Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a delightful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the savory depth of garlic and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience you won't forget.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut that cooks quickly and stays juicy with the right marinade. Honey adds a natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze while roasting. Soy sauce brings a salty, umami depth that balances the sweetness. Olive oil ensures the marinade coats the pork evenly and aids in roasting. Garlic provides a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients. Black pepper and salt enhance the overall taste. Fresh rosemary and thyme add aromatic, earthy notes. Lemon zest provides a fresh, zesty finish that brightens the dish. Finally, chicken broth is optional for basting, adding moisture and flavor during roasting.

Tips & Tricks

  • Marinate the pork overnight for the deepest flavor infusion.
  • If you don't have a meat thermometer, cook until the juices run clear.
  • Resting the pork is crucial — it helps the fibers relax and retain moisture.
  • For a thicker glaze, boil the reserved marinade for a few minutes before basting.

Serving Suggestions

This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots. A light, fluffy rice pilaf or creamy mashed potatoes would also complement the dish nicely. For a fresh side, try a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as pork loin is a larger cut and will take longer to cook.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pork.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used instead, but use a third of the amount as they are more concentrated.

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a small bowl and mix your honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. This is your marinade, and it’s going to work some magic on that pork. Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the pork is well-coated, then seal it up and pop it in the fridge. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to save yourself from scrubbing later. Take the pork tenderloin out of the marinade and place it on the baking sheet. Keep the leftover marinade — you’ll use it for basting.

Roast the pork in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, pull it out and baste with the reserved marinade. This helps build up those layers of flavor and gives the pork a glossy finish. Check the internal temperature — you want it to reach 145°F (63°C). Once it’s there, take the pork out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is key to keeping the juices inside.

Before serving, sprinkle with fresh rosemary, thyme, and a touch of lemon zest for that extra zing. Slice and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick prep with minimal cleanup — perfect for busy nights.
  • The marinade infuses deep, rich flavors into the pork.
  • Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Can be marinated overnight for a make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

2 lbs pork tenderloin
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 lemon, zested
1/4 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until thoroughly combined.
2. Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the pork. Ensure the tenderloin is fully covered. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4. Remove pork from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the marinade for basting.
5. Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through the cooking time.
6. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest before serving.

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