When it comes to quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed meals, few dishes hit the mark like Garlic Honey Pork with Rice. This recipe masterfully balances the deep umami of seared pork with the sweetness of honey and the sharp bite of garlic, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests with minimal prep, this dish delivers restaurant-worthy flavor in under 30 minutes.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the full recipe, key cooking tips, and storage ideas. Plus, we’ll provide all the SEO essentials so food lovers searching for Garlic Honey Pork with Rice can find, make, and enjoy it easily.
Ingredients for Garlic Honey Pork Rice Recipe
Pork:
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500g (1 lb) pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
Garlic Honey Sauce:
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3 tablespoons honey
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Serving:
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2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
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Chopped green onions (for garnish)
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Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring spoons
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Non-stick skillet or wok
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Rice cooker or pot for preparing rice
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Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
How to Make Garlic Honey Pork Rice at Home
1: Prepare the Pork
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In a bowl, combine the sliced pork with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly.
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Let the pork marinate for at least 10 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and gives it a crisp edge when seared.
2: Make the Garlic Honey Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
3: Cook the Pork
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Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the pork pieces in a single layer. Sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan — work in batches if needed.
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Once cooked, remove pork from the skillet and set aside.
4: Glaze the Pork
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In the same skillet, pour in the garlic honey sauce.
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Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Return the cooked pork to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the pork to soak up all that delicious flavor.
5: Serve
Spoon the garlic honey pork over a bowl of hot rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Honey Pork Rice
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Pork Tenderloin Works Best: It’s lean, cooks quickly, and stays juicy. Pork shoulder can be used for a richer texture, but it requires more cooking time.
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Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It helps create that crispy sear and thickens the sauce once it hits the heat.
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Use Fresh Garlic: For the most vibrant flavor, always use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it ideal for weekly meal prep.
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Customize Heat: Love spice? Add more chili flakes or a squirt of Sriracha into the sauce.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Honey Pork with Rice
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Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy evenings.
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Balanced Flavor: The harmony of sweet, salty, and garlicky flavors is addictively good.
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Minimal Ingredients: No need for complicated pantry items — this recipe uses common kitchen staples.
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Family-Friendly: It’s mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for adults.
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Versatile: You can add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to turn it into a full one-pan meal.
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings:
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Calories: ~450
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 18g
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Sugar: 15g
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Sodium: 700mg (adjust depending on the soy sauce)
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Garlic Honey Pork (without the rice) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.
Conclusion: A Go-To Weeknight Winner
There’s a reason why Garlic Honey Pork with Rice is a hit in so many kitchens — it’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s bursting with crave-worthy flavors. With its combination of sweet honey, bold garlic, and umami-rich soy, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or even noodles if you want to mix it up.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for one, this dish is guaranteed to please. Try it tonight and enjoy a taste of simple, homemade comfort food with a gourmet twist.
