This sticky honey garlic pork is a treat for your taste buds! It’s made with tender pork cooked in a sweet and garlicky sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Every time I make this dish, I can’t help but lick the spoon! It’s so easy to whip up and pairs perfectly with rice or veggies. Your dinner table will love you for this one! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork tenderloin is great for a lean option, while pork shoulder brings more flavor due to its fat content. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, try chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Cornstarch: This is essential for getting that crispy texture on the pork. If you need a gluten-free option, use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead.
Honey: Honey contributes to the sweetness and stickiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a vegan substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well too!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides umami. For a lower sodium option, use light soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder is a decent substitute, but fresh really elevates the dish!
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Pork Strips?
The key to achieving perfectly crispy pork is in the cornstarch coating. Toss the pork strips evenly to cover every inch; this ensures that they fry up nice and crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- After coating the pork in cornstarch, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the coating stick better.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the pork. A good test is to drop in a small piece—if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
Again, don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry the pork in batches if necessary to achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
Sticky Honey Garlic Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork:
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes or 1 small fresh red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it about a 25-minute meal from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by placing the sliced pork into a bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the pork and toss it well until all the pieces are evenly coated. This step is key for getting that delightful crispy texture when we fry it!
2. Frying the Pork:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated pork strips in a single layer. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. If the pan looks dry, feel free to add a splash of oil. Now, add the minced garlic and grated ginger if you’re using it. Sauté everything together for about 30 seconds until it starts to smell amazing!
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
Next, stir in the soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Mix everything well and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. This is where all the flavors start coming together!
5. Tossing the Pork:
After the sauce is simmering, add the fried pork strips back into the pan. Toss everything together so that the pork is coated nicely in that sticky sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the sauce thicken up and cling to the pork.
6. Add Spice (Optional):
If you want a little heat in your dish, now’s the time to sprinkle in the red chili flakes or add the fresh chili slices. Stir them in to combine all the spicy goodness!
7. Garnishing the Dish:
Once the sauce has thickened and the pork is nicely coated, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish your sticky honey garlic pork with the chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sticky honey garlic pork immediately over warm, cooked white rice. Enjoy every sticky, sweet, and savory bite!
Enjoy your Sticky Honey Garlic Pork! It’s sure to become a favorite meal in no time!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin and shoulder are great options, you can also use pork belly or even chicken if you prefer. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar for tender textures.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour or potato starch, although cornflour will give you the crispiest results. Just create a similar coating on the pork for that desired texture!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes, you can! The pork can be marinated in the cornstarch and sauce mixture up to a day ahead, but it’s best to fry and toss in the sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan to maintain the saucy texture. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
