This 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Asian Pork Tenderloin is one of our new favorites – a fast, easy, and delicious dinner that’s FIX approved, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo friendly. This post contains affiliate links for products I am obsessed with.
Confession #142 – I have a giant backlog of recipes to share with you and this post was NOT planned at all.
But you guys. Omg. It’s so good, I had to.
I didn’t even do a photoshoot because it was the first time I was recipe testing this particular combination and lately I’ve been testing new recipes first and then scheduling a session to photograph the recipe in process.
Can I tell you something? I kind of miss the early days of making something yummy for dinner, snapping a quick picture, and then sharing it with you in practically real time.
Those old photos, though, haunt me.
I know I say this a lot, but I am so thankful for all of you who have been forgiving of my photography – old and new – because, let’s face it, even my newer stuff isn’t half as beautiful as I wish it was. One day, when my kiddos are both in school full time, I am going to kill it with photography.
The only in process shot I took. Cheers!
Until then, though, I will do my best.
And when a meal is as delicious as this Asian Pork Tenderloin and I know my recipe output is moving slower than I want it to be, I am just going to share it. Are you cool with that?
This has been on my list to try for awhile (again – backlog), but one of my readers beat me to it…and she messaged me and told me to make it asap.
Robin C, you are spot on with this one. So damn delicious and I still can’t believe how easy it is to cook a pork tenderloin this fantastically perfect in the Instant Pot.
The Secret to Amazing Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot
Guys…this is exactly what you need to do to make pork tenderloin fork tender and oh-so-delicious. Follow these 4 simple steps:
- Sear your pork first using the saute function
- Lock lid and set your Instant Pot for 6 minutes on high pressure
- When cooktime is up, do a 5 minute natural release before finishing with a quick release
- Let the pork rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing
What should I serve with this Asian Pork Tenderloin?
I served this Asian Pork Tenderloin over some of my favorite Brown Rice Ramen Noodles
and some green beans, but the options for sides and veggie pairings are endless. If you want to steam your veggies in the Instant Pot, you can make them in a steam basket
or in the sauce itself while the pork is resting. Just set it to zero or one minute (depending on the kind of veggies you use) and you are good!
I am going to be experimenting with a pulled version of these flavors for a Asian inspired pork taco in the future, so be sure you come back soon (aaaaaaand…my recipe list just got longer, lol).
Enjoy!
Oh – and check out this video to see how quick and easy this recipe is!
Looking for more Asian Inspired Recipes? Check these out:
21 Day Fix Instant Pot Asian Chicken
Instant Pot Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps | 21 Day Fix Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps
Instant Pot Ramen Noodles (Stovetop Option) | 21 Day Fix Ramen Noodles (Gluten-free/Dairy-free)
Instant Pot Asian Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- Dash crushed red pepper
- 2 teaspoons rice flour sub arrowroot or tapioca for paleo, sub whole wheat if no other dietary restrictions
Instructions
- Mix together honey, coconut aminos, tomato paste and 1 tsp of coconut oil and whisk well. *If using an 8 quart instant pot, add 1/3 cup of water to this mixture.
- Set Instant Pot to saute. When it's displays the word hot, add 1 tsp of coconut oil to the bottom of the pan. Saute pork tenderloin on all sides until it gets to a nice golden brown, then sprinkle thoroughly with salt.
- Add an additional tsp of coconut oil to the pan along with garlic and ginger and cook for a minute or until fragrant. Turn Instant Pot off and stir in sauce.
- Place and lock lid on the IP, and set to manual/high pressure for 5 minutes.
- When cook time is up, natural pressure release for 6 minutes, then switch to quick release.
- Remove pork from Instant Pot and let it rest for at least 3-5 minutes while you thicken the sauce. Switch pot to saute and remove 1/2 cup of the sauce from the pot and add flour to thicken. Pour the slurry back into the Instant Pot. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, usually 1-2 minutes. Add crushed red pepper, if desired.
- Slice pork and serve over brown rice ramen, brown rice, noodles, or noodles. Add veggies and top with sauce.
Mashall says
can you make this with a different kind of meat instead of pork? (chicken, or beef?)
Nancylynn says
Sure! Here’s the chicken recipe on my site! https://confessionsofafitfoodie.com/21-day-fix-instant-pot-asian-chicken-thighs/
Kae says
Can the left overs be frozen?
Nancylynn says
Yes!
Sammi says
These IP recipes are usually always on point! I was skeptical about the cook time as I usually cook pork tenderloin for an hour in the IP. This turned out completely raw on the inside. Unless my IP doesn’t work or I did something wrong, I definitely recommend a longer cook time!
Nancylynn says
Hi! Are you looking for shredded pork recipe? For sliced pork tenderloin, an hour is going to be too long. How many pounds was your tenderloin?
Sammi says
Hello! No I wasn’t looking for shredded. My cut was 1.25lbs. I’m not really sure what I did wrong because I did follow the directions to a T! Last time I cooked a pork tenderloin in the IP I set it for an hour and it turned out perfect! Most of my meals are from this blog because they are all sooo amazing but this one didn’t turn out well for me 🙁
Nancylynn says
I am so sorry – I don’t know what happened! And it was a pork tenderloin, not a pork loin, right? Bummer that didn’t work for you!
Renee says
If you double the amt of meat do you double the ingredients and double the instapot cook time?
Nancylynn says
For double the meat, you can keep the sauce ingredients the same. You do not have to double the cook time, but adding 3-4 minutes and making sure that you allow the pork to rest before cutting, should help ensure it is cooked through. A meat thermometer has been a lifesaver here!
