Instant Pot Pork Loin: Perfectly Cooked in Minutes

I used to think the instant pot was just another kitchen gadget that would gather dust in the cupboard. Boy, was I wrong! The moment I tried cooking a pork loin in it, my mind was blown. It was so simple, so fast, and the pork was incredibly juicy and tender. This experience completely changed my perception of this amazing appliance.

Today, I'm going to share my secrets for cooking the perfect instant pot pork loin. We'll cover everything from choosing the right cut to prepping it with flavour-boosting ingredients and even some tips and tricks I've learned along the way. I'll guide you through the entire process, step by step, so you can confidently create a delicious and hassle-free meal.

(Part 1) Why Instant Pot Pork Loin?

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why the Instant Pot is such a brilliant choice for cooking pork loin. First and foremost, it's all about convenience. You're dealing with one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. And best of all, it's a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when you need a quick and tasty meal on the table. The Instant Pot does the hard work for you, making it a true time-saver.

Advantages of Instant Pot Pork Loin

Here are some compelling reasons to consider cooking your pork loin in an Instant Pot:

1. Speed and Convenience: The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time significantly compared to traditional methods. Perfect for those nights when you're short on time but crave a delicious meal.
2. Tender and Juicy Results: The Instant Pot's pressure cooking method locks in moisture, ensuring tender and juicy pork every time. This is crucial for achieving a succulent final product.
3. Less Mess and Effort: It's a one-pot meal, reducing the number of dishes you need to wash. This is a huge plus, especially after a busy day.
4. Versatile Cooking Options: The Instant Pot is a multi-tasker! It can be used for pressure cooking, sauteing, slow cooking, and more, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your kitchen.
5. Easy to Use: The Instant Pot is relatively easy to operate, even if you're not the most experienced cook. The intuitive controls make it user-friendly for everyone.

In essence, using the Instant Pot for your pork loin is a smart and convenient decision. You get delicious and tender results, with the added bonus of speed and ease, making it an ideal choice for everyday cooking.

(Part 2) Choosing the Right Pork Loin

The foundation for a delicious pork loin lies in selecting the right cut. You want a cut that isn't overly lean, as that can lead to a dry and tough piece of meat. My go-to is bone-in pork loin. It's packed with flavor and tends to cook more evenly than boneless. If you're using boneless pork loin, make sure it's at least 1.5 inches thick to prevent it from drying out during cooking.

My Tips for Selecting the perfect pork loin

Here are my top tips for choosing the perfect pork loin at the butcher:

1. Look for a pale pink colour: This indicates fresh and healthy meat. Avoid any cuts that are discoloured or have a strong odour. It's a good visual indicator of quality.
2. Check for marbling: Marbling is the fat that runs through the meat, contributing to its flavour and ensuring moisture during cooking. Look for a cut with good marbling throughout for a more succulent result.
3. Feel for firmness: A good pork loin should feel firm to the touch and spring back slightly when pressed. This indicates freshness and good quality.
4. Go bone-in: While boneless is easier to slice, bone-in pork loins tend to be more flavorful and cook more evenly due to the bone providing a heat source. This results in a more consistent cooking experience.

By following these simple tips, you can pick the best pork loin for your Instant Pot masterpiece!

(Part 3) Preparing the Pork Loin

Now that you have your perfect pork loin, it's time to prep it for the Instant Pot! You can use it as is, or you can add some extra flavour by rubbing in a spice blend, using a marinade, or creating a glaze. I personally love to rub a simple spice blend into the pork before cooking, but you can experiment and find what suits your taste best.

My Favourite Spice Rub

Here's the spice rub I use for a flavour-packed pork loin:

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2. 1 tablespoon garlic powder
3. 1 tablespoon onion powder
4. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
5. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
6. 1 teaspoon black pepper
7. 1 teaspoon salt
8. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. It's a quick and easy process.
2. Rub the spice blend all over the pork loin, making sure it's evenly coated. This ensures that the flavour permeates the entire piece of meat.

I've also experimented with adding brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to this rub for a sweeter flavor profile, and it works wonders! Don't be afraid to get creative and find your own perfect blend.

(Part 4) Instant Pot pork loin recipe

Now for the main event! This is my foolproof Instant Pot pork loin recipe. It's easy to follow and produces consistently delicious results.

Ingredients

1. 1 bone-in pork loin (approximately 3-4 pounds)
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1/2 cup chicken broth
4. 1/4 cup chopped onion
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
7. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8. Salt to taste

Optional:

1. 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2. 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Prep the Pork: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and rub it with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Or, use your favorite spice rub for a burst of flavor.
2. Saute: Turn your Instant Pot to the saute function and heat the olive oil. Brown the pork loin on all sides for about 5 minutes, ensuring it gets a nice crust. This adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture.
3. Add Veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and saute for another 2 minutes until softened. This adds a sweet and savory base for the dish.
4. Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add the thyme, black pepper, and any additional spices you like. The broth helps create a flavorful sauce and keeps the pork moist.
5. Pressure Cook: Place the pork loin in the Instant Pot, fat side up. Secure the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of the pork loin. The Instant Pot does the work for you, ensuring even and perfect cooking.
6. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure. This gradual release prevents the pork from becoming tough.
7. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the pork loin from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.

