Instant Pot Pork Loin with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce—tender slices of seasoned pork dripping with the most tasty sauce ever.
Instant Pot Pork Loin with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
I’m happy to say that I’ve finally figured out how to make pork loin in the Instant Pot. Pork loin is tricky because it is a thick roast-type cut of meat but it is very lean. It is typically inexpensive at the grocery store. I bought mine for $1.62 per pound! It usually comes with 2 roasts to a package.
This Instant Pot pork loin is rubbed with seasonings and then browned in a little oil before it is pressure cooked. The browning helps with flavor. It is definitely worth the extra few minutes of prep time. Then the pork loin is pressure cooked for 18 minutes with a 10 minute natural pressure release. Make sure to use the natural release or you’ll get tough meat instead of tender. Then the pork loin is sliced into pieces and served with the scrumptious sauce drizzled (or poured) on top.
Pork loin isn’t the right cut of meat if you’re looking to make “pulled pork.” It doesn’t have the fat and collagen that is needed to pull pork. Pork loin is really great sliced and served with a creamy type of sauce. The pork loin is so lean that a creamy sauce (or in this case a sauce with butter) tastes really good with it.
What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?
Are you confused on the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin? It can seem a little confusing. However they are NOT interchangeable in this recipe and most other recipes, for that matter.
As you can see in the photo, pork tenderloin is thin, skinny and small. Pork loin is wider and much larger. Both cuts are fairly lean. However, they should not be substituted for each other because their sizes and shapes are quite different.
If you’re looking for Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipes I have a very tasty one for Instant Pot pork tenderloin with gravy.
Some other names for pork loin are: Center cut pork loin roast, center cut pork roast, pork center loin roast, pork center cut rib roast, pork loin center cut, pork loin center rib roast, pork loin roast center cut, and pork loin rib half.
This recipe is fancy enough to be served to company and cheap enough to serve on a weeknight. Try it out soon! Serve it alongside some homestyle veggies or ranch mashed potatoes.
More Instant Pot Pork Recipes You’ll Love…
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Marinated Pork Chops
Instant Pot Mexican Pulled Pork
Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Country Ribs
What Pressure Cooker Did You Use?
To make Instant Pot Pork Loin with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. I love this Instant Pot because it has the yogurt making function which I use almost weekly. It has two pressure settings (high and low), and there are also little slots in the handles so that you can rest the lid there instead of putting it down on your counter-top.
Instant Pot Pork Loin with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes (plus 10 minute NPR)
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Tender slices of seasoned pork dripping with the most tasty sauce ever.
Ingredients
For the rub:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp oil
- 2 pound pork loin (see note)
For browning:
- 1 Tbsp oil (I used olive oil)
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For cooking:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
For thickening:
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
- In a small bowl stir together the paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and kosher salt.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting. Rub oil on the pork loin. Then rub the seasoning mixture on all sides of the pork. When the Instant Pot says HOT on the display add in 1 Tbsp oil and swirl it around. Place the pork in the oil and let it brown for 4 minutes. Then turn it over and let it brown on the other side for 4 minutes. Use tongs to remove the meat from the pot and place it on a plate. Use the ½ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pot.
- Turn off the saute setting. In a bowl make the sauce by stirring together honey, butter, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Place the quartered onion in the bottom of the pot. It will serve as a trivet to get the pork roast off of the bottom of the pot. Place the pork on top of the onion (if you don’t like onion just use a trivet). Pour the sauce over the top of the pork.
- Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 18 minutes. When time is up let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes and then move the valve to venting. Remove the lid. Check the pork for doneness. The middle of the pork should be 145°F. (I use this digital thermometer*). See note.
- Use tongs to remove the pork and place it on a cutting board or platter. Loosely tent it with foil.
- Remove the onion and discard. Turn the Instant Pot to the saute setting. Let the sauce/drippings in the pot reduce for about 3 minutes. Then in a small bowl stir together 1 Tbsp cornstarch and 1 Tbsp cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the pot and let the sauce thicken. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Remove foil from pork and slice the pork in ¾ inch slices with a serrated knife and serve with the sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
If your pork isn’t done in 18 minutes you may need to add more pressure cook time. Pressure cook time depends on the thickness of the pork roast. Mine was a two pound roast and was about 3 inches thick at the thickest part. My thermometer registered 150°F. Because the Instant Pot was already hot from browning the pork loin it came to pressure fairly quickly. If you skip the browning, chances are you’ll need to decrease the pressure cooking time because the pot will take longer to come to pressure.
Pork loin and pork tenderloin are NOT the same thing. Please don’t substitute pork tenderloin in this recipe.
