This Honey Garlic Pork is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, featuring tender pork coated in a rich honey garlic sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with minimal effort. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Sweet and Savory – A perfect blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze.
- Juicy and Tender Pork – The pork stays moist and flavorful with a caramelized coating.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a full meal.
- Better Than Takeout – Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pork:
- Boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper
- Cornstarch (for coating)
- Vegetable oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- Water
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water, for thickening)
Directions
Prepare the Pork:
- Season and Coat – Season pork pieces with salt and black pepper, then coat lightly with cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Sear the Pork – Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic – In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients – Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce – Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve:
- Coat the Pork – Return the cooked pork to the pan and toss in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Pork – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs – Use pork ribs instead of pork chops for a slow-cooked version.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Crispy Version – Double-coat the pork in cornstarch and deep fry for extra crunch.
- Vegetable Add-Ins – Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use pork belly instead of pork chops?
Yes! Pork belly will add extra richness, but be sure to cook it longer to render the fat.
2. What’s the best substitute for apple cider vinegar?
Rice vinegar or white vinegar works well.
3. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook the pork in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
4. How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
5. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes! This recipe works just as well with chicken breast or thighs.
6. What’s the best side dish for honey garlic pork?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or garlic noodles are great options.
7. Can I double the sauce?
Yes! If you like extra sauce, double the ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. How do I make the pork extra crispy?
Double-coat the pork in cornstarch and fry it in hot oil until golden brown.
9. Can I use pre-made honey garlic sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce has fresher flavors and no preservatives.
10. How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
Don’t overcook the pork—sear it just until golden, then let it finish cooking in the sauce.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Pork is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in the best way. Whether served over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables, it’s a meal that’s easy to love. Try it today and enjoy a homemade takeout-style dinner!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Honey Garlic Pork is a flavorful, juicy dish featuring tender pork coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A family favorite that’s easy to make and packed with rich, caramelized flavors!
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin (or pork chops)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork:
- Pat the pork dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 4 minutes per side).
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Pork in Sauce:
- Return the pork to the pan, coating it with the sauce.
- Cover and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until thickened.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Slice the pork and drizzle with the honey garlic sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.
Notes
- If using pork chops, adjust cooking time to about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Pair with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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