Instant Pot® Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

WARNING: The savory sweet-sour sauce served with Balsamic Pork Tenderloin might ignite a craving for more…
Luckily, you can cook it up with ease in around 30 minutes of hands-on time. Serve it up with Butter Parsley Potatoes!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Active cook time: 18 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural release: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1-1¼ lbs. pork tenderloin
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2-3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 t. garlic powder
½ t. dried oregano
½ t. dried thyme
½ t. dried rosemary
1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
1/3 c. chicken broth, preferably organic
1/3 c. honey, preferably local
1-2 T. cornstarch
Optional: Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Directions:

1. Cut the pork tenderloin into 2 or 3 sections and generously season with salt and black pepper.
   
   
   
2. Select the “Sauté” function and set to the highest setting. Add two tablespoons olive oil and the pieces of pork tenderloin and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Transfer pork from Instant Pot® to a plate and set aside.
   
   
   
3. Add the remaining olive oil, onion, and garlic. Add garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and develops some color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
   
   
   
4. Add the balsamic vinegar and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom with a spatula to release any browned bits. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the liquid is slightly reduced and the sharp acidic smell dissipates.
   
   
   
5. Add the broth and honey and stir to combine.
   Return the pork tenderloin to the pot.
   Lock the lid into place and flip the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Set the “Manual” setting to “High” for 3 minutes.
   
   
   
6. When the cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops and no additional steam comes out, carefully remove the lid and transfer the pork to a serving platter.

7. Add the cornstarch and an equal amount of hot liquid from the Instant Pot® to a small bowl and stir until thoroughly combined. Slow stir the slurry into the sauce a little at a time until thickened, approximately 1-2 minutes.

8. To serve, slice the pork and pour some of the balsamic sauce on top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if using, and offer the remaining sauce on the side.

The special people in your life that you cook Balsamic Pork Tenderloin will love the orchestra of flavor and depth from the sweet-sour tension between the balsamic vinegar and sauteed onion to the richness of the tenderloin and savoriness of the herbs and the creaminess of the Butter Parsley Potatoes. And having it done so deliciously, so easily, and so quickly will allow more time together!