Ingredients for Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

• 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin or boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein for this Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl, ensuring tender, juicy bites. Lean cuts are best.
• 2 cups uncooked Jasmine rice: The fluffy base for your rice bowl, soaking up all the delicious sauce. Rinse until water runs clear.
• 1/2 cup honey: Provides the signature sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze for the pork. Use local honey.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The essential savory foundation for the flavorful honey garlic sauce. Opt for a good quality brand.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: An essential aromatic, lending its pungent, comforting flavor to every bite of the pork. Mince freshly for impact.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty kick that perfectly complements the garlic and pork. Peel with a spoon for easy prep.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Introduces a bright, tangy balance to the rich sauce, cutting through sweetness and savory notes. Use unseasoned.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Drizzled at the end, it imparts a deep, nutty aroma that elevates the dish. A little goes a long way.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Crucial for thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pork for that “sticky” texture. Mix with water.
• 1/4 cup water (or chicken broth): Used to create a slurry with cornstarch, ensuring a smooth, lump-free, perfectly thickened sauce. Broth adds depth.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil): For searing the pork to golden perfection and sautéing aromatics. Choose a high smoke point oil like canola.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and balances the sweet and savory elements in the sauce. Freshly ground offers best flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the other flavors, making them pop. Start small and taste before adding more.
• 3 green onions (scallions), sliced: Provides a fresh, mild oniony crunch and vibrant color as garnish. Use both white and green parts.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted or raw, they add a delightful nutty texture and visual appeal to your finished Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl.
• 1 cup steamed broccoli florets: Adds a healthy, fresh vegetable component, balancing the rich pork and sauce. Steam until tender-crisp.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

Prep Base:

Start your Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl by cooking Jasmine rice according to package directions. While rice cooks, cut pork tenderloin into 1-inch pieces. Season pork with salt and pepper evenly. This ensures your pork is ready for searing.

Whisk Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and water (or broth) to create a slurry. This slurry will thicken our sauce beautifully.

Sear Pork:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.

Simmer Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium. Pour the whisked sauce mixture over the seared pork. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly, coating the pork.

Assemble Bowls:

Now it’s time to assemble your delicious Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl. Divide the fluffy Jasmine rice among serving bowls. Top generously with the sticky honey garlic pork. Ensure each bowl gets plenty of that amazing sauce.

Garnish Serve:

Garnish each Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a side of steamed broccoli florets. Serve immediately and savor this comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

How to Store Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

To store leftover Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl, transfer to an airtight container and promptly refrigerate within two hours. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving it out risks flavor and safety decline – a mistake I’ve learned from!

For meal prep, the honey garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook the pork and rice fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. For optimal texture, store pork and rice separately.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

To serve this Irresistible Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl, simply divide the fluffy rice and saucy pork among individual bowls. For a beautiful presentation, garnish generously with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish is perfect to enjoy warm, and it pairs wonderfully with a crisp cucumber salad or a light lager for a complete meal.

I personally love to serve this bowl with an extra drizzle of sriracha for a gentle kick. The slight heat perfectly complements the sweet and savory pork, making each bite an even more exciting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken instead of pork tenderloin for this Irresistible Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully as a substitute. Adjust cooking time slightly, as chicken may cook faster. My initial attempts with chicken were overcooked, so watch it closely.

→ How do I prevent the pork from becoming dry and tough in my Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl?

To prevent dry pork, avoid overcooking during searing. Sear quickly until golden brown, then let it finish cooking in the sauce. Don’t overcrowd the pan; I learned this the hard way with tough pork!

→ Can I make this delicious Irresistible Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free! Simply substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It tastes just as amazing!

→ Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time for this rice bowl?

Yes, the honey garlic sauce is perfect for make-ahead! Whisk it together and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This speeds up weeknight dinners considerably.

→ How long do leftover Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl components safely last in the fridge?

Leftover pork and rice, stored separately in airtight containers, will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Promptly refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain safety and flavor.