Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

This honey garlic pork tenderloin is my go-to when I want something easy but impressive for dinner. The pork is rubbed with simple spices, seared for loads of flavor, then finished in the oven with a sticky honey garlic sauce that turns out absolutely irresistible. It is one of those meals my family always looks forward to and I love that it comes together in under an hour for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.

The first time I made this recipe I was looking for a new spin on weeknight pork and it was such a hit I ended up making it again for Sunday dinner. The combination of herby pork and luscious garlic honey sauce truly makes this dish something special.

Ingredients

• Pork tenderloins: Pork tenderloin is naturally lean and stays juicy when not overcooked. I look for firm moist cuts without excessive fat or gristle
• Garlic powder: This brings a mellow garlicky warmth across every bite. Look for finely ground fresh powder
• Sweet paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and color. Choose Spanish style if you can
• Onion powder: Provides sweet undertones and a savory layer. Use one that smells fragrant when you open the jar
• Dried thyme: Gives an earthy slightly woodsy note. Whole leaves with a green hue are best
• Kosher salt: Brings out the moisture and keeps every bite seasoned. Look for larger flakes rather than fine
• Black pepper: Freshly ground gives the best bold flavor
• Extra virgin olive oil: For searing and keeping the pork tender. Pick a robust oil for richness
• Honey: The backbone of the sauce. Use a floral real honey for best taste
• Tamari (soy sauce or coconut aminos): Adds depth and saltiness. I opt for tamari as it is gluten free
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness. Select one with a cloudy or raw appearance for most flavor
• Garlic cloves: The star of the sauce. Use fresh and mince just before adding

Instructions

Make the Seasoning:

Mix the garlic powder, sweet paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined. This ensures every part of the pork will get evenly seasoned

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, tamari or coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar and freshly minced garlic until the honey is dissolved. The sauce should smell sweet and sharp

Season the Tenderloins:

Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then sprinkle the dry spice blend all over each tenderloin. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat so it coats every surface

Sear the Tenderloin:

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the pork and sear, turning occasionally, until all sides are evenly browned. This step should take about four minutes and creates a flavorful crust

Add the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Turn off the heat and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the seared pork. Use tongs to roll the meat in the sauce until all sides are fully coated

Roast in the Oven:

Transfer the whole skillet to a preheated 375 degree Fahrenheit oven. Roast for fifteen to twenty minutes until an instant read thermometer registers 140 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part. This prevents overcooking

Rest and Reduce the Sauce:

Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the pork to a plate. Cover it loosely with foil and let rest for at least five to ten minutes. While the pork rests, place the skillet back on the stove and simmer the sauce for one to two minutes so it thickens slightly. You can whisk in a little cornstarch slurry if you want a glaze

Slice and Serve:

Slice the pork crosswise into half inch rounds. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle the warm honey garlic sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately

My personal favorite in this recipe is always the honey garlic sauce. It coats the pork in a sticky savory goodness that gets cheers at my table every time. I still remember my very first attempt, my husband asked for seconds before he was halfway done

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pork will keep for up to three days. Slice before storing to make reheating easier. The sauce can be kept in a separate jar and spooned over warmed pork or even veggies

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have tamari, soy sauce works just as well for a similar depth of flavor. For a paleo option, coconut aminos is ideal. You can also substitute maple syrup for honey if you want a different kind of sweetness. Dried Italian seasoning makes a good swap for thyme if that is all you have

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with roasted potatoes, sauteed green beans or over rice for a wholesome meal. It is equally delicious sliced thin and added to a fresh salad with crisp greens and your favorite vinaigrette

Cultural and Historical Context

Pork tenderloin has always been popular for family dinners in American kitchens because of its tender nature and mild taste. The sweet and garlicky glaze is inspired by the simple joy of home cooking and draws on classic American flavors

Seasonal Adaptations

Use local wildflower honey in spring for floral notes. Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika in colder months for extra warmth. Swap fresh garden herbs when in season for dry thyme for brighter flavor

Success Stories

One of my readers shared that this recipe helped them fall in love with pork again after years of avoiding it. Another friend makes double batches just to have extras for weekday lunches

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can prepare the seasoned raw tenderloins and sauce separately then freeze both in individual bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Sear and cook as directed for a quick meal or freeze sliced cooked pork in sauce for fast reheating

This honey garlic pork tenderloin is a crowd-pleaser that is simple to make yet restaurant-worthy. Try it next time you need a comforting but special meal

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep pork tenderloin juicy?

Sear the meat first and avoid overcooking. Resting after roasting helps retain moisture for juicy slices.

→ Can I use an alternative to tamari soy sauce?

Yes, coconut aminos or regular soy sauce work well. Adjust salt to taste for desired flavor balance.

→ What temperature should pork tenderloin reach?

Use an instant-read thermometer and roast until the internal temperature is 140°F (60°C) for perfect results.

→ How do I thicken the honey garlic sauce?

Simmer the sauce briefly after roasting or whisk in a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot for a silky glaze.

→ Is a cast iron pan necessary?

While ideal for even browning, any oven-safe skillet will achieve a flavorful sear and successful finish.

→ What can I serve alongside this pork tenderloin?

Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.