Regardless of what kind of low carb diet you're on, a few slices of a seared pork loin is a perfect option with a healthy amount of protein, with just the right amount of fat. But we like to spice things up around here and I gave some thought to where I'd take our tender pork loin too. Enter Southern Mexico, ripe with pineapples. Our Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin was in for a treat.
To balance out the sweetness from the pineapples, I decided to add a combination of Mexican spices, both fresh and dried. Jalapeno and ancho chilies add both a spicy and hot flavor punch that gets rounded beautifully by the pineapple.
I’ve really started to take a liking to our Instant Pot. I will admit that at first, it was a bit of an affront. And I paused at the thought of an Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin. You want to do what with it?
As a former chef, I’m used to being right in front of the stove and guiding my food from raw to an artful plate. But Katherine (my wife and Wanderspice partner) gently reminded me that not everyone wants to stand in front of the stove - um, why not? And who has the time, as she recited the names of our three children. Got it. Although it took me a second figure out this is a slow cooker. But it certainly does make things quick and easy.
So we’ve started to create our collection of Instant Pot Recipes - free download coming soon, but to date, this Instant Pot pork recipe is my favorite so far.
Choosing the Best Pork Tenderloin at the Market
- Always go humane and organic if you can. The way the animal was treated before slaughter matters and it’s a matter of respect for the life that’s nourishing us
- Look got pork fillet or pork tender, if you don’t see tenderloin specifically.
- Be sure to get tenderloin and not just regular pork loin. Same but very different.
- Check the color, nothing off-putting or spotty. And give it a whiff. If something's off, your nose will tell you.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot - One Important Tip
While cooking in an Instant Pot does let you walk away from it, there is one critical step that cannot be overlooked when cooking any protein. And that’s the sear. It locks in the natural flavor, the flavor of your seasonings and/or marinade and most important, it locks in the natural juices. And the juice is what makes everything tender.
Frozen Pork Tenderloin
The sear on the pork loin is a very important step (see above) And you can’t sear something that’s frozen. That’s what going to make the difference between a succulent, drip down your chin piece of perfectly prepared pork loin and a piece of pork that’s too enough to scrub the dirty pots in the sink. Short version - leave it out to defrost.
Pork Tenderloin Nutrition and Calories
So I’m not a Keto diet program, but Katherine is and it’s really important to me that when cooking for the family that we’re all eating healthier choices (hence the change in direction of our blog) and choosing the best cuts of protein.
Pork tenderloin is a pretty remarkable protein because of its fat content and protein punch. It’s versatile in that it really takes on the flavor of anything that pairs with it. And it does keep well in the fridge for leftovers.
The amount of calories to protein ratio makes it an excellent choice for animal protein dieters - looking at you, Paleo.
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Don’t cut your pork loin too fast after removing it from the Instant Pot. It has to rest so the juices don’t bleed out.
Other Keto Recipes:
- Keto Chicken Soup [with Jicama Cubes]
- Lebanese Keto Meatballs [with Jicama Salad]
- Keto Recipes from Around the World [10]
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin W/ Pineapple Ancho BBQ
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 2 lbs. pork tenderloin
- 1 tbs. Kosher salt quality
- 2 tbs. coriander seeds ground
- 1 tbs. black pepper ground
- 4 tbs. grapeseed oil quality
- 5 sprigs cilantro fresh
- 1 orange peel fresh
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup diced pineapples
Pineapple Ancho BBQ
- 1 cup pineapple diced
- 2 medium jalapenos diced
- 1 poblano diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar light brown
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1 tbs. cloves ground
- 1/2 cup ancho puree canned
- 1 tbs. Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 bunch cilantro
Instructions
- Using a large container generously rub one whole cleaned pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and ground coriander.
- Add remaining ingredients around the tenderloin.
- Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- On normal Insta Pot setting, add one tablespoon grape seed oil and sear pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown color.
- Add pineapple juice. Adjust Insta Pot to high pressure for 4-5 minutes. Allow to cook.
- Remove tenderloin once the cycle is complete and the pressure has been released. Set aside to rest.
- Set Insta Pot to Saute. Add one tablespoon grape seed oil. Add onions, poblanos, jalapeños, diced pineapples, and orange peel, and sweat for 5 minutes.
- After five minutes remove orange peel and add cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar and ancho puree. Stir until everything is completely incorporated about 1 minute.
- Add to blender and blend on high setting while slowly drizzling in canola oil to emulsify. About 1 minute.
- Once complete, slice the tenderloin on a bias, Serve with generous amount of BBQ sauce and sprigs of cilantro.
Jillian says
Instant Pot recipes are my favorite! I liked how you gave tips for choosing the right cut of meat - very helpful!
Natalie says
I love pork tenderloin! It's such a delicious meat and your version looks and sounds so delicious and juicy! YUM!
Marie says
This looks like a must-try recipe for the Instant Pot! I've been trying all types of recipes in the IP, but have not tried pork yet. I love the sweet and spicy flavours in this one! Thanks for sharing.
Emily says
I love the sound of that sauce, so delicious!
Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas says
Love, love, love pork tenderloin for an easy weekday meal. This sounds delicious, particularly when paired with the pineapple sauce. Yum!
Adam Miller says
Ingredient list didn’t have poblano or brown sugar....how much of each?
Katherine says
We've corrected the ingredient list. You'll need 1/4 brown sugar and 1 whole poblano, diced.
Ann says
An easy and delicious instant pot recipe that the whole family will love!