Honey garlic pork tenderloin is a tender, flavorful dish that features juicy pork coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe comes together quickly while delivering a restaurant-quality meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The honey garlic glaze is irresistibly sweet and savory.
- Pork tenderloin cooks quickly and stays tender and juicy.
- Minimal ingredients and effort, but big on flavor.
- Pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork tenderloin
- Garlic (minced)
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Pork:
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Pour the glaze over the seared pork in the skillet.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Spoon the glaze over the pork halfway through baking.
- Rest and Slice:
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices stay locked in.
- Serve:
- Slice the pork into medallions, spoon the glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze for some heat.
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for an earthy flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice or lemon juice for a bright, tangy note.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap pork tenderloin for thick slices of tofu or portobello mushrooms and bake with the glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Freeze sliced pork in a freezer-safe container with the glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
Pork tenderloin is a smaller, leaner cut of meat that cooks more quickly, while pork loin is larger and requires longer cooking.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, this glaze works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or even salmon.
3. How do I know when the pork is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
5. Can I cook this on the stovetop only?
Yes, cover the skillet and cook the pork on low heat until it reaches the desired temperature, basting frequently with the glaze.
6. Can I substitute honey with something else?
Maple syrup or brown sugar are great alternatives to honey.
7. What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or rice make excellent accompaniments.
8. How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and let the pork rest after baking to retain its juices.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or bake the pork in batches if necessary.
10. Can I use this glaze for grilling?
Absolutely, brush the glaze onto the pork while grilling for a smoky twist.
Conclusion
Honey garlic pork tenderloin is a versatile, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress with minimal effort. The juicy, tender pork paired with the sweet and savory glaze makes it a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal in no time.
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked, Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Description
This honey garlic pork tenderloin recipe is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Coated in a sweet and savory glaze, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or an elegant main dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 1–1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
- Glaze and Bake:
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the seared pork tenderloin.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the pork with the sauce every 5 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle with the remaining sauce from the skillet and garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add ½ tsp red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
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