I’d like to apologize in advance for how easy this instant pot pork loin recipe is. There’s a simple rub, simple instructions, and so many ways to eat it up once it’s done.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get into what this Instant Pot Pork Loin recipe includes, and my secret marinade that will take it to another level.
Marinating Your Pork Loin
Let me say this right now: this is NOT required. As long as you don’t overcook it, Instant Pot pork loin is so divine and juicy. But if you have time, may I suggest you marinate your pork loin in pickle juice?
Yes, I said pickle juice. This is one of my secret ways of marinating meat, and marinating or brining pork is always a good idea.
Pickle Juice Is The Secret Pork Marinating Sauce
I like pickle juice because it contains all the things a good brine usually includes: an acid, salt, and spices.
I also marinate with pickle juice because it’s cheap. Pickles are a good, cheap snack that we love, so I seem to always have pickle juice on hand.
OK, enough with the pickle love. Let’s talk about this Instant Pot pork recipe.
Moroccan Instant Pot Pork Loin Rub
This Moroccan rub is something I have used on chicken thighs for a few years, and that’s why I was excited and curious to try it with a pork loin.
The combination includes ingredients you probably have in your cabinet right now, and this whole recipe can be made in less than 20 minutes.
While I haven’t tried this Moroccan rub mix on fish, I have a feeling it would be amazing on tilapia or salmon. If you try it, please leave me a comment and let me know!
Instant Pot Pork Loin Tips
Listen, even when you make your pork loin in the Instant Pot, there is a possibility that you could overcook it, or dry it out.
Here are some tips for making any kind of pork loin in an Instant Pot, including this Instant Pot pork loin recipe:
- Make sure you are using pork loin, and not pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is a more delicate cut of meat, which is why most people overcook and dry it out in the Instant Pot. Pork loins are great for Instant Pots and slow cookers because it’s a little harder to muck them up.
- Allow natural release of pressure for at least 10 minutes. This will give the meat time to redistribute the juices, and give it a bit of rest before the big show of slicing.
- Use a thermometer. Pork loin should be cooked to 145 degrees, not 160 degrees. The internet streets have said that 160 degrees is the proper temperature, but that is simply not true. Use a digital thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is 145 degrees before you slice it.
- Use a liquid. In this Moroccan Instant Pot Pork Loin recipe, we’re just going to use water since the rub is so flavorful. If you aren’t making this recipe, you’ll want to use a liquid that works with the recipe. PRO TIP: Do NOT use soy sauce alone. It will scorch in your Instant Pot. Mix it with water or some kind of broth.
- Slice thin to stretch your pork loin. Our family of 5 can use one pork loin for multiple lunches and dinners when we slice it thin. One of our favorite things to have when I make this recipe is pork loin sandwiches. Also, if you slice it thin, you can freeze some of it to use as homemade lunch meat.
Ready to give Instant Pot pork loin a go? Here is the full recipe.
Moroccan Instant Pot Pork Loin
Prep time: 15 minutes – Cook Time: 25 minutes – Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 pounds boneless pork loin (not tenderloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Optional: marinate or brine pork loin for half an hour to 4 hours.
Place the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, and mix them together.
Rub pork loin with the spice mixture, on all sides.
Select the Sauté button to heat the Instant Pot. When “hot” is displayed, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the seasoned pork and sear on all sides, approximately 3 minutes per side.
When roast is seared on all sides, press the Cancel button and remove pork from the Instant Pot. Set aside on a plate.
Add the water to the Instant Pot, scraping bits from the bottom with a wooden or rubber spoon or spatula.
Put the trivet on the bottom of the Instant Pot, then lay the pork on top.
Cover pot, lock in the lid, and set steam valve to Sealing.
Select the Meat/Stew button, and set the cooking time to 15 minutes.
When the cooking cycle is done, all the Instant Pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes. Then do a quick release, if needed, by moving the valve to Venting.
Move the pork loin to a carving board, and check the temperature with a digital thermometer. The temperature should be around 145 degrees.
Carve the pork into thin slices, and serve with au jus from the Instant Pot insert.
Moroccan Instant Pot Pork Loin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 pounds boneless pork loin (not tenderloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Optional: marinate or brine pork loin for half an hour to 4 hours.
- Place the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, and mix them together.
- Rub pork loin with the spice mixture, on all sides.
- Select the Sauté button to heat the Instant Pot. When “hot” is displayed, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the seasoned pork and sear on all sides, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- When roast is seared on all sides, press the Cancel button and remove pork from the Instant Pot. Set aside on a plate.
- Add the water to the Instant Pot, scraping bits from the bottom with a wooden or rubber spoon or spatula.
- Put the trivet on the bottom of the Instant Pot, then lay the pork on top.
- Cover pot, lock in the lid, and set steam valve to Sealing.
- Select the Meat/Stew button, and set the cooking time to 15 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is done, all the Instant Pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes. Then do a quick release, if needed, by moving the valve to Venting.
- Move the pork loin to a carving board, and check the temperature with a digital thermometer. The temperature should be around 145 degrees.
- Carve the pork into thin slices, and serve with au jus from the Instant Pot insert.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 544Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 181mgSodium: 614mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 60g