Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin (Best Easy Recipe)
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Looking for an easy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Instant Pot balsamic pork tenderloin is a delicious option for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time cooking.
The tender pork is coated in a flavorful honey balsamic glaze that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and your Instant Pot, you can make a satisfying dinner the whole family can enjoy.
One of my favorite things about this balsamic pork tenderloin recipe is how versatile it is. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish for an easy meal that feels a little special without requiring a lot of extra effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe:
It’s an easy Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe that is full of flavor!
The Instant Pot creates a moist and tender pork loin every time.
The balsamic vinegar glaze takes it over the top!
This quick and easy dinner recipe will be loved by the whole family!
Equipment Needed To Make Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
- Instant Pot
- Measuring Spoon (Tablespoon, teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon
- Measuring Cup (1/3)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate
- Spatula
- Small bowl
Ingredients For Your Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
- pork tenderloin
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- extra virgin olive oil
- yellow onion
- cloves garlic
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- dried rosemary
- balsamic vinegar
- chicken broth, preferably organic
- honey, preferably local
- cornstarch
- Optional: Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
How To Make Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Making this Instant Pot balsamic pork tenderloin is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can prepare tender pork with a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Cut the pork tenderloin into two or three evenly sized pieces. Season all sides with sea salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Brown the Pork
Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and adjust it to the highest setting. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the pork and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer the pork to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Stir in the sliced onion, minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the vinegar to simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom to help prevent the Instant Pot’s burn warning.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Return the browned pork tenderloin to the Instant Pot, along with any juices collected on the plate. Stir in the honey, making sure the pork is surrounded by the flavorful balsamic mixture.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Pork
Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the pressure valve to the Sealing position. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) and set it to High Pressure for 3 minutes.
When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Step 7: Check the Pork Temperature
Transfer the pork tenderloin to a clean plate and check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If the pork hasn’t reached that temperature, continue cooking it and check again before serving. Let the pork rest for at least 3 minutes.
Step 8: Thicken the Balsamic Sauce
While the pork rests, select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering balsamic sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the warm balsamic sauce over the pork and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
How Long Does Pork Tenderloin Take in the Instant Pot?
One of the great things about making Instant Pot balsamic pork tenderloin is that the pressure-cooking portion takes just 3 minutes. However, that doesn’t mean your entire dinner will be ready in 3 minutes.
The Instant Pot needs additional time to build pressure before the cooking countdown begins. Once the 3-minute cooking cycle is complete, the recipe calls for a 10-minute natural pressure release before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your pork tenderloin, the size of the pieces, and whether the meat was refrigerated or closer to room temperature when cooking began.
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the pork. Pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps ensure your pork is safe to eat without overcooking it.
Remember that the total preparation time also includes seasoning, browning the pork, sautéing the vegetables, and preparing the balsamic sauce.
What To Serve/Pair with Your Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Sides:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Honey glazed carrots
Quinoa pilaf
Desserts:
Pumpkin spice cake
Baked pears with cinnamon
Cocktails:
Mulled wine
Apple cider mimosa
Pomegranate champagne punch
Non-alcoholic:
Cranberry spritzer
Pomegranate mocktail
Having a meal plan for the week helps you to know what is for dinner and plan out your meals better. Sign up for my newsletter to receive a free weekly meal plan with a shopping list.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- You can use any type of vinegar in this recipe, but balsamic will give you the best flavor.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use beef or vegetable broth instead.
- You could also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or rosemary to the Instant Pot before cooking.
How To Reheat & Store Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Best Way to Store Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Leftovers
Pork tenderloin is one of those meats that is actually better the second day. I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
How Long Will Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Last in the Refrigerator?
If you store it in an airtight container, your Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin will last in the fridge for up to four days.
Can I Freeze Balsamic Pork Tenderloin?
I do not recommend freezing pork tenderloin because it is such lean meat. When it thaws, it will be very dry.
How To Reheat Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
If you have leftovers, the best way to reheat pork tenderloin is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and put the pork on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the pork is heated through. You could also heat it up in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Can I use frozen pork tenderloin in this recipe?
Fresh or fully thawed pork tenderloin works best for this recipe because you can brown it before pressure cooking. Frozen pork requires different cooking times, and the 3-minute pressure-cooking setting in this recipe isn’t intended for frozen meat. For the best results, thaw your pork tenderloin in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I keep pork tenderloin from drying out in the Instant Pot?
