Go Back
Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

This Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is a simple and comforting solution for a quick weeknight dinner, ready in under 40 minutes. The magic is in the sweet and savory sauce, made from pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic, which creates a delicious glaze for the tender pork. It's a reliable and deeply flavorful dish perfect for busy evenings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound pork tenderloin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • slotted spoon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. First things first, get your large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. While it’s warming up, take your pork tenderloin and cut it into bite-sized cubes, about one inch each.
  2. Once the skillet is nice and hot (a drop of water should sizzle instantly), carefully place the pork cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want the pork to brown, not steam. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides.
  3. When the pork is beautifully browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate and set it aside for a moment.
  4. In the same skillet, add the sesame oil. Let it heat for just a few seconds, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
  5. Now, pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the sauce starts to gently simmer and the honey dissolves completely, which should take about 2 minutes.
  6. Return the browned pork to the skillet. Stir gently to make sure every piece gets coated in that beautiful honey garlic sauce.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and let the pork simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the pork soaks up the flavor, and the sauce thickens into a perfect glaze.
  8. While the pork is simmering, get your bowls ready with a fluffy bed of cooked white rice.
  9. Spoon the honey garlic pork and all that delicious sauce over the rice.
  10. Finish it off with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a little freshness and crunch. Serve right away and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure the pan is hot before adding the pork to get a deep, golden-brown sear; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming. If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Avoid overcooking the pork tenderloin to keep it tender. Substitutions like chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.