Easy, Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast is the best electric pressure cooker recipe for boneless rib roast drizzled with balsamic glaze and gravy. Slice this hot and juicy cut of pork into thick chops and serve with your favorite side dishes. The cook time is minimal and this post also includes tips for tenderloin.
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FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.
The Instant Pot really is the “GOAT” for saving on cooking time. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and also works great for meal prep and is freezer friendly for freezer meals. I’m also a huge fan of pork in my air fryer. Be sure to check out my Air Fryer Pork Loin and Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops.
This dish is also keto and low-carb, perfect healthy meal for the keto diet.
Is There a Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?
Pork loin and pork tenderloin are not cut from the same part of the animal. Pork loin is made from the animal’s back and can be purchased boneless or bone-in.
It’s larger in size and is typically purchased in 3-5 pounds. It’s also commonly referred to as pork loin roast, center cut pork loin, or pork center rib roast.
Pork tenderloin is usually about an inch and half to two inches thick and is the muscle that runs alongside the backbone. It is only made in boneless.
It is typically purchased in 1-2 pounds. It’s commonly referred to as pork tender or pork filet. You can read more about The Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin here.
How to Cook Pork Loin in Instant Pot
- Drizzle the pork loin with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can marinate the pork loin overnight if desired. It is not required.
- Add olive oil and garlic to the Instant Pot using the Saute function. Sear each side of the meat.
- Remove the pork and deglaze the pot with broth. Add sweetener and balsamic vinegar to the pot, along with the seared pork.
- Pressure cook.
How Long to Cook
According to the USDA the pork loin should cook until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees. If it cooks until 165 degrees, it will be dry and will taste grainy.
The USDA also recommends that the pork rests for at least 3 minutes. I allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes. You can read more about Minimum Internal Temperatures for Food Safety Here.
How to Keep Pork Loin From Drying Out
Do not overcook the pork loin. The first sign of dryness is usually due to overcooking the meat. Marinating the meat in a brine will also help keep the pork loin juicy and tender.
Savor the balsamic glaze as gravy. Gravy and glaze will keep the meat nice and moist.
Can You Shred it? Does it Work for Pulled Pork?
I prefer to use a pork shoulder for pulled pork, but you can use pork loin. It will require a longer cook time to get it to shred. You can check out my Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe here.
The best way to make pulled pork using pork loin is to use a slow cooker, in my opinion. You can cook it on Low for 4-6 hours. If using the Instant Pot, cook for 45 minutes with 10 minutes natural release.
Freezer Tips
I freeze cooked pork loin in sealable freezer bags, labeled with the date. You can freeze it for 4-6 months.
Pair this dish with Keto Low Carb Cauliflower Mash, Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli, or Air Fryer Asparagus.
Easy, Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast
Ingredients
- 1 3-4 pound pork loin (not tenderloin) Depending on the size of your pork loin and your Instant Pot, you may have to slice the pork loin in half to fit inside the pot.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sweetener I use a zero calorie brand. Use DISCOUNT CODE STAYSNATCHED to save.
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Drizzle both sides of the pork loin with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper to taste onto both sides of the pork. You can marinate the pork loin for 2 hours to overnight, if preferred. Marinating is optional.
- Turn the Instant Pot on the saute function. When the pot is hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic.
- Add the pork loin to the Instant Pot. Sear each side of the pork loin for 1-2 minutes. Cancel the saute function on the pot.
- Remove the pork loin. Deglaze the pot by adding the broth and use a silicone spoon to scoop up all of the brown bits in the bottom of the pot. These are loaded in flavor.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and brown sweetener. Add the pork back to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Close the pot and seal. Cook for 12 minutes on Manual > High-Pressure Cooking.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Open the pot and remove the pork loin. Allow the pork loin to rest for another 10 minutes before slicing.
Balsamic Glaze Gravy
- When you remove the pork loin from the pot, there will be a lot of glaze remaining in the pot. If you wish to thicken the glaze, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch (1 teaspoon of Xanthan gum for keto) to a small bowl with 3 teaspoons of glaze from the pot. Stir to combine and add the mixture back to the pot.
- Place the Instant Pot on the saute function. Stir the pot. After 3-4 minutes cancel the saute function. The glaze will thicken as it stands.
Kristen
Tuesday 5th of July 2022
12 minutes wasn't even CLOSE to being enough time. Put it back in the pot for another 30 min and still had to finish in the skillet.
staysnatched
Tuesday 5th of July 2022
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Teri Komarek
Friday 28th of February 2020
Recipe calls for 1/4 cup of "brown sweetener". What can I use for that? Brown sugar? Honey?
staysnatched
Friday 28th of February 2020
Brown sugar will work.
Cheryl Youngblood
Monday 11th of November 2019
I love this recipe. Easy and absolutely delicious. This one is a keeper. Thank you! Mmmmwah
staysnatched
Tuesday 12th of November 2019
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
Monday 11th of November 2019
I made this for our Monday night dinner,. All that I can say is that it turned out fabulous. This one is definitely a keeper, not only was it easy, I had fun making it! My only regret is not inviting a couple of my friends just so I could show off. I salute the author!