Honey Garlic Pork is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite in many households. As I prepare this recipe, I can’t help but think about its roots in Asian cuisine, where the combination of honey and garlic has been celebrated for centuries. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
People love Honey Garlic Pork for its tender, juicy texture and the ease with which it can be prepared. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight meal or someone wanting to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. The sticky glaze coats the pork beautifully, creating a mouthwatering experience that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Preparing the Marinade
To start off, I like to prepare the marinade for the pork. This is where all the flavor comes from, so let’s make it count!
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick).
- Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. The honey should dissolve into the soy sauce, creating a beautiful, glossy marinade.
- Once the marinade is ready, set aside about 1/4 cup of it in a separate bowl. This will be used later for basting and serving.
Marinating the Pork
Now that we have our marinade, it’s time to infuse the pork with all those delicious flavors.
- Take the pork tenderloin and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the meat.
- Refrigerate the pork for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, let it marinate for up to 4 hours or even overnight. The longer, the better!
Cooking the Pork
Once the pork has marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help caramelize the honey and create a beautiful glaze.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking.
- Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Carefully place the pork in the hot skillet. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- Once the pork is browned, pour the reserved marinade over the pork in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Halfway through cooking, I like to baste the pork with the sauce in the skillet to keep it moist and flavorful.
Resting the Pork
After the pork is done cooking, it’s important to let it rest before slicing.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the pork to a cutting board.
- Cover the pork loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender result.
Slicing and Serving
Now comes the best part—slicing and serving the pork!
- Using a sharp knife, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions, about 1/2 inch thick. This will give you beautiful, tender pieces.
- Arrange the sliced pork on a serving platter and drizzle some of the pan sauce over the top for extra flavor.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice touch.
- Serve the honey garlic pork with your favorite sides. I love pairing it with steamed
Conclusion:
In summary, this Honey Garlic Pork recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the tender pork, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious plate. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different proteins like chicken or tofu, or even add a splash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick. I encourage you to give this Honey Garlic Pork recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your culinary success together. Happy cooking! Print
Honey Garlic Pork: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Your Next Meal
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin features tender pork marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, delivering impressive flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale- 1.5 pounds of pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the honey dissolves into the soy sauce.
- Set aside about 1/4 cup of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting and serving later.
- Place the pork tenderloin in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the pork, ensuring it is well coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the meat.
- Refrigerate the pork for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Sear the pork in the hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the pork in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the pork halfway through cooking.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the pork to a cutting board.
- Cover the pork loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Arrange the sliced pork on a serving platter and drizzle some of the pan sauce over the top.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Notes
- For added heat, include the red pepper flakes in the marinade.
- Allowing the pork to marinate overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the perfect temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
