Honey Garlic Pork Bites

Name: Honey Garlic Pork Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
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; Garnish options: sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds

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These Honey Garlic Pork Bites are the easiest and most flavorful dinner recipe for your family. With just a handful of affordable ingredients, you can have this foolproof dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

We’ve served these pork bites on toothpicks as a gameday appetizers or over rice or mashed potatoes for a weeknight meal. I created this recipe with the Iowa Pork Producers Association, and they happen to be one of my husband’s favorite easy dinners! He loves the tangy and sweet sauce that they’re coated in.

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If you love a simple dinner recipe that’s still full of flavor and tastes even restaurant-quality be sure to try our Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Ribs, Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin or Pork Chops with Gravy.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

7 ingredient appetizer or main course. We keep the ingredient list short so shopping is a breeze and it makes these honey garlic pork bites affordable too.
Crowd-pleasing flavors everyone loves. Even the pickiest eaters love these pork bites because they are juicy and tender, plus have an addicting dipping sauce.
One pan recipe that’s sweet and tangy all in the same bite. You only need a single skillet for this easy pork tenderloin recipe. The honey garlic sauce adds sweetness and tanginess to make for an appetizer that’s too delicious.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

Boneless pork loin filet: The base of the pork bites.
Garlic powder: Adds a nice garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Infuses every bite with sweet onion notes.
Butter or neutral oil: For cooking the pork bites.

For the Sauce:

Honey: The sweet base of the sauce.
Apple juice: Thins out the honey and also adds natural fruit sweetness.
Soy sauce: Tangy and salty to add to the sweet sauce.
Garnish options: Sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds are both perfect for garnishing for a pop of herb and savory flavor.

The ingredients to make honey garlic pork bites.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Bites

In a bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Add the cubed pork tenderloin, and toss until the pieces are evenly coated.

Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork cubes and sear until browned on all sides and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. This should take about about 4-5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, add honey, apple juice, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Making sauce for honey garlic pork bites in a pan.

Return the seared pork to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat all pieces in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pork is heated through and glistening.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.

A bowl of noodles, green beans, and honey garlic pork bites.

Expert tips

Brown the pieces of pork first for extra flavor. This gives each pork bite a nice golden brown sear on the outside which adds layers of delicious flavor in every bite.
When browning the pork bites, make sure there is enough space between them in the pan so that they brown and don’t steam. If the pork is too close together then the meat will steam and not develop that delicious golden brown crust.
Simmer the sauce until thickened before adding the pork. You want to get the right consistency on the sauce first, then coat the pork to finish. It should yield a light coating on the back of a spoon when done.
If your sauce is still too thin, combine 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water and add to the simmering liquid. Allow it to cook until thickened to the right consistency.
Pork cuts. You can also use boneless pork tenderloin filets in this recipe.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Pork Bites

You can serve these pork bites as a main course with so many side dishes or even as an appetizer with toothpicks. Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve with the pork:

Storage

Store any leftover pork bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

You can freeze the pork bites as well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the microwave or on the stove as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of pork is best for pork bites?

We love a pork loin filet since it’s moist and juicy with every bite. You can sear it on all sides quickly for a nice golden brown crust on the outside and moist inside. You can also use boneless pork tenderloin.

What to have with honey garlic pork?

It pairs best with mashed potatoes or savory rice as well as roasted vegetables. Or you can serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks.

How do you cook garlic pork bites?

For the best texture, we recommend you sear them in a pan on all sides until they reach 140ºF on a meat thermometer.

What is the safe internal temperature of pork recommendation?

To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer to measure
the temperature at the thickest part of the cut without touching any bone. Once you have reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove from heat and let it rest for three minutes.

Is pork a good source of protein?

Yes, pork is a good source of protein. It provides high-quality, complete protein that contains all essential amino acids necessary for body functions. In addition to protein, pork also offers important nutrients such as B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), iron, zinc, and selenium.

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This post was created in partnership with the Iowa Pork Producers Association. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

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