Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love It

Bold tropical flavor: The mix of pineapple, garlic and ginger brings a sweet and savory balance to the dish.
Quick and easy: The Instant Pot does the hard work, so dinner is ready fast.
Impressive presentation: Pineapple rings and bright glaze make this look as good as it tastes.
Great for gatherings: This dish is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or serving at a cookout.

Hawaiian Pork Instant Pot Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Pork tenderloin: A lean, tender cut that cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot. Make sure to use pork tenderloin. It should be clearly labeled, otherwise ask the butcher for a tenderloin. Tenderloin is typically 2½ inches or less in diameter. You can get it with or without brine. Look for a vacuum-sealed package with brine, as it helps keep the meat juicy and tender. Just discard the brine before starting the recipe.
Garlic paste: Adds rich, savory depth to the meat.
Lemon zest: Brings a bright citrus kick that balances the sweetness.
Black pepper: Offers a mild heat and balances the sweet pineapple.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and seasons the meat.
Onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes to the pork.
Yellow onion: Provides texture and deepens the savory profile.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pot and forms the flavorful cooking base.
Canned crushed pineapple: Gives natural sweetness and moisture to the pork.
Ginger paste: Brings a gentle heat and tropical flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Add a subtle spicy edge to the dish.
Red onion: Offers color and bite to the finished dish.
Cilantro: A fresh garnish that complements the sweet and savory flavors.
Honey: Optional, but enhances the glaze if a sweeter sauce is preferred.
Pineapple rings: Used for layering in flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prepare the pork: Pat dry and rub with garlic paste to infuse flavor.
Season the pork: Mix spices and rub over the tenderloin.
Sear the meat: Sauté in coconut oil until browned on both sides.
Deglaze and add base: Add broth, pineapple, ginger paste and red pepper flakes.
Assemble in Instant Pot: Add the rack and then pineapple rings, red onions and pork.
Pressure cook: Seal and cook under high pressure, then release.
Make the glaze: Remove meat and rack, add cornstarch, and thicken sauce.
Slice and serve: Rest pork, then slice and garnish with glaze and cilantro.

Substitutions and Variations

Use pork loin: If tenderloin is unavailable, use pork loin instead.
Add soy sauce: A splash of soy can deepen the umami flavor.
Use fresh ginger: If preferred, substitute ginger paste with finely grated fresh ginger.

Serving Suggestions

With rice: It would be delicious served with boiled or steamed white rice or even hibachi fried rice. Another option is stick of butter rice.
With potatoes: Crispy smashed potato salad, this smoked potato salad or even garlic parmesan baby potatoes would be very tasty with Hawaiian pork tenderloin.

How to Store Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.