It might look hard to cook frozen pork tenderloin in an Instant Pot, but if you follow the right steps, you can quickly and easily make a tasty meal out of this cut. Because Instant Pots are so quick and easy to use, you can skip the thawing step without losing any of the food’s taste or texture. This method not only saves time but also ensures your pork tenderloin remains juicy and tender. To make meal prep less stressful, learn how to cook frozen pork tenderloin in your Instant Pot. This is true whether you’re in a hurry or forgot to plan ahead. Lets dive into how to achieve this culinary feat.
Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that cooks up beautifully moist and flavorful Its tender texture makes it a great candidate for the Instant Pot, which can transform even frozen pork tenderloin into a delicious dinner in under an hour When using the Instant Pot to cook frozen pork tenderloin, proper timing is key for ensuring the meat turns out juicy, safe to eat, and perfectly cooked through.
Why Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game changer when it comes to cooking frozen meats. Its pressurized environment allows heat to penetrate frozen food quickly while trapping moisture. This means you can skip the tedious step of thawing and go straight from freezer to cooked avoiding the moisture loss that can happen during extended defrosting.
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot results in a tender, juicy piece of meat that’s ready in a fraction of the time of traditional oven cooking. The Instant Pot’s ability to cook frozen meats makes it easy to prep ingredients ahead of time for quick weeknight meals.
How Does Frozen Meat Cook in the Instant Pot?
Unlike the slow, gentle heating of an oven or stovetop, the Instant Pot quickly brings the contents up to pressure cooking temperatures. At high pressure (10-11 psi), the boiling point of water increases from 212°F to around 250°F. This high heat rapidly thaws and cooks frozen meats while infusing flavor from spices, broth, and aromatics.
The pressurized environment forces steam deep into the meat, resulting in juicy, evenly cooked meat that is safe to eat. The natural release period after pressure cooking also allows the meat to continue gently cooking without losing moisture.
Cooking Time for Frozen Pork Tenderloin
Cooking time can vary based on the size and shape of your pork tenderloin, but these general guidelines will help you achieve great results:
- 1 pound tenderloin – Cook at high pressure for 25-30 minutes
- 2 pound tenderloin – Cook at high pressure for 30-35 minutes
- 3 pound tenderloin – Cook at high pressure for 35-40 minutes
- Larger tenderloins over 3 pounds may need up to 50 minutes
Frozen pork tenderloins do require a longer cooking time than fresh. For food safety, it’s important to ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F after cooking.
Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying on cook times alone. If the pork is undercooked after releasing pressure, you can quickly add more time.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Pork Tenderloin
Follow these tips for foolproof frozen pork tenderloin every time:
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Use broth or water – The liquid helps generate steam for pressure cooking. Use 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth.
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Season Well – Seasonings add big flavor. Try garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Use a trivet – Keep the tenderloin elevated above the liquid for even cooking.
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Allow natural release – Letting pressure come down gradually helps retain moisture. Allow a 10 minute natural release before quick releasing any residual pressure.
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Check temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness, looking for at least 145°F.
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Let rest before slicing – A 5 minute rest lets juices redistribute for moist, tender meat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect Instant Pot frozen pork tenderloin:
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Add 1 cup broth to Instant Pot inner pot and place trivet in bottom.
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Season tenderloin with desired spices, herbs, salt, and pepper. Place on trivet.
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Pressure cook on high for recommended time based on size of tenderloin. 25-30 minutes for 1 lb.
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Allow natural release for at least 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
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Check internal temperature with an instant read thermometer, looking for 145°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into juicy pork perfection!
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot takes the stress out of dinner. With the right timing and a few simple tips, you can skip the thawing and defrosting for an easy, weeknight-friendly meal ready in under an hour.
All Your Questions Answered: Mastering Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot
Can I cook frozen pork tenderloin in an Instant Pot without thawing it first?
Absolutely! Thats one of the beauties of using an Instant Pot. You can cook frozen pork tenderloin straight from the freezer. Cooking times may be a little longer than with thawed meat, but it saves a lot of time on busy days.
Whats the ideal cooking time for frozen pork tenderloin in an Instant Pot?
On the manual high-pressure setting, it will take about 20 minutes per pound to cook a frozen pork tenderloin. Don’t forget to give the Instant Pot a few extra minutes to reach pressure before you start cooking.
Do I need to add liquid to the Instant Pot when cooking frozen pork tenderloin?
Yes, indeed. Liquid is necessary to create steam and pressure inside the Instant Pot. A cup of broth, water, or your favorite sauce is all you need to make sure your pork tenderloin is moist and tasty.
Can I season my frozen pork tenderloin before putting it in the Instant Pot?
Seasoning frozen meat can be tricky, but its not impossible. Rubbing spices or a spice mix directly onto the frozen pork tenderloin might not be effective. Instead, try adding spices to the liquid youre using. This way, the pork will absorb those flavors during cooking.
How do I know when the pork tenderloin is fully cooked?
The safest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Your pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If you dont have a thermometer, look for meat thats tender and no longer pink in the center.
What should I do if my pork tenderloin isnt fully cooked after the initial cooking time?
No worries! Just put the lid back on and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on high pressure. Its better to start with a shorter amount of time—you can always cook it more if needed.
Can I make a gravy or sauce in the Instant Pot after cooking the pork tenderloin?
Sure thing! After removing your pork tenderloin, switch your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Then, to make a gravy, mix cornstarch and water together and add it to the liquid that is left over. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and youve got a delicious sauce to accompany your pork.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Adventure
- Frozen pork tenderloin (1-2 pounds)
- Water or chicken broth (1 cup)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Honey (1 tablespoon)
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon)
Can You Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot? – Instant pot frozen pork tenderloin recipe
FAQ
How long do you cook frozen in the Instant Pot?
Why is my pork tenderloin tough in Instant Pot?
Can you cook pork loin from frozen?
How long is frozen pork tenderloin?
How to cook frozen pork tenderloin in Instant Pot?
Place in Instant Pot: Position the trivet (the metal stand that comes with the Instant Pot) in the bottom of the pot. Place the frozen pork tenderloin on top of the trivet. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the vent is set to “sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to manual or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 25-30 minutes.
How long to cook pork tenderloin in Instant Pot?
The instant pot frozen pork tenderloin cook time varies depending on if you want shredded pork tenderloin or sliced. For shredded pork tenderloin go with a one hour cook time, or for perfectly tender easy to slice go with 45 minutes. Plus, I recommend a 10 minute natural pressure release to allow the pork tenderloin to rest.
How long do you Pressure Cook Tenderloin in Instant Pot?
Set your Instant Pot for 3 minutes (the pressure will take about 10 minutes to build, then the timer will start). When the timer is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 12 minutes. If your tenderloin weighs 1.25 pounds or less. Reduce the pressure cook time to 1 minute, followed by the same 12 minutes of natural release.
How long do you Pressure Cook pork in Instant Pot?
Seal the pot and pressure cook for 4 minutes at high pressure. Naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes (just leave the Instant Pot alone). Then quick release any remaining pressure. Transfer the pork to a clean plate or cutting board to rest for 5 minutes. Thicken sauce.