Unlock the secret to a perfectly tender, incredibly juicy pork loin roast every time with your Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast recipe transforms a simple cut of meat into a show-stopping meal, complete with a luscious balsamic glaze and savory gravy. Forget long hours in the oven or dry, flavorless results; your electric pressure cooker makes quick work of this boneless rib roast, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, preparing meals in advance, or looking for a healthy, low-carb option, this recipe is designed to exceed your expectations. We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your pork loin is succulent, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
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FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS VALUABLE TIPS AND INFORMATION TO ENSURE YOUR COOKING SUCCESS.
The Magic of Instant Pot Pork Loin: Quick, Flavorful, and Effortless
The Instant Pot truly is a game-changer in the kitchen, especially when it comes to preparing delicious meat dishes in a fraction of the traditional time. This Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast is a testament to its efficiency and ability to infuse deep flavors quickly. By using an electric pressure cooker, you not only drastically cut down on cooking time but also lock in moisture, resulting in pork that is unbelievably tender and juicy. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without the lengthy prep.
Beyond its speed, the Instant Pot excels at creating rich sauces and gravies directly in the cooking pot, utilizing all the delicious pan drippings. This method ensures maximum flavor from start to finish. Plus, this recipe is designed to be incredibly versatile – perfect for quick family dinners, efficient meal prepping for the week ahead, and even freezer-friendly meals that you can enjoy later. If you’re a fan of pork, you might also enjoy exploring other cooking methods. Don’t forget to check out our Air Fryer Pork Loin and Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops recipes for more culinary inspiration.
A Healthy and Versatile Main Dish
In addition to being incredibly convenient and delicious, this Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast is also a fantastic option for those following specific dietary plans. It’s naturally keto and low-carb, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, satisfying meal that fits within these lifestyle parameters. Lean pork loin provides a robust source of protein without excessive fat, especially when trimmed. The balsamic glaze, when prepared with a zero-calorie brown sweetener as suggested, keeps the carb count minimal while delivering big on taste. This dish is truly a guilt-free pleasure that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Table of Contents
Understanding Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin
While often confused, pork loin and pork tenderloin are distinct cuts of meat that come from different parts of the animal and are best suited for different cooking applications. Understanding these differences is key to achieving the best results in your Instant Pot.
Pork Loin: This cut, also known as pork loin roast, center cut pork loin, or pork center rib roast, comes from the animal’s back. It is a larger, thicker cut, typically weighing between 3 to 5 pounds, and can be purchased either boneless or bone-in. Pork loin is characterized by a lean eye of meat and often has a fat cap on one side, which contributes to its flavor and moisture during cooking. Its substantial size and shape make it ideal for roasting, slicing into thick chops, or even cubing for stews.
Pork Tenderloin: In contrast, pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, and very lean cut, usually about 1 to 2 inches thick, that runs along the backbone. It is always boneless and considerably smaller than a pork loin, typically weighing 1 to 2 pounds. Often referred to as pork tender or pork filet, this cut is known for its extreme tenderness and mild flavor. Because it’s so lean, tenderloin cooks quickly and can dry out if overcooked, making it perfect for quick searing, grilling, or roasting whole for a short period. For our Instant Pot recipe, we specifically focus on pork loin for its robust structure and ability to create a satisfying roast. You can read more about The Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin here.
How to Master Instant Pot Pork Loin: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a mouthwatering pork loin roast in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, yet the results are profoundly delicious. The key steps involve seasoning, searing, and pressure cooking, each contributing to the final tender and flavorful outcome. Even if you’re new to pressure cooking, these straightforward instructions will guide you to success.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Roast
Our recipe calls for a balance of fresh herbs, aromatic garlic, and a tangy-sweet glaze to elevate the natural flavors of the pork. Fresh rosemary and thyme impart an earthy depth, while minced garlic adds a pungent kick. The combination of balsamic vinegar and a brown sweetener creates a rich, complex sauce that perfectly complements the pork.
- Prepare the Pork Loin: Begin by drizzling the pork loin generously with olive oil. Season it all over with a blend of fragrant rosemary, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. While optional, marinating the pork loin overnight can enhance its flavor and tenderize it further, though it’s not strictly necessary for a delicious result.
- Sear for Flavor: Activate the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic, allowing it to become fragrant for about 30 seconds. Carefully place the seasoned pork loin into the hot pot and sear each side for 1-2 minutes until beautifully browned. Searing creates a delicious crust and locks in juices.
- Deglaze the Pot: Remove the seared pork loin from the pot. Crucially, deglaze the pot by pouring in chicken or beef broth. Use a silicone spoon or wooden spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This prevents a “burn” notice and incorporates rich, caramelized flavors into your sauce.
- Build the Glaze: Stir in the brown sweetener and balsamic vinegar into the deglazed broth. Return the seared pork loin to the pot, nestling it in the flavorful liquid. Ensure the pork is slightly submerged or coated by the liquid.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on High Pressure and set the timer for 12 minutes. This brief cooking time is all it takes for the pork loin to become incredibly tender.
Achieving the Perfect Cook Time for Your Pork Loin
The key to a truly succulent pork loin is precise cooking, ensuring it reaches the ideal internal temperature without overcooking. The USDA recommends cooking pork loin until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast is the best way to ensure accuracy. If the pork cooks beyond 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it can quickly become dry and develop a grainy texture, diminishing the overall experience.
