Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

A Sweet and Savory Delight

The Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, combining tender pork, aromatic garlic, and a luscious honey glaze. Served over a warm bed of rice, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to enjoy on a cozy evening, this recipe delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.


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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of honey, the umami depth of soy sauce, and the richness of garlic create a well-rounded taste.
  • Versatile: Works well with different cuts of pork, such as pork tenderloin, chops, or ground pork.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Can be made ahead and reheated for a convenient lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Steamed vegetables (such as broccoli or snap peas)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Pork

  • Pat the pork slices dry and toss them in cornstarch, ensuring an even coating.
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
  • Sear the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

  • In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked pork to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until fully heated through.

4. Assemble the Bowl

  • Divide the cooked rice into bowls.
  • Spoon the honey garlic pork over the rice.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
  • Crunchy Texture: Toss in cashews or crushed peanuts before serving.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute pork with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
  • Extra Veggies: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2-3 people
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: The pork and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve over fresh rice.
  • Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce (if using) is gluten-free.

Can I use ground pork instead?

Yes, ground pork works well! Cook it until browned, then follow the sauce instructions as written.

What type of rice is best for this bowl?

Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal, but brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the pork and sauce in advance, store separately, and reheat when ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this dish lower in sugar?

Reduce the honey by half or substitute with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or shrimp can replace pork using the same cooking method.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, or carrots are excellent choices.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes! Toss the pork in cornstarch, air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

You can omit it or use hoisin sauce or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it in.


Conclusion

The Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and ideal for a satisfying homemade meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking for a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a favorite!

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Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl


  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x

Description

A sweet and savory Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl featuring tender pork, aromatic garlic, and a luscious honey glaze served over warm rice. This easy, 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with balanced flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pork:

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Steamed vegetables (such as broccoli or snap peas)

Instructions

Prepare the Pork

  • Pat the pork slices dry and toss them in cornstarch, ensuring an even coating.
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
  • Sear the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

  • In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked pork to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until fully heated through.

4. Assemble the Bowl

  • Divide the cooked rice into bowls.
  • Spoon the honey garlic pork over the rice.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
  • Crunchy Texture: Toss in cashews or crushed peanuts before serving.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute pork with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
  • Extra Veggies: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: Honey Garlic Pork, Pork Rice Bowl, Quick Dinner, Stir-Fry Recipe, Easy Asian Recipe

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