The Juiciest Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe Ever Made

Cooking a succulent honey garlic pork tenderloin brings magic to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Juicy meat marinates in a sweet and savory blend that promises incredible flavor.

Kitchens come alive when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Maple-colored glazes caramelize beautifully, creating a mouthwatering exterior that seals in moisture.

Delicate spices complement the natural richness of tender pork, making each bite irresistible.

Weeknight meals never looked so impressive or tasted so delicious.

Wow everyone around the table with this restaurant-quality dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

• Pork Tenderloin: A lean and tender cut of meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a succulent main course.

• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Onion Powder: A blend of spices that creates a robust and complex flavor profile for the pork.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that add aromatic and earthy notes to enhance the meat's natural taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the pork's natural flavors and provide balanced seasoning.

• Honey: A natural sweetener that caramelizes and creates a glossy, sticky glaze for the pork.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth, umami, and a savory element to the marinade and sauce.
• Orange Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy undertone that tenderizes the meat and adds complexity.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes additional sweetness and helps create a rich, caramelized finish.
• Cornstarch: Serves as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a smooth and glossy consistency.
• Water: Used to dissolve cornstarch and adjust sauce thickness.
• Minced Garlic: Adds intense, fresh garlic flavor to the marinade and sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps with searing the pork and provides a rich, golden color to the meat's exterior.

Preparation Guide for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your pork tenderloin and give it some love by trimming away any excess fat.

Take a fork and gently poke holes all over the meat to help those amazing flavors really sink in deep.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Orange juice
• Minced garlic

Whisk everything together until it’s perfectly blended.

Massage this incredible mixture all over the pork, making sure every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 3: Sizzle and Sear

Grab a heavy oven-proof skillet and heat up some olive oil until it’s smoking hot.

Carefully place the marinated pork into the pan. Listen to that satisfying sizzle!

Rotate the meat every couple of minutes to create a gorgeous golden-brown crust all around.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven.

Let the pork roast for about 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect tender and juicy moment when the meat is cooked through.

Step 5: Craft the Sticky Sauce

While the pork is roasting, whip up a heavenly sauce. Combine the remaining honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan.

Warm it up gently, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with a splash of water to create a quick slurry.

Pour this into your simmering sauce, whisking until it transforms into a glossy, slightly thick consistency.

Step 7: Caramelize and Glaze

Once the pork comes out of the oven, brush it generously with the sticky sauce.

Pop it back under the broiler for about 3 minutes to create a mouthwatering caramelized exterior.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Give your masterpiece a few minutes to rest, allowing all those incredible juices to settle back into the meat.

Slice it up, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top, and get ready to wow everyone at the dinner table!

Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

• Poke the pork tenderloin multiple times with a fork to help the marinade penetrate deeply, creating more flavorful meat throughout.
• Choose a high-quality honey for richer taste and better caramelization during the broiling process, which enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Allow the meat to rest after cooking to ensure juicy and tender results, preventing dry and tough texture when slicing.
• Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning, as the honey-based sauce can quickly caramelize and potentially char if not monitored carefully.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork tenderloin without overcooking.

Variations to Explore with Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

• Spicy Maple Pork Twist: Replace honey with maple syrup and add red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy version of the original recipe.
• Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Version: Swap soy sauce with lemon juice, add oregano and basil, and coat the pork with crushed Mediterranean herbs before cooking.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a celiac-safe meal.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, use apple cider vinegar instead of orange juice, and maintain the herb and spice profile while reducing carbohydrate content.

Pairing Ideas for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

• Craft a zesty salad using fresh orange segments, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette to complement the sweet and savory honey garlic flavors of the pork tenderloin.
• Create creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic, providing a smooth and rich side that balances the pork's intense marinade and caramelized sauce.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the pork, highlighting its honey and herb notes while refreshing the palate with bright, acidic undertones.

Storage Tips for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

• Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat remains moist by covering it with the remaining honey garlic sauce.
• Wrap the sliced pork tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air from the packaging.
• Place pork slices on a microwave-safe plate, drizzle with reserved sauce, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• What if I don't have an oven-proof skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, sear the pork in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish before roasting in the oven.

• How do I know the pork is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness. Let it rest afterward to continue cooking slightly.

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Highlights

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet honey, zesty garlic, and aromatic herbs that transform an ordinary pork tenderloin into a gourmet experience.
• Master Culinary Techniques: Learn professional cooking methods like searing, roasting, and broiling that elevate home cooking skills and create restaurant-quality results.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping herbs, or modifying the sauce to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Deliver a stunning main course that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking expertise, perfect for special gatherings or weekend meals.

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic pork tenderloin brings together sweet and savory flavors from classic Asian cuisine. Juicy meat marinates in a delicious blend of ingredients, promising a memorable meal that satisfies hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) pork tenderloin
• 1/2 cup (170 g) honey
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) light soy sauce
• 3 tbsps brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp freshly minced thyme
• 1 tbsp freshly minced rosemary
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsps water
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (180°C). Trim excess fat from the pork tenderloin and create small punctures with a fork to enhance marinade absorption.
2. Craft a robust marinade by blending garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, honey, soy sauce, orange juice, and minced garlic. Thoroughly coat the tenderloin, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over high temperature. Sear the pork, rotating every 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
4. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Roast for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches the desired doneness.
5. Simultaneously, create the sauce by combining remaining honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat, whisking continuously.
6. Transform the sauce by mixing cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Incorporate into the simmering liquid, stirring until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
7. Generously brush the roasted pork with the prepared sauce. Transfer back to the oven and broil for 3 minutes to caramelize and intensify the flavors.
8. Allow the tenderloin to rest for 4-5 minutes, covered, enabling juice redistribution. Slice into thick portions and garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary before presenting.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.
• For deeper flavor infusion, marinate the pork tenderloin for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator before cooking, allowing herbs and honey to penetrate the meat fully.
• Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising taste.
• Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the signature sweet-savory profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg