Juicy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly tender and juicy pork tenderloin, cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot and smothered in an easy, flavorful mushroom sauce!
The Instant Pot has truly revolutionized the way many of us approach home cooking, and it’s quickly become one of my most cherished kitchen appliances. Its ability to produce fall-apart tender meats and vibrant, flavorful dishes in a fraction of the traditional time is simply unmatched. If you’re as passionate about your Instant Pot as I am, you’re in for a treat! We’re constantly exploring new Instant Pot recipes, and this pork tenderloin dish might just climb to the top of your favorites list, right alongside our beloved Instant Pot Pork Tacos. Get ready for a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal!
Pork, in particular, shines when cooked in the Instant Pot. The high-pressure environment works wonders, transforming cuts that can sometimes be dry into incredibly moist and succulent meals. Take, for instance, our amazing Instant Pot Pulled Pork – if you haven’t tried it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend it! It’s a game-changer for pulled pork sandwiches and more. Among all the delicious pork cuts, pork tenderloin holds a special place in my heart. Its lean nature and delicate flavor make it a fantastic choice, and I was eager to see how it would perform in my trusty Instant Pot. The results? Absolutely spectacular: melt-in-your-mouth pork paired with a rich, savory mushroom sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Our family consumes a significant amount of pork throughout the year. In fact, we bought an entire pig last year and managed to enjoy almost every bit of it, from comforting Smothered Pork Chops to simple grilled chops, hams, and everything in between. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the versatility and flavor of pork, especially when prepared correctly. This Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe is a testament to how flavorful and tender pork can be, even with minimal effort.
The Secret to Perfectly Tender Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot
For those who’ve followed my cooking adventures, you know I often emphasize the importance of proper pork cooking temperatures. For optimal tenderness and safety, pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a brief resting period. Anything beyond that can lead to dry, unappetizing pork, especially with such a lean cut. While you don’t typically use a thermometer inside the Instant Pot during cooking due to the sealed environment, the beauty of pressure cooking lies in its efficiency and precision. By cooking for a precise, short duration, the Instant Pot consistently delivers pork that remains incredibly moist and juicy, without the risk of overcooking.
The Instant Pot creates a super-heated, steamy environment that works quickly to break down tough muscle fibers. This process ensures that even lean cuts like pork tenderloin come out fork-tender every single time. Unlike conventional cooking methods where moisture can escape, the sealed pressure cooker locks in all the natural juices and rich flavors. This not only makes the pork tender but also infuses it with the aromatic spice rub and savory liquids, resulting in a truly superior dining experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Cooking Time: The Sweet Spot
Achieving the perfect texture for pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is all about precise timing. This recipe specifically calls for cooking the tenderloin under high pressure for just 8 minutes. This is followed by a crucial 5-minute natural pressure release (NPR). This exact timing is not arbitrary; it’s carefully calculated to cook the pork thoroughly while ensuring it remains wonderfully tender, incredibly juicy, and never, ever overcooked. Many Instant Pot recipes for meat aim for shreddable results, but here, our goal is perfectly cooked slices that hold their shape beautifully, similar to how you would enjoy a classic baked pork tenderloin.
The 5-minute natural release period is a vital step. It allows the internal temperature of the pork to stabilize gradually and, perhaps most importantly, gives the meat’s natural juices time to redistribute evenly throughout the tenderloin. This process contributes significantly to the overall succulence and flavor of the final product. Skipping this step or rushing it with a full quick release can sometimes lead to tougher, less juicy meat. After the 5 minutes of natural release, you’ll perform a quick manual release for any remaining pressure, and then your perfectly cooked pork tenderloin will be ready for the next step.
Crafting the Savory Mushroom Sauce
What elevates this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin from merely delicious to truly exceptional is the accompanying mushroom sauce. The journey to this incredible flavor starts with a simple yet highly effective spice rub. A blend of aromatic garlic powder, essential salt, earthy dried thyme, and a touch of black pepper is mixed together and generously rubbed over the pork tenderloin. This initial step infuses the pork with deep flavor right from the start. Next, searing the seasoned tenderloin directly in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” setting is crucial. This step not only locks in those wonderful flavors but also creates a beautiful golden-brown crust on the outside of the pork, adding another layer of complex taste and texture.
