If you want to know a secret that I wish someone had told me before I threw one of the worst dinner parties of my short but eventful 20s, here it is: Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is the EASIEST and safest way to cook juicy, succulent pork.
This pressure cooker recipe makes it impossible to mess up the Instant Pot pork tenderloin. If you do, the easy gravy, which you cook in the Instant Pot while the pork rests, will hide your mistakes.
It tastes great, with a bit of tangy sweetness from the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and the pork’s juices. You’ll want to eat it all by spoonful.
As a busy mom who loves cooking shortcuts my Instant Pot has become an invaluable kitchen tool for whipping up quick delicious dinners. One of my family’s favorites is melt-in-your-mouth tender pork tenderloin ready in under 30 minutes thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot!
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk through exactly how I cook Smithfield pork tenderloin filets in the Instant Pot for amazing results every time. With just a few simple ingredients and steps you’ll have a hearty, protein-packed meal with hardly any hands-on effort. Let’s get started!
Why Choose Smithfield Pork Tenderloin?
While you could use any brand of pork tenderloin for the Instant Pot, I recommend seeking out Smithfield. Here’s why it’s ideal:
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Minimally Processed – Smithfield pork contains no artificial ingredients, just simple curing and seasoning.
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Delicious Flavor – The natural pork and mild seasoning flavors really shine through.
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Moist and Tender – Smithfield pork tenderloins cook up incredibly juicy thanks to their careful processing.
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Fully Cooked – No worries about raw pork! Smithfield tenderloins come pre-cooked so they just need a quick reheating.
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Lean and Nutritious – With lots of protein and less fat, pork tenderloin is a healthier choice.
The clean, delicious flavor and tender texture of Smithfield pork tenderloin makes it perfect for the Instant Pot. Now let’s go over the easy process step-by-step!
Ingredients Needed
Cooking Smithfield pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot couldn’t be simpler. You’ll need:
- 1 Smithfield Pork Tenderloin (1 lb)
- 1/2 cup water
- Seasonings (I use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
That’s it! The pork tenderloin comes pre-seasoned, so you can keep additional seasonings minimal.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Instructions
With just 4 steps, you’ll have fork-tender Smithfield pork tenderloin ready in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Add Water to Instant Pot
Pour the 1/2 cup water into the bottom of your Instant Pot inner pot. The water will create steam to cook the pork.
Step 2: Place Pork Tenderloin on Rack
If your Instant Pot didn’t come with a metal trivet or rack, I highly recommend purchasing one. Place the pork tenderloin on top of the rack or trivet. This elevates it above the water.
Step 3: Season and Pressure Cook
Sprinkle seasonings over the pork tenderloin to taste. I use 1/4 tsp each of salt, pepper and garlic powder. Lock the lid and set to High Pressure for 18-20 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your tenderloin.
Step 4: Quick Release and Serve
Once cooking is complete, quick release the pressure. Check that pork is cooked through with an instant read thermometer – it should reach 145°F internally. Slice tenderloin and serve!
And that’s it! In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty Instant Pot pork dinner ready to satisfy the whole family.
Tips for Perfect Results
Over many trials cooking pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot, I’ve picked up useful tips for success:
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Trim any excess fat for more even cooking.
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Cut tenderloin in half if longer than 8 inches.
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Use natural release if time allows to prevent overcooking.
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Quick release pressure after 10 minutes if in a hurry.
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Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
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Let pork rest 5 minutes before slicing for juiciest results.
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Add any accumulated juices from resting back to the pork before serving.
Flavor Variations
While Smithfield pork tenderloin is delicious on its own, there are lots of ways to jazz it up in the Instant Pot:
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Mexican Style – Use 1/2 cup salsa instead of water. Finish with cilantro and lime.
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Italian Herbs – Season with dried basil, oregano, parsley and fennel seeds.
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Asian Inspired – Add sliced ginger and garlic, sesame oil and soy sauce.
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BBQ – Toss cooked pork with your favorite barbecue sauce.
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Maple Apple – Use apple cider instead of water. Glaze with maple syrup.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors! The simplicity of Smithfield pork tenderloin takes well to global seasonings.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Pork
A juicy Instant Pot Smithfield pork tenderloin needs some delicious sides! Here are some of my favorites:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
- Salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Garlicky green beans
- Buttery egg noodles
- Skillet corn bread
- Fresh cranberry sauce
- Sauteed apples or pears
With so many easy side dish options, you can create a restaurant-worthy pork dinner at home any night of the week.
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About this Pork Tenderloin
Even though it got off to a rough start, pork tenderloin is one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook for parties and quick weeknight meals.
- It’s a nice change from Instant Pot Chicken and Baked Chicken Breast to eat pork tenderloin, which is lean and healthy.
- It’s relatively inexpensive, yet it still feels festive. Some dishes, like this Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, are appropriate for holidays and important events.
- Plenty of options! Since pork tenderloin is mild, you can add many different spices, sauces, and rubs to make it taste better. (This Pork Tenderloin Marinade gives the pork fabulous flavor!).
One of the many reasons I love making pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is that it doesn’t need to be cooked for too long. (Or if you’re a grilling aficionado, Grilled Pork Tenderloin is fabulous too!).
why cook pork tenderloin in the instant pot
- Instant Pots (this is the one I have) and other multicookers keep the meat moist, which keeps the pork juicy. In the same way, Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin stays juicy by cooking it at a high temperature for a short time. ).
- It’s a one-pot wonder. You can brown the pork, pressure cook it, and make the gravy all in the same pot with the sauté function.
- While cooking, the cooking juices stay in the pot and don’t go to waste.
- You don’t have to open and close the oven door to check on the pork’s temperature with the Instant Pot. You can set it and walk away. (One of the reasons I love cooking Instant Pot Ribs. ).
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
FAQ
How long do you cook a Smithfield marinated pork tenderloin?
Why is my pork tenderloin tough in Instant Pot?
What is the difference between Smithfield pork loin and tenderloin?
Can you cook pork too long in Instant Pot?
How do you cook pork in an Instant Pot?
Sear the pork in the Instant Pot. Transfer it to a plate. Add the broth to the Instant Pot, scraping along the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck-on bits. Place the pork in the pot and pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. Let naturally release for 12 minutes. Check the pork for doneness.
Can you cook pork tenderloin in Instant Pot?
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.
How do you cook Smithfield pork tenderloins?
Two cooked Smithfield Pork Tenderloins out of the oven resting before being sliced. Our three preferred ways to cook these delicious pork tenderloins are the oven, grill and slow cooker. To start, heat oven to 425 degrees.
Can you cook pork tenderloin in a crock pot?
Place prepared pork tenderloin into the slow cooker and add a little chicken stock or vegetable broth. Cook pork tenderloin on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Be sure to check the pork for an internal temperature of 145-160 degrees before removing from the crock pot. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.