Are you tired of forgetting to thaw your pork tenderloin for dinner?
Don’t worry, the Instant Pot has got you covered! With its ability to cook frozen meats quickly and easily, you can have a delicious and tender pork tenderloin ready in no time.
But how long should you cook it for?
In this article, we’ll explore the best methods for cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot and provide you with some helpful tips and tricks along the way.
So grab your pressure cooker and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin In Instant Pot?
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a game changer for busy weeknights. The cook time will vary depending on whether you want shredded or sliced pork tenderloin. For shredded pork, set the timer for one hour, and for perfectly tender slices, set it for 45 minutes.
It’s important to note that you should allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release to let the pork tenderloin rest. This will ensure that it’s as tender as possible.
If you’re cooking a frozen pork tenderloin, add an extra 11-12 minutes to the cook time and still allow for the 10-minute natural release.
To prepare the pork tenderloin, cut it in half so that it fits easily in the Instant Pot. Season all sides with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Brown the pork on each side for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the pot and turn off the Instant Pot.
Add 1/2 cup of water to the pot and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Add soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to the pot, then place the pork back in. Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Cook at high pressure on manual/pressure cook setting for 4 minutes.
After cooking, allow for a 10-minute natural release before turning the steam release valve to venting position to release any remaining steam and pressure. Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork has reached at least 145 degrees F. If not, you can cook it for a few more minutes using sauté function.
Why Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin In The Instant Pot?
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to defrost meat or prepare a complicated meal. Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is also a great way to ensure that the meat stays tender and juicy, without sacrificing any flavor.
Another benefit of cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is that it allows you to skip the defrosting process, which can take several hours. This means that you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in less time than it would take to defrost the meat.
The Instant Pot also helps to lock in all of the flavors and nutrients of the pork tenderloin, which can be lost during traditional cooking methods. The high-pressure cooking method ensures that the pork is cooked evenly and thoroughly, without overcooking or drying out.
Preparing Your Frozen Pork Tenderloin For The Instant Pot
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a convenient and time-saving option, but it’s important to prepare the meat correctly to ensure it cooks evenly and is as tender as possible.
Firstly, make sure to cut the frozen pork tenderloin in half so that it fits easily in the Instant Pot. Season all sides with salt and pepper.
Next, heat up some olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode and brown the pork on each side for 2-3 minutes. This will help to seal in the juices and add flavor to the meat.
After browning, remove the pork from the pot and turn off the Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pot and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Then, add any additional seasonings or sauces that you prefer, such as soy sauce, honey, garlic, or ginger.
Place the pork back into the pot, close the lid, and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set the timer according to your desired level of tenderness (45 minutes for slices or 60 minutes for shredded), and allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release after cooking.
Finally, check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork has reached at least 145 degrees F before serving. If not, you can use sauté function to cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches a safe temperature.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your frozen pork tenderloin cooks evenly and is tender and flavorful when served from your Instant Pot.
Cooking Times For Frozen Pork Tenderloin In The Instant Pot
When cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot, it’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a frozen pork tenderloin, add an extra 11-12 minutes to the cook time.
For shredded pork tenderloin, set the timer for one hour. This will ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and falls apart easily. For perfectly tender slices, set the timer for 45 minutes. This will allow the meat to be sliced easily and still be tender.
It’s important to note that you should allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release after cooking. This will allow the meat to rest and become even more tender.
When preparing the pork tenderloin, make sure to season it with salt and pepper on all sides. Brown it on each side for 2-3 minutes in olive oil on sauté mode before adding any additional ingredients.
After cooking, check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork has reached at least 145 degrees F. If not, you can cook it for a few more minutes using sauté function.
Natural Release Vs. Quick Release: Which Is Best For Frozen Pork Tenderloin?
When cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot, it’s important to know the difference between natural release and quick release. Natural release is when the pressure is allowed to release on its own without any intervention, while quick release is when the steam is released immediately by manually turning the pressure valve.
For frozen pork tenderloin, it’s recommended to use natural release. This is because frozen meat takes longer to cook and needs more time to rest before it can be safely handled. Quick release can cause the meat to become tough and dry, as the pressure drops rapidly and squeezes out the juices and fats.
Allowing for a natural release of at least 10 minutes allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. It also helps to prevent any spitting or foaming that can occur with quick release, as the pressure and temperature go down gradually.
Tips And Tricks For Cooking Frozen Pork Tenderloin In The Instant Pot
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that your pork tenderloin turns out perfectly every time. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Cut the pork tenderloin in half: If your frozen pork tenderloin doesn’t fit easily in the Instant Pot, cut it in half so that it fits comfortably. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Season the pork before cooking: Be sure to season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides before cooking. This will enhance the flavor of the meat and make it more delicious.
3. Brown the pork before cooking: To add additional flavor to your pork tenderloin, brown it on all sides for 2-3 minutes before cooking. This will create a nice crust on the outside of the meat and seal in the juices.
4. Use a natural pressure release: After cooking, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This will help to keep the pork tender and juicy.
5. Check the internal temperature: Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork tenderloin with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached at least 145 degrees F. If not, you can cook it for a few more minutes using sauté function.
6. Let the pork rest before slicing: Allow your pork tenderloin to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.
By following these tips and tricks, you can cook frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot like a pro!
Serving Suggestions For Your Perfectly Cooked Frozen Pork Tenderloin
Now that you have perfectly cooked frozen pork tenderloin from your Instant Pot, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some delicious serving suggestions to try:
1. Tacos: Shred the pork tenderloin and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
2. Sandwiches: Slice the pork tenderloin thinly and add it to a crusty roll with some mayo, lettuce, and tomato for a satisfying sandwich.
3. Stir Fry: Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces and stir fry it with some veggies and rice for a quick and easy meal.
4. Salad: Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it over a bed of greens with some crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
5. Pasta: Shred the pork tenderloin and toss it with some pasta, spinach, and garlic for a comforting dinner.
No matter how you choose to serve your perfectly cooked frozen pork tenderloin, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