After the pork is seared and removed, the mushrooms take center stage. They are sautéed in the same pot, allowing them to absorb all the delicious browned bits left behind by the pork, enhancing their earthy notes. This process also helps them release their own savory aromas. A combination of rich chicken broth and a dash of soy sauce forms the flavorful base of this sauce, providing a deep umami depth that perfectly complements the lean sweetness of the pork. Finally, a cornstarch slurry (a simple mixture of cornstarch and cold water) is stirred in. This magic ingredient works quickly to thicken the sauce to a luscious, spoonable consistency, making it absolutely ideal for coating your tender pork slices or generously drizzling over your favorite accompanying side dishes.
I’m a huge fan of mushrooms in all forms, from simple easy sautéed mushrooms to complex and creamy sauces, so incorporating them into this recipe was an absolute must for me. Their earthy, umami-rich flavor beautifully balances the lean sweetness of the pork tenderloin, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to make. For an even quicker dinner on a busy weeknight, you can even prepare the spice-rubbed pork tenderloin in the morning and let it marinate in the fridge. This simple shortcut means dinner will be ready in a flash when you get home. Even accounting for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, this recipe ensures a delicious, homemade meal on the table in about 30 minutes from start to finish!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
This versatile Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin pairs beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion, from a bustling weeknight dinner to a more relaxed weekend gathering. Because the recipe includes a fantastic, savory mushroom sauce, opting for sides that can effortlessly soak up every last drop is always a brilliant idea to maximize flavor.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A quintessential classic pairing that provides a comforting base and perfectly soaks up every bit of that delicious mushroom sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: These vibrant green spears add a touch of freshness, a subtle earthy flavor, and a satisfying slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pork.
- Simple Garden Salad: A light, crisp mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pork and sauce.
- Fluffy Rice: Whether you prefer white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice, it serves as an excellent absorbent for the flavorful sauce, creating a harmonious bite.
- Steamed or Sautéed Green Beans: Another easy-to-prepare and healthy vegetable option that adds color and a delicate bite.
- Sweet Potato Mash: For a delightful touch of natural sweetness and a different texture, sweet potato mash offers a comforting alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that incredible sauce go to waste! A good piece of crusty baguette or artisanal bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Ultimately, the best side dishes are those your family enjoys most. This pork tenderloin is hearty, flavorful, and versatile enough to be the undisputed star of any meal, regardless of what complementary dishes you choose to pair it with.
Tips for Success & Flavorful Variations
Ensuring the Best Results with Your Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork tenderloin before pressure cooking is a non-negotiable step. It’s absolutely crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor profile and creating that beautiful, appetizing golden-brown crust that adds so much to the dish.
- Mind the Tenderloin Size: Most pork tenderloins typically range from 1 to 1.5 pounds. If your tenderloin is significantly larger or smaller than this average, you may need to make slight adjustments to the pressure cooking time. For a larger tenderloin (closer to 2 lbs), consider increasing the cook time by 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through. For a smaller one (under 1 lb), you might reduce the time by a minute.
- Resting is Absolutely Key: After the Instant Pot has finished its natural release and you’ve removed the pork, transfer it to a clean cutting board and allow it to rest undisturbed for at least 5-10 minutes before you begin slicing. This crucial resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and moisture in every slice.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If, after cooking, your mushroom sauce isn’t quite as thick as you prefer, don’t worry! You can easily adjust it. While the Instant Pot is still on the “Sauté” setting, make an additional small cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water) and gradually stir it into the simmering sauce until your desired consistency is reached.
Creative Flavor Twists to Customize Your Meal
- Herbaceous Rub Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different dried herbs in your initial spice rub. Rosemary, sage, or even a classic blend of Italian herbs can offer a unique and wonderfully aromatic profile that complements pork beautifully.
