There’s just something so comforting about the aroma of a sweet and savory dish wafting through your kitchen. This Sticky Honey Garlic Pork recipe brings back memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Not only is this dish incredibly easy and quick to make, but it also promises to become a family favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Garlic Pork
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin – sliced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 1/4 cup honey – adds that delicious sweetness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – brings a savory depth to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic – minced for a punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger – grated to enhance the taste.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – balances the sweetness and adds tang.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for frying.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional, for a touch of heat.
- Chopped green onions – for garnish.
- Sesame seeds – for garnish and added crunch.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Pork
- Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well. Add the sliced pork tenderloin to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: After marinating, remove the pork from the refrigerator. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Pork: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork to the skillet, reserving the marinade. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is browned and cooked through.
- Add the Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the cooked pork. Bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the sticky honey garlic pork over steamed rice or with vegetables.
Substitutions & Additions
If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can easily swap it out for chicken or tofu for a delightful variation. Additionally, if you’re looking to amp up the flavor, try adding some chopped bell peppers or broccoli during the cooking process. This not only enhances the dish but also adds a pop of color and nutrition!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. If you have time, longer is even better!
- Keep an eye on the heat while cooking to prevent burning the garlic.
- If your sauce isn’t thickening, it might need a little more cornstarch mixed with water.
- Prep ahead by marinating the pork a day in advance for an even richer taste.
How to Store Sticky Honey Garlic Pork
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Reheating it in a skillet will help maintain that delicious sticky sauce!
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or even shrimp work beautifully with this marinade.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I freeze Sticky Honey Garlic Pork?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve it with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad like a Mediterranean chickpea salad for a light and refreshing side.
Now that you have this delicious recipe on hand, I hope you’ll create some wonderful memories around your table. For more delicious recipes, check out this apple pie or this easy honey garlic chicken for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more cooking inspiration and mouthwatering recipes!
Sticky Honey Garlic Pork
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well. Add the sliced pork tenderloin to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Step 2: After marinating, remove the pork from the refrigerator. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork to the skillet, reserving the marinade. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the cooked pork. Bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Step 5: Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the sticky honey garlic pork over steamed rice or with vegetables.
