Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

This honey garlic pork tenderloin recipe made in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy dinner option featuring tender, juicy pork coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. The combination of fresh garlic, honey, soy sauce, and ginger creates a perfectly balanced glaze that enhances the natural taste of the pork. With minimal prep time and fast pressure cooking, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Season generously with salt and pepper. If the tenderloin is too long to fit comfortably in your Instant Pot, cut it into two pieces.
2. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the pork and sear each side for about 3 minutes, turning to brown all sides. If it sticks, give it more time until it releases easily. Remove the pork and set aside.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Return the pork to the pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
4. While the pork cooks, mix the minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, and honey in a small bowl.
5. When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid. The pork should reach medium-well (155-160°F) with a slight pink center if seared properly.
6. Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes. Leave the cooking liquid in the pot.
7. Stir the sauce mixture and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the liquid in the Instant Pot. Turn the sauté function back on and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Slice the pork into medallions and return them to the pot, tossing to coat with the sauce. If you prefer the pork more done, simmer the slices in the sauce for a few more minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe delivers juicy, tender meat infused with a flavorful honey garlic sauce. It’s fast, easy, and requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Tips

• Searing the pork well helps lock in juices and adds great flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for your preferred doneness.
• Letting the pressure release naturally prevents the pork from drying out.
• For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
• Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a tangier sauce.
• Use brown sugar instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.

FAQs

Can I cook a larger pork tenderloin?
Yes, increase the pressure cooking time by about 2 minutes per additional half-pound.

Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?
Yes, but increase the pressure cooking time by 5-7 minutes and allow natural release time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pork.

Serving

Serve sliced pork tenderloin over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables. The honey garlic sauce pairs well with simple sides like green beans or sautéed spinach.

Suggestions

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a balanced meal.

Honey Garlic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Recipe by 50Krecipes

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

7

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon cold water

Directions

• Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Season generously with salt and pepper. If the tenderloin is too long to fit comfortably in your Instant Pot, cut it into two pieces.
• Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the pork and sear each side for about 3 minutes, turning to brown all sides. If it sticks, give it more time until it releases easily. Remove the pork and set aside.
• Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Return the pork to the pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
• While the pork cooks, mix the minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, and honey in a small bowl.
• When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid. The pork should reach medium-well (155-160°F) with a slight pink center if seared properly.
• Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes. Leave the cooking liquid in the pot.
• Stir the sauce mixture and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the liquid in the Instant Pot. Turn the sauté function back on and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Slice the pork into medallions and return them to the pot, tossing to coat with the sauce. If you prefer the pork more done, simmer the slices in the sauce for a few more minutes before serving.