For an extra layer of flavour, you can create a delicious glaze using the pan juices:

1. Make the Glaze: After the pork loin has been removed, turn the Instant Pot back to saute mode and bring the juices to a boil. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. This adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the pork.
2. Glaze the Pork: Drizzle the glaze over the cooked pork loin just before serving. This adds a final touch of flavour and a beautiful, glossy finish.

Serve the Instant Pot pork loin with your favourite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. It's a meal that's perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special events.

(Part 5) Tips and Tricks

Over time, I've learned a few tricks that can elevate your Instant Pot pork loin to the next level. These tips will help you achieve consistent success and create a truly delicious dish.

Tips for Success

1. Use a meat thermometer: For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork loin. It should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. This ensures the pork is cooked to the right temperature.
2. Don't Overcrowd: If you're cooking multiple pork loins at once, make sure there's enough space between them for even cooking. This helps prevent them from steaming instead of browning.
3. Add Flavour: Get creative with your seasoning! Try different spice rubs, marinades, or even a simple garlic and herb mix. Experiment to find what suits your taste buds best.
4. Deglaze the Pot: After cooking, add a splash of wine or broth to the Instant Pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to create a delicious sauce. This is a great way to make the most of all those flavorful bits.
5. Keep it Moist: If you're worried about the pork loin drying out, you can add a small amount of liquid, like chicken broth or apple cider vinegar, to the bottom of the Instant Pot before cooking. This helps keep the meat moist and tender.

These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final result, taking your Instant Pot pork loin from good to amazing!

(Part 6) Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot pork loin is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide array of sides. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity and complement your pork loin masterpiece.

Delicious side dish Pairings

1. Starchy Sides: Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, creamy polenta, or rice. These provide a comforting and satisfying element to the meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, or butternut squash. Roasted vegetables add a burst of flavor and color, creating a well-balanced meal.
3. Salads: Green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, a simple coleslaw, or a potato salad. These add a refreshing and light element to the meal.
4. Breads: Crusty bread to soak up the juices, rolls, or cornbread. These provide a delicious way to enjoy the flavorful pan juices.

You can also experiment with different flavour combinations, like a Caribbean-inspired pork loin with mango salsa or a Mediterranean pork loin with roasted peppers and olives. Let your imagination run wild and create your own unique flavor profiles!

(Part 7) Storing and Reheating

Even though you'll likely devour that pork loin in one sitting, it's good to know how to store any leftovers for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the pork fresh and flavorful for a few days.
2. Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the pork loin tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to enjoy your pork loin at a later date.

Reheating Leftovers

There are various methods for reheating leftover pork loin, but my favorite is in the oven:

1. Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork loin on a baking sheet and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures even reheating and retains the moisture.
2. Microwave: You can reheat leftover pork loin in the microwave, but it can dry out, so be careful. Cover the pork loin with a microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap to retain moisture. This is a quick and convenient option but can result in a slightly drier texture.

(Part 8) FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Instant Pot pork loin, addressing common concerns and providing helpful answers.

Q: What if my pork loin is too big for the Instant Pot?

A: If you have a large pork loin, you can always cut it in half or into smaller pieces to fit in the Instant Pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on the size of the pieces. This allows you to still enjoy the Instant Pot convenience with larger cuts of meat.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?

A: While pork loin is a fantastic choice for the Instant Pot, you can also use other types of meat, such as chicken breasts, beef roast, or even a whole chicken. This expands the possibilities for delicious and convenient Instant Pot meals.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot with the pork loin?

A: Absolutely! You can add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips to the Instant Pot with the pork loin. Just ensure that the vegetables are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly. This creates a complete meal in one pot, making it even more convenient.

Q: What are some other Instant Pot pork loin recipes I can try?

A: There are countless variations on the Instant Pot pork loin recipe! Try a sweet and sour pork loin, a Hawaiian pork loin with pineapple, or a pork loin with a creamy mushroom sauce. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find new favorites.

Q: How do I know if my pork loin is cooked through?

A: You can tell if your pork loin is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F (63°C). Additionally, the pork loin should be opaque in colour and no longer pink. This ensures that the pork is safely cooked to the correct temperature.

(Part 9) Conclusion

The Instant Pot has become an essential part of my kitchen, and cooking pork loin in it is a testament to its versatility and ease of use. The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking and delivers consistently tender, juicy, and flavourful pork. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It's a delicious and simple way to impress your family and friends with a fantastic meal. You won't be disappointed!