This Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The sweet and savory honey garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich coating that complements the tender pork. The recipe is simple yet impressive, requiring only a few pantry staples and minimal prep time. Serve it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal that the entire family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork tenderloin and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Roast the Pork: Return the pork tenderloin to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the pork with the sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the pork from the skillet and tent it with foil to rest. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the skillet sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy!
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, marinate the pork in the sauce for 1–2 hours before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