The key to juicy pork tenderloin is avoiding overcooking. Because pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, it can dry out when cooked too long. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 145°F, then allow the pork to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
Can I substitute pork loin for pork tenderloin?
Pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of meat. Pork loin is generally larger and thicker, so it requires different cooking times. For this balsamic pork tenderloin recipe, I recommend sticking with pork tenderloin for the best results.
What if my balsamic sauce is too thin?
If your balsamic sauce is thinner than you’d like, you can easily thicken it after pressure cooking. Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and stir in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.
What goes well with balsamic pork tenderloin?
Balsamic pork tenderloin pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad. The sweet and tangy balsamic sauce is especially delicious spooned over mashed potatoes or rice. For a lighter meal, try serving the pork with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or cauliflower.
Make Meal Planning a Little Easier
Finding a dinner recipe your family enjoys is always a win, but remembering all those favorite meals when it’s time to plan next week’s menu can be another story!
If you’re looking for a simple way to keep your favorite recipes organized, my Recipe Collection & Meal Planner printable can help. It’s a handy way to keep track of meals you love, organize your recipes, and make weekly meal planning feel a little less overwhelming.
Whether you’re planning quick Instant Pot dinners or putting together your grocery list for the week, having everything in one place can make the process easier.
Take a look at my Recipe Collection & Meal Planner printable and start building a collection of meals your family will look forward to!
Other Instant Pot Pork Recipes You’ll Love:
The Instant Pot Pork Chops are done in just one pot with so much flavor. The leftover liquid makes the perfect easy gravy to serve alongside these delicious chops, and it’s like two recipes wrapped into one.
This recipe for Instant Pot carnitas will make your taco night rise above and beyond. The tender pork shoulder is wrapped in a seasoned flour tortilla with ingredients like cayenne pepper and salt before being topped off beautifully.
The Instant Pot is a great way to make quick and easy meals. This recipe for Boneless Pork Chops takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, so it’s perfect when you’re looking for something healthy but still want some good flavor!
Put a twist on your usual pork chop by preparing it in the Instant Pot. Enjoy these delicious, easy-to-serve honey garlic chomping beauties with rice or potatoes for a filling but quick meal!
Here’s a great recipe for when you want to make something authentic but don’t have time! The Instant Pot makes this easy and beginner-friendly, so it’ll be ready in just 10 minutes. What better way than juicy sweet pork with tangy sauce over steamed white rice?
Tender and succulent, this one-pot dinner is the perfect combination of tender meat with rich gravy. The Instant Pot does all the work for you to cook a pork roast that’s just as delicious at home in your kitchen.
The best way to make a quick and easy dinner is by cooking pork chops in your pressure cooker. The process only takes about 30 minutes, but the end result will taste like heaven!
If you are looking for a quick, easy, and flavor-packed weeknight meal, look no further than this Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin recipe. The pork is cooked to perfection in the pressure cooker and then topped with a delicious balsamic glaze. Serve it over your favorite type of rice or pasta for a complete meal that everyone will love!
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Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin (Easy Recipe)
Looking for an easy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Instant Pot balsamic pork tenderloin is a delicious option for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 - 1 1/4 lbs pork tenderloin
- sea salt and black pepper , to taste
- 3 T extra virgin olive oil , divided
- 1 large yellow onion , sliced
- 2-3 large cloves garlic , minied
- 1 t. garlic powder
- 1/2 t. dried oregano
- 1/2 t. dried thyme
- 1/2 t. dried rosemary
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup chicken broth , perferably organic
- 1/3 cup honey , perferably local
- 1 - 2 T. cornstarch
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish , Optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Cut the pork tenderloin into two or three evenly sized pieces. Season all sides with sea salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Brown the Pork
Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and adjust it to the highest setting. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the pork and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer the pork to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Stir in the sliced onion, minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the vinegar to simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom to help prevent the Instant Pot’s burn warning.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Return the browned pork tenderloin to the Instant Pot, along with any juices collected on the plate. Stir in the honey, making sure the pork is surrounded by the flavorful balsamic mixture.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Pork
Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the pressure valve to the Sealing position. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) and set it to High Pressure for 3 minutes.
When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Step 7: Check the Pork Temperature
Transfer the pork tenderloin to a clean plate and check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If the pork hasn’t reached that temperature, continue cooking it and check again before serving. Let the pork rest for at least 3 minutes.
Step 8: Thicken the Balsamic Sauce
While the pork rests, select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering balsamic sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the warm balsamic sauce over the pork and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 307Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 96mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 6g
