This Easy Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is a tasty mix of sweet and savory. With tender pork, delicious honey, and garlicky goodness, it’s a meal that feels fancy but is super simple to make!
I love how quick this dish comes together—just cook the pork, stir in the sauce, and serve it over rice. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something yummy without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend pork tenderloin for its tenderness and quick cooking time. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breast can be substituted. Tofu is a great alternative for a vegetarian dish!
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps create a glaze. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well as substitutes, though they might change the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: I use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. For a gluten-free version, you can easily swap in tamari or coconut aminos.
Rice: I love using jasmine rice for its aroma. However, brown rice or quinoa can be great substitutes for added fiber and nutrients.
Broccoli: You can swap it out for any veggies you like—bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots would all complement the flavors nicely!
How Do I Achieve Tender, Flavorful Pork?
To get tender pork, make sure not to overcook it. A few simple steps can help:
- Heat your skillet until it’s nice and hot before adding the pork to sear it and lock in moisture.
- Cook the pork for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing or serving, so the juices stay inside.
Easy Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked white jasmine rice or your choice of rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Broccoli:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread the florets out evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred. This adds a nice flavor!
2. Cook the Pork:
While the broccoli is roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork pieces to the pan. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside for now.
3. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Using the same pan (to keep all those delicious flavors), add the minced garlic (and grated ginger if you’re using it) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) to help thicken the sauce. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
5. Combine Pork with Sauce:
Return the cooked pork to the skillet and toss it well in the honey garlic sauce, making sure every piece is well coated in that delicious mixture. Cook for another minute to heat through.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the honey garlic pork and roasted broccoli. Make it look pretty!
7. Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for some color and fresh flavor. Serve your Easy Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowls immediately while they are still hot!
Enjoy this delicious, simple, and balanced meal that’s both comforting and flavorful! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli is delicious, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. Just adjust the roasting time as needed according to the vegetable you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free. Always check product labels to confirm.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using it to combine the ingredients again!
