Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asia straight to your kitchen? This Asian Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines tender, juicy pork with a savory-sweet marinade that will have you craving more. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family or guests with a gourmet dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion. Get ready to discover how simple ingredients can create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the pork tenderloin by patting it dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better searing.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Pour half of the marinade over the pork tenderloin, reserving the remaining sauce for later. Let the pork marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Allow the pot to heat up for 2-3 minutes.
- Sear the marinated pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side to develop a rich flavor crust.
- Cancel the sauté function and pour the water into the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the tenderloin.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and let it rest on a cutting board, tenting with foil to keep warm.
- Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and add the reserved marinade and cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the pork tenderloin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Drizzle the thickened sauce over the sliced pork and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork tenderloin for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the pork tenderloin not only adds a beautiful color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of your pork tenderloin, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Aim for 8 minutes for thinner cuts and up to 10 minutes for thicker ones.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes helps keep the pork juicy and tender, ensuring it doesn’t dry out when you cut into it.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch slurry to reach your desired consistency. Just remember to stir constantly while it thickens to avoid lumps.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other sides like sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, they make for fantastic sandwiches or salads the next day. Just slice the pork and toss it with fresh greens and your favorite dressing for a quick lunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
