This Easy Roasted Honey Garlic Pork is a winner at dinner! With tender pork drizzled in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
This dish is straightforward to make, and the aroma will have everyone coming to the kitchen. I love serving it with rice and veggies—it’s a tasty combo! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend using pork shoulder for tenderness and flavor, but pork loin is a leaner option. You could also use chicken if you prefer a lighter meat dish. Cut your meat into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Honey: Honey adds that sweet stickiness everyone loves. If you’re aiming for lower sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as substitutes. Just keep in mind, they might alter the flavor slightly!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor! If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder could work—just use about 1 teaspoon as a substitute.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, tamari works well here. Alternatively, coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free choice. It’s slightly sweeter, so maybe reduce the honey a bit if you go this route.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, regular white vinegar or even lemon juice can do the trick.
How Can I Ensure My Pork Is Tender and Juicy?
The key to juicy pork lies in marinating and roasting. Marinating the pork helps infuse flavor and tenderizes the meat. A minimum of 20 minutes is essential, but longer marination (up to 2 hours) allows deeper flavor absorption.
- Use a resealable bag for marinating, so all pieces get coated well.
- Allow your pork to rest after roasting; this helps retain the juices.
- Be careful not to overcook the pork. Use a meat thermometer if needed—145°F (63°C) is usually perfect!
How to Make Easy Roasted Honey Garlic Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into bite-sized cubes
For the Marinade:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
What’s the Time Estimate?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation, plus at least 20 minutes for marinating time. The roasting will take about 25-30 minutes. Overall, you can expect around 1 hour until dinner is ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives the pork a nice golden finish while cooking.
2. Making the Marinade:
In a big bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This marinade is what gives your pork that delicious flavor!
3. Marinating the Pork:
Add your bite-sized pork cubes to the bowl. Toss them around so they’re all coated in that tasty marinade. For the best flavor, let them sit for at least 20 minutes, or you can pop them in the fridge and let them marinate for up to 2 hours.
4. Arranging the Pork for Roasting:
Once marinated, take the pork out and arrange the cubes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re spaced out. This helps them roast nicely rather than steaming.
5. Roasting the Pork:
Pop the tray in your preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn the pork once halfway through to ensure it’s evenly cooked and caramelized.
6. Adding Extra Flavor:
If you want an extra sticky glaze, brush some additional honey garlic sauce on the pork in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will make it even more delicious!
7. Getting Ready to Serve:
Once done, take the pork out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps to keep it juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your honey garlic pork hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables. It’s a meal everyone will love!
This Easy Roasted Honey Garlic Pork is juicy and flavorful, making it a fantastic dish for family dinners or special occasions! Enjoy cooking! 😊
FAQ for Easy Roasted Honey Garlic Pork
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts like pork tenderloin or even pork belly. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary; ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Can I Marinate the Pork Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight in the fridge can enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to cover the bowl or use a resealable bag to prevent any spills or unwanted odors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep the pork moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Roast?
Certainly! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the baking tray around the pork for a one-pan meal. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking!
