Instant Pot Frozen Pork Tenderloin

Discover how the Instant Pot can transform a frozen pork tenderloin into a tender and flavorful dish in record time. Learn how to make Instant Pot Frozen Pork Tenderloin for an easy dinner!

The Instant Pot isn’t just another kitchen gadget; it’s a culinary revolution in a sleek package. Designed as a multi-functional cooker, this powerhouse effortlessly combines the roles of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more. Its pressure cooking capability shines when dealing with frozen meats. The Instant Pot allows you to go from freezer to feast, maintaining the integrity of the meat while ensuring thorough cooking.

Can i cook a frozen pork loin in the Instant Pot? Yes! Just pour in some broth, pop in that icy tenderloin, sprinkle on your favorite seasonings, and let the Instant Pot do its magic on high pressure for about 25-30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, check the meat’s internal temp, and you’re set. No defrosting, no fuss, and in under an hour, you’re dishing out a tender and juicy meal.

🥩Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen Pork Tenderloin – The main star of the dish, this provides a meaty, flavorful base that turns tender and juicy when pressure-cooked.
• Broth (chicken or vegetable) – Adds moisture for the pressure cooking process, enhancing the tenderness of the pork and infusing it with an additional layer of savory flavor.
• Minced Garlic – Imparts a rich, aromatic depth to the pork, complementing its natural flavors and adding a touch of zest.
• Salt and Pepper – Fundamental seasonings that elevate the natural taste of the pork, bringing balance and depth to the dish.
• Optional Herbs (rosemary, thyme, onion powder) – These herbs and seasonings introduce additional fragrant notes, allowing you to tailor the profile of the dish to your preferred palate.

📖How To Make Frozen Pork Tenderloin In The Instant Pot

1️⃣Add Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the bottom of your Instant Pot.

2️⃣Season the Pork: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or seasonings you’d like. Even though the pork is frozen, try to spread this seasoning mix over the surface of the tenderloin as best you can.

3️⃣Place in Instant Pot: Position the trivet (the metal stand that comes with the Instant Pot) in the bottom of the pot. Place the frozen pork tenderloin on top of the trivet.

4️⃣Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the vent is set to “sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to manual or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 25-30 minutes. If your tenderloin is on the thicker side, lean towards the 30-minute mark.

5️⃣Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for at least 10 minutes. Then, if necessary, turn the vent to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.

6️⃣Check for Doneness: Carefully open the Instant Pot and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork tenderloin has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). If it hasn’t, you can seal the pot back up and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

7️⃣Rest and Serve: Remove the pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. Then, slice and serve!

⏲How Long To Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin In Instant Pot

Weight of Pork Tenderloin	Cooking Time (High Pressure)
1 Pound	25-30 minutes
2 Pounds	30-35 minutes
3 Pounds	35-40 minutes
5 Pounds	45-50 minutes

These are general guidelines, and actual cooking times may vary based on the specific Instant Pot model and the exact weight of the meat. Always remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork tenderloin reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) after cooking. If it hasn’t reached the desired temperature, you can seal the pot back up and add some extra time.

👩‍🍳Recipe Tips

• Always ensure the broth covers at least the bottom of the Instant Pot; this prevents any burn notices and ensures consistent pressure buildup.
• If cooking multiple pieces of tenderloin, try to ensure they’re of similar size for even cooking.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aiming for an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) ensures safety and perfect tenderness.
• Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for a bit helps retain the juices within the tenderloin, making it more succulent.
• For particularly thick tenderloins, consider adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time for optimal results.
• Even if the pork is frozen, try to spread seasonings uniformly. Pressing seasonings onto the meat, even if they don’t stick perfectly, can help infuse flavors.
• After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy.
• To make frozen pork tenderloin in instant pot with potatoes: Place a cup of broth (chicken or vegetable) at the base of the pot. Position a trivet over the broth and lay the frozen pork tenderloin on top. Season the tenderloin with your desired spices, such as minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Around the pork, place small, evenly-sized potatoes or potato chunks. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for about 30-35 minutes, depending on the size of your tenderloin. Allow a natural release for at least 10 minutes afterward. Check the pork’s internal temperature, ensuring it’s at least 145°F (63°C), and make sure the potatoes are fork-tender. Adjust cooking time if necessary.

❔FAQ

Can you cook a pork tenderloin from frozen?

Absolutely, you can cook a pork tenderloin from frozen, especially in appliances like the Instant Pot which are designed to handle frozen meats efficiently. Cooking directly from frozen can save time and effort without compromising the quality or flavor of the dish.

Why is my pork tenderloin tough in Instant Pot?

If your pork tenderloin turns out tough, it might be undercooked, as pressure cooking generally makes meats tender due to its moisture-rich environment. Alternatively, overcooking or quick-releasing the pressure too soon can also toughen the meat, so always allow for a natural release for a period to preserve tenderness.

What other cuts of frozen pork can I use in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is versatile and can handle various frozen pork cuts, including pork shoulder, pork chops, and ribs. When cooking different cuts, just adjust the cooking time and ensure they reach a safe internal temperature, as some cuts, like pork shoulder, may require longer to become tender.

🥘More Instant Pot Frozen Recipes

• Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast
• Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken
• Instant Pot Frozen Corn on The Cob
• Instant Pot Frozen Lobster Tails
• Instant Pot Frozen Shrimp