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Weeknight • Pork

Baked Honey-Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Tender pork tenderloin coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey-garlic glaze, baked to perfection.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Baked Honey-Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Looking for a main dish that feels fancy but is secretly super simple? This baked honey-garlic pork tenderloin is precisely that! With minimal effort, you'll create a juicy, flavorful pork that's coated in an irresistible sticky glaze. It's elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight family dinner.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey-Garlic Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  2. Step 2

    Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Place the tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet.

  3. Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha (if using) to make the glaze.

  4. Step 4

    Bake the pork tenderloin for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush about half of the honey-garlic glaze over the tenderloin.

  5. Step 5

    Return the tenderloin to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, brushing with the remaining glaze every 5 minutes, until an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached. The glaze should be sticky and slightly caramelized.

  6. Step 6

    Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork tender and moist.

  7. Step 7

    Slice the tenderloin into thick rounds. Drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • Don't skip the resting step! It's crucial for juicy pork.
  • Pair this with roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or a simple side of rice.
  • If you don't have apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon can work in the glaze.

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