- Creamier Mushroom Sauce: For an even richer and more luxurious sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after the cornstarch slurry has thickened the sauce. This adds a delightful richness and velvety texture.
- A Subtle Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a hint of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your spice rub or directly to the sautéing mushrooms. This will give your dish a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Enhanced Umami Boost: To deepen the savory notes of your mushroom sauce even further, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or even a tiny amount of high-quality balsamic glaze. These ingredients contribute complex, rich flavors.
- Additional Aromatics: For an extra layer of foundational flavor, you can briefly sauté finely diced onions or shallots in the Instant Pot before adding the mushrooms. They will soften and become translucent, releasing sweet and pungent notes into the sauce base.
Storage and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce stores wonderfully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or quick and easy lunches the next day. To ensure optimal freshness and safety, allow both the pork and the accompanying sauce to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Once properly sealed, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When it comes to reheating, the goal is to warm the dish gently without drying out the succulent pork. The best method is to gently warm the pork slices and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to thin it back to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can easily lead to dry pork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions you might have about making this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin:
- Can I use frozen pork tenderloin? For the best results in terms of even cooking and optimal texture, it is highly recommended to thaw your pork tenderloin completely before attempting to cook it in the Instant Pot. Cooking from frozen can drastically increase the required cooking time and may negatively affect the final quality and tenderness of the meat.
- What if I don’t like mushrooms? While the mushroom sauce adds incredible depth and umami flavor to this dish, you can certainly adapt the recipe if mushrooms aren’t your preference. You could opt to simply omit the mushrooms and use just the chicken broth and soy sauce to create a delicious, simple pan sauce. Alternatively, consider replacing the mushrooms with other savory aromatics like finely caramelized onions or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Can I double the recipe? You can absolutely double the ingredients for both the sauce and the spice rub. When it comes to the pork tenderloin itself, if your Instant Pot is large enough (e.g., an 8-quart model), you might be able to cook two tenderloins side-by-side without stacking them. The cooking time for a single tenderloin should remain largely the same for two similar-sized tenderloins, as pressure cooking relies on volume of liquid rather than quantity of food to reach pressure. Just ensure they are not overcrowded.
- How do I know if my pork is fully cooked? Although the Instant Pot is remarkably reliable, if you want to be absolutely certain of doneness and safety, you can always use an instant-read meat thermometer. After the 5-minute natural release and removal from the pot, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin. The internal temperature should register 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, safe pork.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is truly a star for any night of the week. With a quick spice rub, your pork will be bursting with flavor, far from boring. And for mushroom lovers like me, the rich mushroom sauce is an absolute dream come true. You can even prepare the pork with its spice rub in the morning, leaving it to marinate in the fridge so dinner is ready in a flash when you get home. Even with the Instant Pot coming up to pressure, this recipe ensures a delicious, homemade, and satisfying meal on the table in about 30 minutes from start to finish! Enjoy this fantastic and easy Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe!
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Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
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Equipment
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Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin, approximately 1 pound
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 16 oz package mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions
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Mix together garlic powder, salt, thyme and black pepper. Rub evenly over the pork tenderloin1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 pork tenderloin
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Heat Instant Pot using the “Saute” setting.
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Pour 1 Tablespoon oil into the pot. Sear pork on all sides until lightly golden brown. Remove from pot.2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
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Add remaining oil to the pot, mix in mushrooms. Saute for 2-3 minutes.16 oz package mushrooms
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Add pork back in, as well as the chicken broth and soy sauce. Cover and cook under high pressure for 8 minutes.1 cup chicken broth, 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
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Naturally release for 5 minutes.
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Remove pork from the pot and let rest. Mix water and cornstarch together and add to the sauce in the pot. Turn the Instant Pot back onto Saute and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened.1 Tablespoon cornstarch, 1 Tablespoon water
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Serve sliced pork with mushroom sauce
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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