1-First Step: Prepare the Pork Let the pork tenderloin sit in its package on the counter for 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender. Once ready, remove it, rinse under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, trim any visible fat, and cut it into two equal pieces for even cooking.

2-Second Step: Make and Apply the Rub Coat each piece of pork with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil to help the seasonings stick. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons coarse ground black pepper, 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Rub this mixture all over the meat generously for that flavorful crust.

3-Third Step: Brown the Meat Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and wait until it’s hot. Add the meat and brown each side for a couple of minutes to lock in juices and build flavor. Once done, press Cancel and transfer the pork to a plate. This step adds a nice sear that makes Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin even better.

4-Fourth Step: Deglaze the Pot Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke to create a tasty base. This ensures your Instant Pot doesn’t give a burn notice and infuses extra flavor into the pork.

5-Fifth Step: Pressure Cook Place the browned pork directly into the liquid in the pot. Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, which is perfect for a 1.25lb to 1.5lb tenderloin. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes to keep the meat juicy and tender.

6-Sixth Step: Rest and Slice Once the pressure has released, remove the pork to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making the meat easier to slice thinly. For dietary adaptations, if you’re watching calories, skip the browning step to reduce oil use.

7-Final Step: Make the Gravy Press Cancel, then set the Instant Pot back to Sauté. Scoop out 3 tablespoons of the pot liquid into a small cup and whisk in 2 tablespoons corn starch until it’s smooth. Slowly pour this back into the pot while stirring constantly. Let it boil briefly, then stir until thickened for a simple gravy. Serve the sliced pork with the gravy on top for a complete meal that takes about 25 minutes total.