How to Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot [VIDEO]

Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal in just about one hour. The method is very simple, and you can also apply this strategy to other meats. So next time you are skeptical about cooking frozen pork tenderloin, just refer to this recipe for an easy solution. Check out this recipe step by step video below. 

The beauty of Instant Pot recipes is that you can make many delicious meals in a fraction of time. Similarly, you can make many meals without defrosting meat. Check out how to cook frozen chicken breast in the pressure cooker, chicken wings, whole chicken, ground beef, turkey breast.

Easy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is what we usually cook when we have limited time. It is convenient, easy, and in many ways a healthier alternative to pan-frying the meat. Simply take the frozen tenderloin, put it in the pressure cooker with some chicken broth and seasoning, and you have the best and quickest dinner at your disposal.

How many times did it happen to you to plan a delicious dinner, and only to realize that you forgot to thaw the meat?! This is the scenario that usually leads to either eating cereal after work or ordering delivery. However, with the help of Instant Pot, you won’t have this problem again. In this post, I will share with you how to cook frozen pork tenderloin in the pressure cooker with delicious Honey Garlic sauce.

What Do You need to cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot?

• Instant Pot or any other Pressure Cooker
• Instant Pot trivet with handles
• 1-2lbs pork tenderloin
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 bay leaves

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger root
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

How to cook frozen pork tenderloin in Instant Pot?

For a quick guideline, please watch the short video tutorial attached above. But the general steps are as follows:

1. Add 2 cups of chicken broth and bay leaves to the pressure cooker pot.
2. Then, place the trivet with handles and place frozen tenderloin directly onto it. If it doesn’t fit, cut it in half.
3. After, close the lid and make sure the valve points to seal.
4. Press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 60 minutes for frozen pork tenderloin ( 2 lbs) and 40 minutes for fresh or thawed tenderloin. Followed by a 10 minutes Natural Pressure Release.
5. After the 10 minutes NPR, release manually the remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid and carefully lift the trivet with the meat. Remove and discard any excess fat from it, and place it in a baking pan that has been covered with foil.
7. Clean the pressure cooker pot, and Select sauté.
8. Next, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until fully combined.
9. Once the IP reads HOT, add the sauce mixture to it. Stir and cook for a few minutes until it thickens enough to coat the spoon.
10. Top the pork tenderloin with half of the sauce, brushing the top and the sides of it. Set the other half of the sauce aside.
11. Broil the meat for a few minutes, or until golden brown. Baste once with the sauce that dripped into the pan.
12. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
13. Using a sharp knife, slice the meat and serve drizzled with the remaining sauce.
14. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

How long to cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Pressure Cooker?

• Since we are cooking frozen meat the cooking time will be longer than normal.
• As a general rule, I like to cook 30 minutes per pound for frozen pork tenderloin on high pressure, and it turns out great.
• For fresh or thawed meat, cook for 20 minutes per pound on the high-pressure setting.
• Please note, you will have to allow for an additional 10 minutes of NPR (Natural Pressure Release).

Can I cook more than one pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot?

You can absolutely cook more than one tenderloin in your pressure cooker. Just make sure you stack them up in the pressure cooker. The cooking time should not be any longer (as noted above) unless they are frozen right together.

Also, try to stagger or crisscross them so they do not overlap completely. Select the time based on how many pounds of meat you are cooking.

How do you know when the frozen pork tenderloin is ready?

It is best to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The FDA safety guidelines for pork are to be cooked to 145 degrees F. So, ideally, you are looking for around 145 degrees F before resting, depending on your tastes.

Also, if after pressure cooking the meat the internal temperature is a little under 165 degrees F (by 5 degrees or so), simply tent in foil to let the pork carryover cook as it rests. 

What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?

They might sound similar, but there are a few main differences to them. Firstly, they are not cut from the same part of the animal, and they also look quite different. Pork tenderloin is thinner and smaller, while the loin is quite big and wide and steak-like. 

Also, the loin can be sold bone-in or boneless, where the tenderloin is a very lean piece of meat and is always boneless. 

What to serve with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin?

The meat turns out very tender and delicate once cooked in the pressure cooker. Some side dished that pairs well with it would be:

• Corn on the Cob
• Mashed Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Potatoes

How to store Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin?

• To refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• To freeze: Let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Prior to serving, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until properly heated. 

What is natural pressure release (NPR)?

A Natural Pressure Release means that the pressure is released gradually. For a Natural Pressure Release, you click on Keep Warm and wait 10 minutes. After this, you open the valve and let any leftover pressure to release. Another option is to Turn Off/Unplug the pressure cooker, wait 10 minutes and after that open the valve.

A natural release is usually used when cooking soups, meat in a large amount of sauce, pasta or steel-cut oats. This method prevents any foam from the dish to shoot out through the valve, which can happen during a Quick Pressure Release.

Frozen Pork Loin Instant Pot Recipe Tips:

• You can use a 6 quart or 8 quarts Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Both work great. The main difference is that in the larger sized version you can cook/add more meat. 
• Also, it is important for pressure to release naturally. DO NOT do a quick release of the meat when the cooking time is up. It is best for it to do the release naturally, and wait for it for about 10 minutes. 
• You can skip the Honey Garlic Sauce and simply cook without it. However, the sauce is really complimenting this dish nicely, and we love using it.