Just as important as the cooking temperature is the resting period after cooking. The USDA advises allowing the pork to rest for at least 3 minutes. However, for maximum juiciness and flavor distribution, we recommend letting your Instant Pot pork loin rest for a full 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise slightly (carryover cooking), and the juices, which have been pushed to the center during cooking, will redistribute throughout the roast, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slice. This resting step is crucial and should not be skipped! For more detailed information on food safety and minimum internal temperatures, you can refer to the USDA’s guidelines here.
Secrets to a Consistently Juicy Pork Loin
No one wants a dry, tough pork roast. The good news is that with a few simple techniques, you can ensure your Instant Pot Pork Loin is always incredibly moist and tender. The most common culprit for dry pork is overcooking, so monitoring the internal temperature is your primary defense. Remember that sweet spot of 145°F, followed by a good rest.
Another excellent method to safeguard against dryness is to marinate the pork, ideally in a brine, before cooking. A brine helps the meat retain moisture during the cooking process, resulting in a noticeably juicier and more flavorful end product. Even a short marinade of a couple of hours can make a difference. Finally, the savory balsamic glaze created in the Instant Pot serves a dual purpose: it not only adds incredible flavor but also acts as a protective, moist coating for the pork. Drizzling this rich gravy over each slice will keep the meat wonderfully moist and add another layer of deliciousness to your meal.
Can You Make Pulled Pork with Pork Loin?
While pork loin is an excellent choice for a tender roast, it’s not typically the preferred cut for pulled pork. For classic, fall-apart shredded pork, a fattier cut like pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt) is generally recommended. The higher fat content and connective tissues in pork shoulder break down beautifully during long, slow cooking, yielding that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes pulled pork so beloved.
However, if pork loin is what you have on hand, you can certainly adapt it for a pulled pork style, though it will require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired shreddable consistency. When using pork loin for pulled pork, my personal preference is to use a slow cooker, setting it on Low for 4-6 hours until it’s easily shredded. If you’re committed to using your Instant Pot, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly: cook it for approximately 45 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. This extended pressure cooking will help break down the lean loin enough for shredding. For a dedicated Instant Pot pulled pork recipe using the optimal cut, check out my Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe.
Freezer Storage and Reheating Tips
This Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast is an excellent candidate for meal prep, as it freezes beautifully. Having pre-cooked, portioned meat ready to go can save you valuable time on busy days. To ensure the best quality when freezing, allow the cooked pork loin to cool completely before packaging. Slice the pork loin into individual serving sizes or larger portions, depending on your needs. Place the slices along with some of the delicious balsamic glaze or gravy into sealable freezer bags or airtight containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn, and label them clearly with the date.
Cooked pork loin can be safely frozen for 4 to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a microwave, or for best results, place it in an oven-safe dish with a little extra broth or glaze, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the pork’s moisture and tenderness. Always ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Once your Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast is perfectly cooked and rested, the possibilities for serving are endless! Its rich flavor and tender texture make it a versatile main course that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete and healthy low-carb meal, consider pairing thick slices of this juicy pork with some of our favorite recipes:
- Keto Low Carb Cauliflower Mash: A creamy, satisfying alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli: Perfectly crisp-tender broccoli with minimal effort.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: Quick, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.
- Steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips (if not on a strict low-carb diet).
The delicious balsamic gravy can be spooned generously over both the pork and your chosen side dishes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This meal is not only satisfying but also beautifully presented, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and more special occasions.
Easy, Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast
Brandi Crawford
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.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Natural Release of Steam: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 243 kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot
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
- ¼ 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 until golden brown. 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 bits are loaded with flavor and crucial for a rich sauce.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and brown sweetener to the deglazed broth. Stir to combine. Add the pork back to the pot, ensuring it’s nestled in the liquid.
- Close the pot and seal the lid. Set the Instant Pot to cook for 12 minutes on Manual (or Pressure Cook) at High Pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes. This natural release helps keep the pork tender and juicy.
- After 10 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Open the pot and remove the pork loin. Allow the pork loin to rest for another 10 minutes on a cutting board before slicing. This resting period is crucial for juicy pork.
Balsamic Glaze Gravy
- After removing the pork loin, a delicious glaze will remain in the pot. If you prefer a thicker gravy, create a slurry: In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch (or 1 teaspoon of Xanthan gum for keto) with 3 teaspoons of the glaze from the pot. Stir until smooth, then add this mixture back into the Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot back on the saute function. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. Cancel the saute function. The gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
For meal prepping, freeze cooked pork loin in sealable freezer bags, making sure to label them with the date. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for 4-6 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 slice
Calories: 243 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 10 g
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about cooking pork loin in an Instant Pot:
Q: Can I use frozen pork loin in the Instant Pot?
A: While it is possible to cook frozen pork loin in the Instant Pot, it’s generally recommended to thaw it first for best results in terms of even cooking and flavor absorption. If cooking from frozen, you will need to increase the pressure cooking time significantly (e.g., to 20-25 minutes for a 3-4 lb loin) and always verify the internal temperature.
Q: How do I know if my pork loin is fully cooked?
A: The most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the pork loin. It should read at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Remember to let it rest after cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe without the balsamic glaze?
A: Yes, you can. The balsamic glaze adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can omit it and use just broth and your chosen seasonings for a simpler roast. You can also create a different type of gravy from the pan drippings.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme?
A: Dried herbs can be used as a substitute. As a general rule, use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh (e.g., 1 teaspoon dried thyme instead of 3 sprigs fresh).
Q: How can I make this pork loin spicy?
A: To add a kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes with your seasonings, or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture before pressure cooking.
With these comprehensive tips and the power of your Instant Pot, you are now fully equipped to create an unforgettable pork loin roast. This recipe promises not just a meal, but an experience of tender, flavorful perfection that will become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your masterpiece!