Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is the perfect 30 minute weeknight dinner! Tender pork tenderloin covered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. There aren't many things better than a 30 minute dinner. This recipe is no exception. A sweet and savory honey garlic sauce makes this easy pork tenderloin recipe something special. It cooks quickly in the Instant Pot and the sauce adds the most amazing flavor when poured over the pork. It's quick enough for a weeknight and special enough for entertaining guests.
Optional: depending on the size of your Instant Pot, cut the pork tenderloin in half so you have two shorter pieces that will fit in the Instant Pot (If using an 8 quart Instant Pot this will not be necessary).
Season the pork tenderloin on all sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add the pork to the pot and brown for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside. Turn sauté mode OFF.
Deglaze the pot by adding in the water. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Do not discard. These brown bits add an amazing flavor to the dish!
Add the honey, garlic, sesame oil (optional) and ginger to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Add the pork back to the Instant Pot in a single layer. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock in place. Turn the pressure valve to SEALING. Note: the pork will not be fully submerged in liquid but they should be placed in the pot in a single layer.
Cook on high pressure using the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK button setting for 4 minutes.
When the cook time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes by leaving the Instant Pot alone and not removing the lid. Do not skip the 10 minute natural release as the pork will continue to cook during this time.
Once the screen reads L00:10, indicating a 10 minute natural release has been completed, carefully turn the pressure release valve to the VENTING position to release any remaining pressure (there likely will be none). Make sure that the pressure valve has dropped down and then carefully remove the Instant Pot lid.
Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork has reached at least 145°F. If not, you can cook the pork for a few more minutes using the sauté function.
Transfer the pork to a clean plate or cutting board, cover with foil and let it rest while you thicken the sauce.
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until evenly combined. Turn sauté mode on the Instant pot. Add in the cornstarch mixture. Stir continuously, until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the Instant Pot and remove the inner pot to stop the cooking process.
Slice the pork and serve with the sauce poured on top. Optional, garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
Note: this recipe can be made with 1 or 2 pork tenderloins without needing to change the sauce measurements.