Effortless Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal (21 Day Fix Approved!)
This Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s incredibly quick, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers tender, flavorful pork with a rich, savory gravy. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for a complete one-pot meal with veggies and is perfect for healthy eating plans like 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset, and Weight Watchers. This post contains affiliate links for products I am obsessed with.
Confession #121 – I’m writing this blog post from the quiet solitude of my house. Just me, the keyboard, and the lingering scent of delicious balsamic pork. Even a few months ago, this felt like an impossibility. I mean, I can literally count on one hand how many times I’ve been home alone without my kids until recently.
And you know what? It’s wonderfully weird. Amazing, even. But definitely weird.
This newfound quietude came about because my little guy started preschool last week. After months of searching for the perfect fit – and honestly, doubting whether school would even happen this year – he was selected for a local inclusion-based preschool. I am so incredibly thankful that it seems to be working out, bringing a new rhythm to our days and a little more peace to mine. It’s a testament to the fact that even small shifts in routine can feel monumental.
Just look at that face, right? He’s such a mama’s boy, and my heart swells with pride seeing him embark on this new adventure. A huge shout-out to all the amazing teachers and therapists out there, especially those in the special education world, who dedicate themselves to making school a safe, happy, and enriching place for our children. Your work is truly invaluable.
While I’m still adjusting to this feeling of being alone, something tells me it won’t take long to fully embrace it. 😉 This newfound quiet time, however brief, emphasizes the importance of efficiency when the kids *are* home, and that’s where incredible recipes like this Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin come in.
Quick and Easy Dinner Solution: Instant Pot Balsamic Pork
Speaking of things that don’t take long (and pardon the awkward transition, but preschool isn’t all day, and I need to get to that pick-up line soon!), this Instant Pot Balsamic Pork is the ultimate quick dinner. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a healthy, delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pork tenderloin, often confused with the larger, tougher pork loin, is a lean, delicate cut of meat that cooks incredibly fast in the Instant Pot. Many recipes suggest cooking it for as little as one minute of pressure, but I prefer my pork a little more on the well-done side while still maintaining its exquisite tenderness. After some experimentation, I found that 5 minutes of high-pressure cooking, followed by a 6-minute natural pressure release (NPR) before a quick release (QR), yields perfect results every time. This method ensures the pork is cooked through, incredibly juicy, and easy to slice.
The Secret is in the Gravy!
One of the true stars of this dish is the rich, flavorful balsamic gravy. I’ve made this meal countless times in the slow cooker, but the Instant Pot takes the gravy to a whole new level of convenience and deliciousness. The magic happens right in the pot! Once the pork is cooked and resting, simply switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a tablespoon or two of rice flour or arrowroot powder (my preferred gluten-free thickeners), and stir continuously. Before you know it, BOOM – a luscious, velvety gravy forms. It happens quite fast, so be ready to remove the inner pot from the base if you need to stop the cooking quickly to prevent it from getting too thick. Season it to your taste with a pinch more salt and pepper, and you have a gravy that perfectly complements the tender pork.
This meal was such a hit that my new preschooler and my husband actually requested it for dinner the very next day! Next time, I’m definitely doubling the sauce and cooking two pork tenderloins to ensure we have enough for leftovers (or repeat requests!). If I find the cook time needs adjusting for a larger quantity, I will absolutely let you know in an update.
Make it a One-Pot Meal: Add Potatoes and Carrots!
**Update:** I’ve recently made this recipe even easier by transforming it into a complete one-pot meal, adding potatoes and baby carrots right into the Instant Pot with the pork! After searing the pork tenderloin, simply place the trivet on top of the pork. Then, add the chicken broth, followed by the cubed red potatoes and baby carrots on top of the trivet. This method ensures everything cooks perfectly together, absorbing the delicious balsamic flavors, and results in fewer dishes to wash. It’s truly a perfect, balanced meal all cooked in one pot!
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its speed but also in its versatility. You can easily adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste, making it slightly sweeter or more savory. The balsamic vinegar provides a wonderful tang and helps tenderize the pork, while a touch of honey balances the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re following a specific meal plan or just looking for a wholesome, satisfying dinner, this balsamic pork tenderloin is a fantastic choice.
Serve this delightful Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple fresh salad for an even more complete and nutritious meal. The tender pork and rich gravy also pair wonderfully with quinoa or brown rice if you’re looking for additional whole grains.
This recipe truly embodies what I strive for in my kitchen: healthy, delicious, and efficient meals that bring joy to the table. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a regular in your rotation, especially on those hectic weeknights!
Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 teaspoons olive oil omit for slow cooker
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice or arrowroot flour can sub thickener of choice
- 2 cups baby carrots optional
- 2 cups cubed red potatoes optional
Instructions
Instant Pot
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Set Instant Pot to saute. When it’s displays the word hot, add 2 tsp of olive oil to the bottom of the pan. Saute pork tenderloin on all sides until it gets to a nice golden brown, then sprinkle thoroughly with salt and pepper. **If adding the optional potatoes and carrots, place trivet on top of pork, the add carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot.
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Mix broth, balsamic and honey together and pour over pork (and over veggies if using). Place and lock lid on the IP, and set to manual/high pressure for 5 minutes.
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When cook time is up, natural pressure release for 6 minutes, then switch to quick release.
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Remove pork from Instant Pot and let it rest for at least 3-5 minutes while you make the gravy. Switch pot to saute and stir in thickener. Keep stirring until a gravy forms, seasoning to taste. Remove from heat before gravy gets too thick.
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Pour gravy over pork, slice and serve!
Slow Cooker
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Place pork in slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
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Mix broth, balsamic, and honey together and pour over pork.
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Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6.
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Remove pork from slow cooker and let it rest for at least 3-5 minutes while you make the gravy. Pour remaining liquid into a saucepan, heat, and stir in thickener. Keep stirring until a gravy forms, seasoning to taste. Remove from heat before gravy gets too thick.
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Pour gravy over pork, slice and serve!
Notes
WW: 6 points (per serving) [Calculated using olive oil, maple syrup, and arrowroot powder]
Nutrition
