Tired of dry, flavorless pork loin? Say hello to your new weeknight obsession! This Instant Pot Sweet and Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin is a game-changer. We’re talking fall-apart tender meat, infused with savory herbs, and drenched in a luscious, tangy-sweet glaze that will have you licking your plate clean. The best part? Your pressure cooker does all the heavy lifting, sealing in every drop of moisture and flavor. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal that’s unbelievably easy to make at home!
Ingredients
• For the Pork Loin
• 2 lbs / 900g Pork Loin
• 1 tsp / 5 ml Dried Sage
• ½ tsp / 2.5 ml Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp / 5 ml Minced Garlic, about 2 cloves
• ½ cup / 120 ml Beef Broth
• For the Sweet Balsamic Glaze
• ¼ cup / 60 ml Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tbsp / 15 ml Arrowroot Starch or cornstarch
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml Coconut Aminos or soy sauce
• ½ cup / 100g Granulated Sweetener or brown sugar
• ½ cup / 120 ml Water
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, sage, and black pepper. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the meat.2. Pour the beef broth into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Carefully place the seasoned pork loin inside.3. Secure the lid, set the steam valve to the ‘Sealing’ position, and cook on HIGH pressure for 60 minutes.4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to vent any remaining steam.5. Carefully transfer the cooked pork loin to a cutting board or large plate. Let it rest for a few minutes, then shred the meat using two forks.6. Set the Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. In the inner pot with the remaining cooking liquids, whisk together all the glaze : balsamic vinegar, arrowroot, coconut aminos, sweetener, and water.7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.8. Drizzle the warm balsamic glaze generously over the shredded pork.9. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• Per Serving: Calories 510 | Total Fats 23g | Net Carbs 9g | Protein 60g | Fiber 0.3g
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, use the SAUTE function to sear all sides of the pork loin in a little oil before pressure cooking. Remove the pork, deglaze the pot with the broth, then proceed with the recipe.
• If your glaze isn’t thickening enough, make a small slurry with 1 teaspoon of arrowroot and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering glaze until it reaches your desired consistency.
• For maximum juiciness, let the pork loin rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the Instant Pot before shredding or slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
FAQ
Q: Should I sear the pork loin before pressure cooking
A: Yes, for a deeper, richer flavor, you can use the SAUTE function to sear all sides of the pork loin in a little oil before pressure cooking. This step adds a fantastic caramelized crust to the meat. Be sure to deglaze the pot with the broth before cooking.
Q: Why isn’t my balsamic glaze thickening
A: If your glaze isn’t thickening enough on the SAUTE setting, you can easily fix it by making a slurry. Whisk together 1 teaspoon of arrowroot or cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then slowly whisk it into the simmering glaze until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin for this recipe
A: This recipe is specifically designed for a 2 lb pork loin. A pork tenderloin is a much smaller, leaner cut and would become very overcooked and dry with a 60-minute pressure cooking time. We recommend sticking with pork loin for the best fall-apart tender results.
Q: What can I serve with this sweet and balsamic pork
A: This versatile pork pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, a fresh green salad, or over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze.
