Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly easy and packed with sophisticated flavor? You’ve found it! This Instant Pot Pork Loin with Leeks is a game-changer. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth tender pork, sweet, mellow leeks, and a savory, tangy sauce that brings everything together. The pressure cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the pork with flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s a comforting, elegant meal that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for a Tuesday night.
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g boneless pork loin
• 4 tbsp / 60ml olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped and thoroughly washed
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• ¼ cup / 60ml apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups / 480ml beef broth
• Spices
• 1 ½ tsp / 9g sea salt
• 2 tbsp stevia crystal, or to taste
• 2 tsp dried celery
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp chili powder
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and rub it all over with the sea salt, dried celery, thyme, and chili powder.
3. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on high. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned pork loin in the pot and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove the pork and set it aside.
4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion, leeks, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
5. Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds.
6. Stir in the beef broth and the stevia. Press the “Cancel” button to turn off the Sauté function.
7. Return the seared pork loin to the pot, nestling it amongst the vegetables and liquid.
8. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
9. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
10. Carefully open the lid. Transfer the pork loin to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced pork with the leek and onion sauce spooned over the top.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 456
• Total Fat: 30.6g
• Net Carbs: 8.1g
• Protein: 34.4g
• Fiber: 1.5g
Pro Tips
• To properly clean leeks, slice them first, then place the pieces in a large bowl of cold water. Swish them around vigorously to dislodge any sand or grit, which will sink to the bottom. Scoop the leeks out with a slotted spoon.
• Don’t skip the searing step! Creating a deep, golden-brown crust on the pork loin builds a massive layer of flavor that you can’t get from pressure cooking alone.
• For a thicker, gravy-like sauce, turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” after removing the pork. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering liquid in the pot until it thickens.
FAQ
Q: Why is searing the pork loin necessary
A: Searing the pork before pressure cooking is a crucial step for building flavor. It creates a deep, golden-brown crust on the meat, which adds a rich, savory depth to the final dish that you cannot achieve through pressure cooking alone.
Q: How can I make the sauce into a thicker gravy
A: To create a thicker, gravy-like sauce, remove the cooked pork from the Instant Pot and turn on the “Sauté” function. Make a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering liquid in the pot until it reaches your desired thickness.
Q: What is the best way to clean leeks
A: To properly clean leeks and remove all grit, it’s best to slice them first. Place the sliced leeks in a large bowl of cold water and swish them around vigorously. The grit will sink to the bottom. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the clean leeks out of the water.
Q: Is this pork loin recipe keto-friendly
A: Yes, this recipe can be considered keto-friendly. It uses stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener, instead of sugar and contains only 8.1g of net carbs per serving, making it a good fit for a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
