How to Make the Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
American · Medium · 30 min · 4 servings
Juicy and glazed pork tenderloin coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the Instant Pot. It is an impressive dinner that looks gourmet but requires minimal preparation and just 30 minutes of your time.
Why this recipe works
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 360 calories with 40g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 0.33 cup honey
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Sear the Tenderloin
Pat the pork tenderloin dry and season with salt and pepper. Set the Instant Pot to Saute mode, add oil, and sear the tenderloin for 2 minutes per side on all sides until golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Sauce and Pressure Cook
Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the seared tenderloin in the pot. Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 7 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Rest the Pork
Remove the pork tenderloin from the pot and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Step 4: Thicken the Glaze
Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Switch the Instant Pot to Saute mode and whisk the slurry into the cooking liquid. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze is thick and glossy. Pour over the sliced pork and serve.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- honey → maple syrup for a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten-free and lower sodium alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cutting into the pork immediately after pressure cooking without resting causes all the juices to run out
- Skipping the searing step means missing the caramelized crust that adds significant flavor to the final dish
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 360 calories, 40g protein, 22g carbs, 10g fat, 0g fiber.
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