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This Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is packed with sweet and savory flavors that make it a hit! Juicy pork, sticky honey garlic sauce, and fluffy rice come together for a tasty meal.
Honestly, who can resist that sweet sauce? It’s perfect for drizzling all over rice. I might even eat it for every meal… just kidding, but it’s tempting! 😂
I love that this dish is quick to make, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Just cook the pork, whip up the sauce, and serve it over rice—easy and super satisfying!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is tender and cooks quickly. If you’re looking for an alternative, chicken breast or tofu works well. Just reduce the cooking time for tofu, as it’s pre-cooked.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and depth. If you need a substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: This gives the dish a savory umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos – both work just as well!
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best for vibrant flavor! If you’re short on fresh, use powdered garlic and ginger (1/4 tsp each for every clove). However, fresh will give a bolder flavor.
Chili Flakes: These add heat! If you prefer it milder, adjust the amount or replace with sweet paprika for a subtle warmth without the spice.
How Do I Marinate the Pork for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing the pork with flavor. Let’s break down the steps:
- In a large bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
- Add the pork and toss until it’s well coated. For best results, cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.
- This allows the meat to absorb all those delicious flavors!
Remember, the longer you marinate, the more flavor you get. If you’re in a hurry, even 15-20 minutes will still make a difference! Just be careful not to marinate too long with acidic ingredients, as they can change the texture of the meat.
Yummy Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl
What You’ll Need:
Pork and Marinade:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating. If you have time to marinate it overnight, the flavors will be extra heavenly! Cooking the pork will take about 10-12 minutes, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
Instructions:
Let’s start by preparing the marinade! In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely blended together. This is going to be the flavor base for our pork!
Now, it’s time to marinate that pork! Add the bite-sized pieces of pork to your marinade, making sure they are all evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you can, let it hang out in the refrigerator overnight for an even richer flavor. I promise it’s worth the wait!
When you’re ready to cook, heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork (make sure to shake off any excess marinade) and sear it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to get that lovely even cook and to prevent sticking!
Once your pork is perfectly cooked, pour in the remaining marinade from your bowl. Bring it to a simmer and let it bubble away for another 3-5 minutes so that the sauce thickens nicely. Stir constantly to get that sticky, delicious glaze.
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve that scrumptious honey garlic pork over your choice of cooked rice, and don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if you’d like. Enjoy every bite of this delicious honey garlic pork rice bowl!
Can I Use Another Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is great for this dish, you can also use pork loin, pork chops, or even pork shoulder. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut – thicker cuts will need a bit more time to cook through. Always ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.
Can I Substitute the Honey?
Yes, if you’re looking for a different flavor or are watching your sugar intake, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free honey alternative. Just keep the honey-like sweetness in mind when adjusting the amount, as some alternatives may be sweeter or less sweet.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with This Dish Besides Rice?
This honey garlic pork pairs well with various sides! You can serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative. Additionally, steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad make great accompaniments to balance the sweetness of the dish.
