Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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Cook Time: 35 minutes

Pork Tenderloin with Honey Soy Sauce

This flavorful pork tenderloin is seared to perfection and baked to a tender, juicy finish, complemented by a rich and tangy honey soy sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line a 10x15-inch baking pan with a wire rack.

2. Trim the silver skin and excess fat from the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is clean and ready for seasoning.

3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.

4. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is evenly coated.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tenderloin and sear it on all sides until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes.

6. Transfer the seared tenderloin to the wire rack in the prepared baking pan.

7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140F (61C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check for accuracy.

8. Remove the pork from the oven, tent with foil, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise to 145F (63C) or higher.

9. While the pork rests, prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, about 5 minutes.

10. Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve with the warm honey soy sauce poured over the top. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	317
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	83mg
Sodium	957mg
Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	26g
Protein	32g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	33mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	601mg

The Story Behind Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a modern culinary creation that draws inspiration from the fusion of Western and Asian cooking traditions. While pork tenderloin has long been celebrated in European and American kitchens for its lean texture and tender quality, the addition of a honey-garlic glaze reflects a distinctly Asian influence, particularly reminiscent of Chinese-American flavors. This combination of sweet and savory notes became popular in North America in the late 20th century, as home cooks began experimenting with ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and garlic to create quick yet flavorful dishes.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is widely associated with American home cooking but carries a subtle nod to Asian seasoning techniques. In the United States, variations often include Chinese five-spice powder and soy sauce, creating a balance between sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors. In contrast, similar Asian versions might incorporate ginger, sesame oil, or chili to intensify the flavor profile. Regional adaptations in the U.S. may also replace cider vinegar with rice vinegar or apple cider for a milder acidity, demonstrating the versatility of this recipe across different culinary regions.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike a traditional roasted pork tenderloin, which might rely solely on herbs and olive oil, the honey garlic version is distinguished by its glaze and aromatic spices. Compared to a teriyaki-style pork, which is typically sweeter and thicker due to prolonged marination, honey garlic pork tenderloin emphasizes a lighter, quicker sauce that caramelizes while baking. This results in a tender, moist interior with a slightly sticky, golden exterioran effect not commonly found in simple oven-roasted pork dishes.

Where It Is Usually Served

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is versatile enough to appear in casual family dinners as well as more formal holiday meals. It is often served with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. In restaurants, it may be featured on American bistro or fusion-style menus, frequently paired with a complementary sauce drizzle or sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for an added visual and textural appeal.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of honey and garlic is not only flavorful but historically valued for its health benefits, including antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
• Chinese five-spice powder, used in this dish, traditionally consists of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, symbolizing the five elements in Chinese philosophy.
• This dish became a favorite for weeknight dinners because it requires minimal prep and cooks in under an hour, yet delivers restaurant-quality results.
• The pork tenderloin itself is the leanest cut of pork, making it a healthier alternative to fattier cuts while remaining tender and juicy when cooked correctly.
• Many home cooks adapt this recipe to chicken or beef, demonstrating its versatility and the universal appeal of honey-garlic flavor combinations.

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