Recipe inspired by Recipe Tin Eats
- Category: Pork
- Method: Instant Pot
*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
My pork is no more than 3 inches but weighs 3 pounds 10 Oz would 30 mins be too long please
I think 30 minutes would be the right time. Make sure to use a natural pressure release so it doesn’t get all dried out.
If my pork loin is 4.33lb. How long do I cook it for?
Pressure cook time depends on the thickness of the pork roast. Mine was a two pound roast and was about 3 inches thick at the thickest part. If your pork loin is 4 inches at the thickest part I would cook for 24 minutes and 6 extra minutes for every inch thicker than that.
Seasoning turned out great but the loin was to dry for me. I cooked it 10 more minutes what can I do differently. I followed the recipe for everything else.
★★★
You cooked 10 more minutes than the recipe? That was probably the issue of it getting too dry.
My first thing I made in my instant pot…. was delicious! Will definitely make this one again the entire family loved it, the gravy was completely bomb but we didn’t eat the onions because they turned to mush! But wow!
★★★★★
Hi Sara, I’m glad you liked it and I’m glad you got an Instant Pot!
Hello Karen
I made this delicious pork for dinner last night! The whole family enjoyed it very much. A good recipe to offer to guests too!
I was hesitant about how much liquid to put in since I have an 8 quart. I went to see the link and finally decided to put 2 cups of liquid.
In addition, my meat was partially frozen, but I was able to coat it well and sear it. I put 21 mts and the same waiting time, finally everything was perfect!
Have you ever tried to make it with less butter?
Thank you for this great recipe!
★★★★★
Glad it worked out! I haven’t tried with less butter, but I’m sure you could and it would still taste great!
My loin is 3.8 pounds how long would I cook it?
Sue – I just took mine out of the IP, it was 3.82lbs and I cooked for 30 minutes. It was at 160 on the meat thermometer. I haven’t tasted it yet.
I made this tonight for supper and was very good. Will definitely make this again. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
You’re welcome Charles!
I made this for supper tonight and turned out very good. Will definitely use this recipe again. Thanks for posting this.
★★★★★
Can I throw some baby reds or yukons in to cook at the same time?
I would do that but don’t cut them in half or anything, they’ll be plenty done with an 18 minute cooking time.
Turned out delicious. I didn’t discard the onions, but rather served it alongside the roast. Had to cook the pork a few more minutes than indicated. The seasonings were perfect.
★★★★★
Good idea on the onions!
I made this last night and it was a big hit with my family! It was so easy and delicious!
★★★★★
So happy to hear this Susan!
Made this last night and it was delicious. So tender and juicy. Will definitely make it again and especially when we have guests.
★★★★★
I’m glad you enjoyed it Margie!
Yes, this does sound AMAZING. Like others, I also would like the crockpot version (don’t have an IP).
Thanks, Janet
I have made many of your IP recipes and this is absolutely the best recipe ever! The sauce made it perfect. I took out the onions when it was finished cooking and tasted them and they were delicious. After the sauce was thickened, I added the onions back into the sauce and chopped them up. Yummy!
The 18 minutes cooking time was a bit too long since after the NPR for 10 minutes, the temperature of the pork loin was 170-180. The pork loin was still juicy and tasty especially with the sauce.
I would also like this recipe in the crockpot form.
★★★★★
Thanks Janice! I’m so glad you liked it!
Hi, Karen. I, too would like this recipe in its’ crockpot version. Any chance of getting it? Thnx,
Greg Snyder
★★★★★
I always get a loin a big one and cut roasts out of IT will try your recipe on Sunday thank you so much for all the delicious recipes
★★★★
You’re welcome Roselea!
I use an 8 qt IP. Is there enough liquid in this recipe for an 8 quart pot? I don’t want to get the dreaded “burn” notice!
I would read this article. It will help you understand more about liquid: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/how-to-halve-instant-pot-recipes/
If I adjust the cooking time can a boneless Boston butt be used cut into chunks?
I think it would work very well. And yes adjust the cooking time. I would increase it.
How would this need to be changed to make in the crock pot? Do you already have this as a crock pot recipe on your site?
I, too, have this same question. Call me silly, but the InstaPot frightens me a little. I have yet to figure out how to release the pressure properly!
I don’t have a crockpot version of this recipe yet. I need to though!
Stacy–Ditto on your IP Fears. There’s just something about a device which can also be used as a bomb that’s a little intimidating!
I realize it’s ridiculous, but way, way back in the far recesses of my mind, I picture the aftermath of a kitchen explosion. I’m having to explain to my insurance agent how I miss-set my IP controls and…