Are you tired of dry, bland pork that leaves everyone disappointed at the dinner table? Get ready to transform your cooking game with this foolproof Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe that promises mouthwatering, juicy meat and a rich, velvety gravy in just 35 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will make you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Remove pork tenderloin from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season the pork tenderloin generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil.
- Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown crust that will enhance flavor.
- Remove the seared pork tenderloin and set aside on a clean plate.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix over the broth and stir to combine.
- Return the pork tenderloin to the Instant Pot, placing it on the trivet or directly in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes.
- While resting, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry for thickening the gravy.
- Remove the pork tenderloin and set aside to rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing.
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry to create a smooth gravy.
- Simmer the gravy for 2-3 minutes until it reaches desired thickness.
- Slice the pork tenderloin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Serve the sliced pork with the homemade gravy, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your pork tenderloin rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Browning: Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown sear.
- Don't Rush the Searing: Take your time browning the meat on all sides - this step builds incredible flavor foundations for your dish.
- Natural Pressure Release is Key: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5-10 minutes after cooking to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Slice Against the Grain: When serving, always slice the pork tenderloin against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness in every bite.
- Gravy Thickness Trick: If your gravy is too thin, continue simmering or add a bit more cornstarch slurry to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
