glaze.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Inactive Time 10 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pork tenderloin
  • 1 cup Root Beer, or liquid of choice
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch or arrowroot powder, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat Instant Pot on Saute mode
  2. Cut pork tenderloin in half
  3. Once the Instant Pot reads HOT, add the oil and brown tenderloin pieces. Brown on all sides.
  4. Turn Instant Pot OFF/Cancel and pour in root beer. Deglaze the bottom of the pot to be sure that all pieces stuck on the bottom of the liner have been loosened.
  5. Place the lid on in the locked and sealed position. Pressure Cook/Manual on High for 1 minute.
  6. Allow for a Natural Pressure Release for at least 10 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Remove the meat - cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. If desired, remove 1/4 cup of the liquid from the bottom of the pot and whisk in corn starch to make a slurry. Add slurry back to pot. Place pot on Saute mode and reduce to a thick sauce. Drizzle over the pork tenderloin before serving.

Notes

This recipe is to cook a 1 pound pork tenderloin. If are cooking a larger pork tenderloin or two Smithfield pre-seasoned pork tenderloins, increase the cook time to 3 minutes.

Check the internal temperature to be sure it has reached 145 degrees F.

Recipe provided by Make Your Meals

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 5g

Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.

Anita

Tuesday 26th of March 2019

I’m doing four pork tenderloins, I have the biggest instant pot. How long should I cook it for?

makeyourmeals

Wednesday 27th of March 2019

I have never made more than one at a time. However, based on increasing the volume of other meat only recipes, I would add 5 minutes to the cooking time since they will be stacked on each other.

Sara

Monday 25th of February 2019

What if we’re using a Smithfield tenderloin that’s already in marinade? How would the process change here if were not seering

makeyourmeals

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

I still brown the tenderloin when it has been marinated. But you could skip that part and cook as directed.

Lisa

Thursday 31st of January 2019

Do you use a trivet for the meat?

makeyourmeals

Saturday 2nd of February 2019

I do not use the trivet for this recipe. I place the meat directly in the liner of the pot.

Christine Anderson

Monday 21st of January 2019

How long would you cook if frozen

makeyourmeals

Thursday 24th of January 2019

The cook time will remain the same but the pot will take longer to come to pressure.

Judy proctor

Wednesday 9th of January 2019

What if you are using a instant pot Gem multicooker, what are times and what setting

makeyourmeals

Wednesday 9th of January 2019

Hi Judy I have never personally used the GEM - but I used to cook my pork tenderloin on low for 4 hours or on high for 1.5 -2 hours. Hope that helps.

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