Description
Succulent honey garlic pork tenderloin merges sweet and savory flavors into a delightful culinary experience. Rich marinades and quick roasting create a mouthwatering main dish perfect for dinner guests who crave bold, memorable meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil or butter
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) light soy sauce
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Prepare the pork tenderloin by carefully removing any excess fat and creating small punctures across the surface with a fork to enhance marinade absorption.
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic minced garlic, golden honey, tangy soy sauce, and fresh orange juice until thoroughly combined.
- Completely coat the tenderloin in the marinade, ensuring every inch is generously covered for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat, then expertly sear the tenderloin until a rich golden crust develops, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 350°F oven, roasting the pork for 18-20 minutes until it reaches optimal internal temperature.
- Meanwhile, create a glossy sauce by simmering remaining honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan, thickening with a cornstarch slurry for a luxurious consistency.
- Remove the tenderloin from the oven, generously baste with the prepared sauce, and finish under the broiler for 3 minutes to create a caramelized exterior.
- Allow the meat to rest for 4-5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices, then slice and serve with additional sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Marinate pork for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy pork without overcooking.
- For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the savory depth.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative that keeps the sweet-tangy profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg