Description
Succulent Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Sauce delivers a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Quick preparation and tender meat make this dish a weeknight dinner champion you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) pork tenderloin
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse and season the pork tenderloin with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
- Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and introduce a drizzle of olive oil, creating a sizzling surface to caramelize the meat’s exterior. Rotate the tenderloin methodically, achieving a golden-brown crust on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per surface.
- Deglaze the pot’s interior by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden utensil to liberate the concentrated flavor fragments adhering to the bottom.
- Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a separate vessel. Reintroduce the seared tenderloin to the pot and cascade the fragrant mixture over the meat.
- Secure the lid and program the Instant Pot to high-pressure cooking for precisely 4 minutes. Allow a natural pressure descent for 10 minutes, followed by a swift manual release to complete the cooking process.
- Transfer the tenderloin to a resting surface, permitting internal juices to redistribute and ensure optimal tenderness.
- Reactivate the sauté mode and reduce the remaining liquid, concentrating its flavors. For enhanced thickness, prepare a cornstarch slurry and integrate it smoothly into the bubbling sauce.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat the pork tenderloin completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and help spices adhere better.
- Searing Secrets: Let the Instant Pot get really hot before adding oil and meat to create a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in flavors.
- Flexible Flavor Boost: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more vibrant taste profile and added aromatic complexity.
- Dietary Adaptations: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and choose low-sodium broth to control salt content for health-conscious diners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg