Plate of flavorful honey garlic pork bites garnished with herbs

Honey Garlic Pork Bites

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why make this recipe

Honey Garlic Pork Bites are a delicious and quick meal option that everyone will love. The sweet and savory flavors make this dish appealing to both kids and adults. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. It’s simple to prepare and takes just a short time to cook, making it a great choice for busy schedules.

how to make Honey Garlic Pork Bites

To create these tasty bites, start by mixing the spices to coat the pork. Then, sear the pork cubes in a hot skillet until they are browned. After that, make a quick sauce using honey, apple juice, and soy sauce. Lastly, return the pork to the skillet, coat it in the sauce, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4-2 pounds boneless pork loin filet cut into 1-inch cubes or pork tenderloin filets
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup butter or neutral oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Add the cubed pork tenderloin to the spice mix and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned pork cubes. Sear until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (about 4-5 minutes).
  5. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
  6. In the same skillet, add honey, apple juice, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce reduces and thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
  7. Return the pork to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pork is heated through.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.

how to serve Honey Garlic Pork Bites

Honey Garlic Pork Bites can be served hot over a bed of rice for a complete meal. They also pair well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Get creative with your favorite sides to make the meal even more enjoyable!

how to store Honey Garlic Pork Bites

If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze the pork bites. Just make sure to keep them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Honey Garlic Pork Bites

  • Make sure to cut the pork into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
  • Don’t rush the searing process; this helps to develop a nice brown color and flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey based on your taste preference.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the pork in the spice mix for a few hours before cooking.

variation

You can swap pork for chicken or shrimp to create different versions of this dish. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet when cooking for added nutrition and taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cuts of pork?
Yes, you can use other tender cuts of pork, such as pork chops or pork shoulder, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pork and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge and cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Honey Garlic Pork Bites

Quick and delicious Honey Garlic Pork Bites that are both sweet and savory, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork Preparation
  • 1 3/4-2 pounds boneless pork loin filet cut into 1-inch cubes or pork tenderloin filets Ensure to cut into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup butter or neutral oil Oil should be heated over medium-high heat.
  • 1/2 cup honey Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey based on taste.
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Garnish
  • Sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds For garnish, optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Add the cubed pork tenderloin to the spice mix and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned pork cubes. Sear until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (about 4-5 minutes).
  3. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add honey, apple juice, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce reduces and thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
  5. Return the pork to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pork is heated through.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork in the spice mix for a few hours before cooking.