Sarah says
This is amazing! We had it with brown rice and broccoli. Next time, I think I’ll put everything back into the instant pot together to coat it with that awesome sauce!
Rachel Lindberg says
I first have to say it had amazing flavor and it was delicious. Do you have any ideas why mine would need more time. I cooked for the recommended time of 5 minutes and it was still very raw. I put it back in and cooked it again for another 7 and it was done then. Why do you think mine took way longer than yours? Thanks 🙂
Nancylynn says
Did you use a tenderloin?
Rachel says
I did. I used a 1.3 pound pork tenderloin.
Liz says
This was really good! The timing worked out ok for me, so not sure what happened for others. would elevation be a factor?
I ended adding some Japanese BBQ sauce and Teriyaki just bc it’s tasty and we wanted some extra sauce. I fried up some dumplings, jasmine rice, green beans and snap peas. pork was very juicy and tender.
I will be making again, I just need to remember to spray the bottom of the IP before searing. the dang thing stuck almost instantly. that was on me
Heather says
Hi! I’m starting 21 day fix tomorrow! Eek! Quick question- after I make this do I fill a red container with it to know how much the portion is? Thanks for your help!
Nancylynn says
Yes! That works! Typically this recipe makes 4 reds of that helps!
Kristen says
Can you use pork chops?
Nancylynn says
I would not for this recipe…sorry!
Melissa Wiseman says
Are the WW points calculated using brown rice ramen or without?
Nancylynn says
Without!
Miranda says
Is the T for 1 T tomato paste supposed to be a Tablespoon or 1 can?
Nancylynn says
One tablespoon!
Amy says
This is just SO delicious! Even my picky eater loved it! Love how quickly it comes together.
Jessica says
Can I use another type of oil? I don’t have any coconut oil.
Megan says
I made this and followed it to a T…..I thought.
My meat looked a little pink after it was done.
Wonder what happened.
Bethany says
Can I use a pork sirloin for this?
Vika says
I don’t know if 1 tsp of coconut oil is not enough (I actually used too, and it still wasn’t), but as soon as the pork touched the instant pot, it started getting stuck to it. I had to take it out and deglaze. Then, when I put in the ginger and garlic with 1 tsp of oil, it burned down again. Am I doing something wrong? I had to take the ginger and garlic out too, deglaze and wash the pot, then put in the pork and garlic and ginger mix back.
Nancylynn says
Perhaps you should put your saute on low – it sounds like your pot runs very hot! You can always coat it with cooking oil spray, too!
Amber says
I made this on the stove. It was delicious. All I did was mix all the ingredients together and let the steak marinate overnight. Cooked it threw in some stir fry veggies. Definitely keeping this recipe for next time.
Michelle P says
This is another favorite for our family! My kids all had 3rd helpings and my brother who was visiting commented how delicious the meal was! Obviously it was a huge hit with everyone! We love your recipes!
Nancylynn says
That makes me SO happy, Michelle! Thank you for taking the time to write and make my day!
Alicia says
What can be substituted for rice flour? Thanks!
Nancylynn says
Any flour or thickener – gluten free or wheat based! Even cornstarch. What do you have on hand?
meagan says
i didn’t think you could have honey on the 80 day obsession?
Nancylynn says
Autumn used a little in one of her recipes…if you make this, I would cut the honey down.
Lisa says
What is coconut aminos? Can it be substituted for something else if I can’t find it in the grocery store?
Also I’m a bit confused by the container count. You mention 1 red and 1/2tsp each. What is the 1/2tsp?
Nancylynn says
Hi! Coconut aminos is a gluten-free and soy free soy sauce alternative…if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, you can sub low sodium soy sauce. And the 1/2 teaspoon is from the coconut oil. 🙂
Marie says
Could you substitute turkey tenderloin instead of the pork? Does it change the cooking time?
Nancylynn says
You can…but I am not sure how long that would cook. I plan to test it soon!
Audrey says
Can you use liquid aminos instead of coconut aminos? I am going to try, lol
Nancylynn says
YES!!
Maryangela says
Made this for my family tonight… it’s a keeper! Thank you Nancylynn for posting such healthy, delicious recipes.
Nancylynn says
This just made my day! I am so happy you guys liked it! Love you! <3
Jennifer says
This recipe is wonderful – thank you! I was just wondering why the instant pot has a natural pressure release for 6 minutes? If I didn’t do this step, would I add more time to the initial cook time?
Thank you!
Nancylynn says
Hi! The natural release does allow for more cook time, but it also ensures that the meat stays tender…meat can get tough with the abrupt change to quick release. Does that help?
melissawatt says
This might be why my meat hasn’t always turned out in the IP, because I’m quick-releasing. Good to know, thanks!
Nancylynn says
Yes! It can definitely affect the tenderness!
Christine Borneman says
How would you do this in the slow cooker
Nancylynn says
You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours! Then just thicken the sauce in a saucepan.
Laurie says
Hello, I don’t have an instant pot (yet!). Is there a slow cooker version?
Thanks!
Nancylynn says
I will add the directions, but just cook it on low for 6-8 hours and thicken the sauce afterwards on your stovetop!
Brianna says
This was absolutely fantastic and we will for sure be putting this in our normal rotation! I recommend doubling the recipe and having leftovers! Yum! They best part (aside from the taste and the fact that it’s fix approved) is how easy and quick this was to make! Thanks for another great recipe!
Nancylynn says
This makes me SO happy, you have no idea! <3