A tender, juicy pork tenderloin glazed with the perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic—your dinner just got a whole lot better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a weeknight dinner hero that’s both simple and impressive. With a sticky, sweet honey and garlic glaze that caramelizes as it roasts, this pork tenderloin becomes tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or even a crisp green salad. Bonus? The glaze is easy to whip up with pantry staples you probably already have. Ready to make dinner magic? Let’s go!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this juicy pork tenderloin:

Pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
Honey
Garlic cloves (minced)
Soy sauce
Olive oil
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

You’ll find the full ingredient list and exact amounts in the recipe card below.

Directions

Prep your pork tenderloin: Remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator and pat it dry with a paper towel. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make the honey garlic glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme if you like.
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Sear the pork tenderloin: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
Glaze the pork: Brush the honey garlic mixture generously over the pork tenderloin.
Roast in the oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Rest the pork: Once cooked, remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps all those delicious juices sealed in!
Serve and enjoy: Slice into medallions and drizzle the remaining honey garlic glaze over the top.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook: Pork tenderloin can dry out if cooked too long, so monitor your internal temperature and pull it at 145°F.
Let it rest: Resting is crucial for juicy, tender pork. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly.
Add a bit of spice: For a spicy kick, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic mixture.
Grill option: You can grill this pork tenderloin as well. Just follow the same glazing process and grill over medium heat until the same temperature is reached.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add a citrus twist: Mix a tablespoon of fresh orange or lemon juice into the honey garlic glaze for a zesty note.
Swap the sweetener: Maple syrup or brown sugar are great alternatives if you don’t have honey.
Herb swap: Use fresh sage or oregano in place of rosemary or thyme for different flavor profiles.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pair this Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin with:

Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
A bed of rice or wild rice pilaf to soak up the honey garlic glaze.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the rich flavors.
Crusty bread or fresh dinner rolls—because honey garlic glaze deserves every last bite!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re short on time.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use a boneless pork chop or even a pork loin roast. Adjust cooking times based on the size of the cut.

2. How can I make this recipe without honey?
If honey isn’t an option, maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar will also create a lovely glaze.

3. What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried rosemary or thyme work well too! Just adjust the amounts since dried herbs are more concentrated.

4. How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reads 145°F, your pork is perfectly cooked.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is an easy, one-pan dinner that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. The sweet honey, savory garlic, and perfectly tender pork come together in a way that’s both simple and special. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just want to impress on a weeknight, this dish will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a simple yet delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor. The pork is seared to perfection and then glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb pork tenderloin
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Pork:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the pork tenderloin generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Pork:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork tenderloin and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
2. Pour the sauce over the pork tenderloin, coating it evenly.
Roast the Pork:
1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
2. Halfway through roasting, spoon some of the sauce over the pork.
Serve:
1. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Drizzle with additional sauce from the skillet and garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve with your favorite sides!

Notes

For a crispier crust, broil the pork for 2–3 minutes at the end of roasting.
The sauce can be reduced to a thicker glaze by simmering it in a pan after removing the pork.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of pork tenderloin
Calories: ~290
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg