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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Roast for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches the desired doneness.
- Simultaneously, create the sauce by combining remaining honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat, whisking continuously.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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