why make this recipe
Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a delightful dish that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it suitable for any cooking level. This dish is great for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and it promises to impress your family and guests alike.
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, look no further. The succulent pork tenderloin combined with the rich honey garlic sauce creates a meal that’s hearty yet elegant. It’s a wonderful way to elevate your home cooking.
equipment needed for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
- Large Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
What You Need to Make Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
- 2 pork tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, or more
- 1/4 cup honey (omit if keto)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or any hot sauce you like)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut amino for paleo)
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup low sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
How to Cook Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Step by Step
Begin by patting dry the pork tenderloins with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear on the meat. Generously season the pork with salt and pepper, ensuring the flavor penetrates the surface well.
Next, in a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the seasoned pork tenderloins. Cook them until they are browned on all sides, taking about 3 to 5 minutes per side. This searing process locks in the flavor and creates a nice crust on the exterior.
While the pork is searing, take a mixing bowl and combine the spices and other flavorings. Add the sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl as well. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and Sriracha, followed by the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Whisk all these ingredients briskly until well mixed. Once the pork is nicely seared, pour this honey garlic mixture over the tenderloins in the Dutch oven. This is where the magic starts to happen, infusing the pork with incredible flavors.
Next, add 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of low sodium beef or chicken broth to the bottom of the Dutch oven. This liquid helps create a sauce and ensures the pork stays moist during cooking. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Lower the heat and cook the pork tenderloins on low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes. It is essential to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 145 degrees Fahrenheit (62 degrees Celsius). Using an Instant Read Thermometer can make this process much easier.
After cooking, remove the pork tenderloins from the Dutch oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Loosely cover the meat with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
Finally, slice the honey garlic pork tenderloins into medallions and serve them with the rich sauce you prepared earlier. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!
how to make Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Making Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is simple and straightforward. Follow the detailed steps outlined earlier, ensuring to pay attention to the cooking time and the internal temperature of the pork.
It’s all about layering flavors and allowing the pork to absorb the delicious honey garlic mixture. Remember to let the meat rest before slicing to enhance its juiciness.
Cook with care, and you’ll achieve a perfect combination of flavors.
how to serve Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Serving Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is an opportunity to showcase this delicious dish. Place the sliced tenderloin on a platter, drizzling some of the honey garlic sauce over the top for a visually appealing presentation.
Additionally, you can serve the sauce on the side in a small bowl for extra flavor. This allows everyone to add more sauce according to their preference. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be sprinkled on top for an added touch.
what to serve with Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
This succulent dish pairs well with various sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes. The creamy texture complements the sweet, tangy sauce beautifully.
Roasted vegetables make another excellent side. Think of Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans tossed with olive oil. They add color and nutrition to your plate.
Don’t forget about rice, either! Steamed white rice or jasmine rice soaks up the flavorful honey garlic sauce perfectly, rounding out your meal.
how to store Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
If you have leftovers, storing them properly is crucial to maintain their flavor and freshness. Allow the pork to cool down at room temperature first.
Then, place the sliced pork in an airtight container. If you have leftover sauce, store it in a separate container to prevent the meat from getting soggy. This will keep your leftovers tasty for longer.
Refrigerate the pork, and it should last for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
For the best results, choose pork tenderloins that are similar in size and weight. This ensures they cook evenly. Use a good quality olive oil for marinating and searing.
When seasoning the meat, do not skimp on salt and pepper. This enhances the overall flavor. If you’ve got time, allow the pork to marinate in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight. This deepens the flavor even more.
Make sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature as it cooks. Overcooking can lead to dry pork, while undercooking is unsafe. An Instant Read Thermometer is a helpful tool here.
variation
There are several ways to customize Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.
You can substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor. If you’re cooking for someone on a keto diet, simply omit the honey entirely and use a sugar substitute instead.
For a tropical twist, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce. This can elevate the sweetness and provide an exciting flavor profile.
best time to make Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of year. It makes an excellent dish for fall dinners with cozy sides.
In the spring or summer, it can also be a delightful option for outdoor gatherings or holiday barbecues. The sweet and savory flavors are appealing year-round, making it a great go-to recipe for any occasion.
common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan while searing the pork. This can lead to steaming instead of browning, depriving you of that sought-after crust.
Another frequent error is cutting into the tenderloin immediately after cooking. Giving it time to rest will yield a more flavorful and juicy piece of meat.
Finally, ensure that you check the internal temperature carefully. Relying solely on cooking time can lead to overcooked or undercooked pork.
nutritional notes
Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a balanced meal option. Pork tenderloin is lean and packed with protein, which is great for muscle maintenance and repair.
Adding vegetables to your plate enhances the meal’s nutritional value, providing essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, remember that honey can be adjusted based on your dietary needs.
As with any dish, moderation is key. Enjoying it as part of a balanced diet will allow you to savor its flavors guilt-free.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken tenderloins or breasts can be substituted. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken might cook faster than pork.
What should I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be used as a marinade for other meats or drizzled over roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can follow the same seasoning steps and then place everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender.
conclusion
Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a delicious dish that effortlessly combines sweetness and savory flavors. With its simple preparation and minimal ingredients, it fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle while still allowing for gourmet dining experiences at home.
Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe has the versatility to shine through. So roll up your sleeves and try making this dish; you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the process and the delightful results you’ll create.
