Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes

This blog post explores the simplicity of preparing pork tenderloin and potatoes in the Instant Pot. This recipe is not only perfect for meal prep but also offers a hands-off cooking experience, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without the fuss. Get ready for a stress-free meal that is uncomplicated. Say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to a time-saving dinner that might just become your new go-to.

If you love Instant Pot cooking and are looking for other Instant Pot recipes, let me share a few I love. Instant Pot barbacoa is a simpler version of the classic dish. If you want a simple breakfast idea, cooking oat groats in a pressure cooker is always a good idea. Did you know you can make creme brulee in the Instant Pot? You sure can and this orange creme brulee is a dessert you do not want to miss! 

Ingredients

**Full measurements and details will be down below at the bottom of the post in the recipe card. **

• Pork tenderloin- remember this is a tenderloin, not a loin. More on this below.
• Red Potatoes- You can use any potatoes you like, but reds hold their shape the best. You could even use sweet potatoes if you like them. 
• Carrots- To simplify, I like using baby carrots. 
• Spices- salt (I like kosher salt), black pepper, cajun seasoning, paprika. 

How to make

Start by cutting your pork tenderloin into 2-inch pieces. 

Mix together the spices and press them into the pork tenderloin medallions. 

Sear the pork in your Instant Pot or in a pan. I prefer to do this in a separate pan, I feel like it is easier to do. You can do this with olive oil or whatever oil you like to use. 

Place the pork, and whole potatoes in the Instant Pot. Season the potatoes with the remaining spices, then add the carrots on top. 

Pour in 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Pour it down the side so you don't take off the spices. 

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and turn the lid to the sealing position. Set high pressure cooking for a cook time of 20 minutes. Allow it to natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then do the quick release for the rest of the pressure. 

The pork and potatoes are going to be very tender, so gently take them from the pressure cooker. 

How to make pork gravy in the Instant Pot

This a really easy gravy to make. 

Add a cup of milk to the remaining liquids in the bottom of the pot. Turn to the sauté setting, I have to press cancel first, then sauté. Heat until it is just under a boil. Gently stir in your cornstarch slurry. Be sure to mix the cornstarch slurry in a separate small bowl. 

Continue to whisk until the gravy is thickened. While this is a flavorful pork tenderloin recipe, my hubby loves the gravy with it. 

Pour over the tenderloin and potatoes and serve. 

Tips and tricks

This is a delicious meal and one the whole family will love. It is also really simple to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. I love that you can make the entire meal in one pressure cooker. 

But, there are a few quick things to know before starting. 

• While this is an Instant Pot recipe, know that any pressure cooker will do. 
• Be sure when you go to quick release that you set the venting position to open. 
• Pork tenderloin is a tender cut of pork that is different than loin. It is one of my favorite cuts of meat- at least where pork is concerned. You can find it at your local grocery store. I will explain more about the difference below. 
• Be sure not to overcook the pork and potatoes. 20 minutes on high pressure and 10 on natural release is plenty. 
• If you want to make creamy mashed potatoes, you can easily do it when the potatoes have cooked. They are soft and flavorful.  
• Be sure you leave the potatoes whole or in bug chunks- you can see the size of mine in the photos, don't go smaller than this. 
• Take care when you are releasing the pressure and removing the Instant Pot lid, you are working with a lot of pressure, and a lot of heat. 
• There is no need to let the tenderloin rest or to take a reading with a meat thermometer. It is so tender, you know it is well cooked. 

Difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin

1. Location on the Pig:
   • Pork Tenderloin: This cut comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. It is a long, thin, and cylindrical muscle located deep within the loin.
   • Pork Loin: The pork loin is a larger and wider cut that is also taken from the back of the pig, but it is not as tender as the tenderloin. The pork loin can be further divided into different sections, including the center loin and the blade loin.
2. Tenderness:
   • Pork Tenderloin: It is one of the most tender cuts of pork because it is a muscle that doesn't do much work, leading to a lean and tender texture.
   • Pork Loin: While still relatively tender, the pork loin is not as lean as the tenderloin and may have a bit more marbling, which can contribute to its flavor but may make it slightly less tender.
3. Size and Shape:
   • Pork Tenderloin: It is long, thin, and usually weighs around one to two pounds. It's often sold whole or in smaller individual portions.
   • Pork Loin: This cut is larger and wider, typically weighing several pounds. It can be found boneless or bone-in and may include a layer of fat on the outside, known as the pork loin cap.
4. Flavor:
   • Pork Tenderloin: It has a mild flavor, and because it's a lean cut, its taste is influenced more by seasonings and cooking methods.
   • Pork Loin: The pork loin has a slightly more pronounced flavor due to its marbling and may be juicier compared to the leaner tenderloin

Using an Instant Pot for the first time

1. read the Manual:
   • Before you start, read the Instant Pot manual thoroughly. This will help you understand the functions, safety features, and maintenance instructions.
2. Understand the Parts:
   • Familiarize yourself with the various parts of the Instant Pot, including the inner pot, sealing ring, steam rack, and float valve. Make sure they are clean and properly assembled before use.
3. Start with Simple Recipes:
   • Begin with simple recipes that have fewer ingredients. This will help you get accustomed to the settings and cooking times without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Master the Sealing and Venting:
   • Ensure that the Instant Pot is properly sealed before starting the cooking process. Also, be familiar with the quick release and natural release methods for venting steam after cooking.
5. Experiment with Pot-in-Pot Cooking:
   • Pot-in-pot cooking involves placing a smaller container inside the Instant Pot to cook separate dishes simultaneously. It's a great technique for cooking rice, grains, or desserts while your main dish cooks.
6. Clean Thoroughly:
   • Clean the Instant Pot thoroughly after each use. Many parts, including the sealing ring and steam rack, are dishwasher safe. Regular cleaning helps maintain the performance and longevity of the appliance.

Other pork tenderloin recipes

We love pork tenderloin recipes, so I have developed a few for the blog. Let me share those with you. 

• Pork
• Pressure Cooker