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Home / Recipes

Honey Garlic Pork Loin

1 hour 35 minutes
4.63 from 54 votes
32 Comments
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  • 484
by: Joanna Cismaru
11.28.21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Honey Garlic Pork Loin is my gift to your kitchen. This spectacular pork is perfectly seasoned, wonderfully moist, and coated in a finger licking honey garlic glaze. If you’ve ever found your pork tasting a little lack lustre, this recipe is your new go to.

a pork loin glazed with honey garlic sauce in a skillet garnished with parsley

Gone are the days of dry, bland pork! Does anyone think pork gets a bit of a bad rap? I think it’s because people aren’t cooking it with its needs in mind, or highlighting the simple, savory flavors of this wondrous meat.

What do I mean when I say that pork’s needs aren’t being met? Well for many years now many kitchens across this continent have been over cooking it! The standard for fully cooked and safe pork is now 145F. This is wonderful because at the old standard of 170F, pork ended up being incredibly dry and chewy.

Now it’s time to get into the main event, the star of the show, the one the only – the honey garlic pork loin. I love pork loin as it’s a cut that roasts down really well in the oven and doesn’t require too much fuss. We’re working with some great basic protein techniques today, dry rub and a glaze, these two tools can transform any protein from meh to more, please!

overhead shot of all the ingredients needed to make honey garlic pork loin

Ingredients

Pork

  • Pork – I used pork loin today, we want something that roasts well in the oven.
  • Butter – Unsalted as we want to control the sodium content of our dish. This is what we’re going to brown our pork in.

Rub

  • Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
  • Seasoning – Salt and pepper to taste.

Glaze

  • Honey – Well it’s in the name isn’t it! We want a nice, thick, sweet addition to ensure our glaze cooks down well and offers some sweetness. You can substitute this for maple syrup if you’d prefer.
  • Garlic – Use as much or little as you like.
  • Soy sauce – To add some umami flavor to this sauce.
  • Sugar – We’re using some brown sugar to add dimension and molasses notes to our glaze. This will help round out the sweetness in our glaze and give us some depth of color.
  • Pineapple juice – A tangy addition! Yes believe me pineapple and pork were made for each other – it’s why it ended up on pizza! Even if you’re not a fan, I definitely encourage you include this ingredient. It lends some needed liquid and brightness.
  • Slurry – Cornstarch and warm water, this will ensure we get the thick texture we want.
process shots showing how to make Honey Garlic Pork Loin

How To Make Honey Garlic Pork Loin

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.
  2. Create the rub: In a small bowl whisk together all the rub ingredients together. Sprinkle the rub over the entire surface of the pork pressing firmly to get everything covered.
  3. Brown the pork: In a large skillet, melt the butter. Place the pork loin in the skillet and sear the pork over high heat on all sides until nicely browned.
  4. Cook the pork: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered for 70 to 80 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork is at least 145F to 155F.
  5. Create the glaze: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice to the saucepan, whisk well and bring to a slight boil.
  6. Thick the glaze: Whisk the cornstarch with the water and add the slurry to the saucepan. Whisk until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  7. Finish the dish: When the pork has reached the desired temperature remove the skillet carefully from the oven and baste with the honey garlic sauce. Place the skillet back in the oven and broil it on high for 3 additional minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes. Remove the loin from the oven and allow to rest for 10 – 15 minutes before slicing.
overhead shot of a pork loin roast in a skillet glazed with a honey garlic sauce

Bone In Or Boneless Pork?

You can use bone in or boneless pork loin, whichever you prefer is completely up to you. If you use bone in and a meat thermometer just be sure the thermometer isn’t touching the bone.

How Else Can I Make Honey Garlic Pork Loin

Slow cooker

You can definitely make this dish in the slow cooker, just follow these steps:

  • Create the rub as described above and rub over the loin. Sear the pork loin on all sides in olive oil. Layer sliced onion on the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent the pork loin from burning.
  • Place the pork loin in your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 – 6 hours. Create your glaze according to recipe instructions and broil the loin as described in step 7 as well.

Pressure cooker/Instant Pot

  • Create the rub as described above and rub over the loin. Sear the pork loin on all sides in olive oil on the saute setting once it has heated up according to manufacture directions.
  • Remove the pork loin from the pressure cooker and pour in a half cup of broth. Place the trivet in the cooker and place the loin on top. Seal the lid securely and select the meat/stew setting and allow it to cook for 17 minutes.
  • Allow the pressure to release and remove the lid before removing the pork loin and allowing to rest. Create your glaze according to recipe instructions and broil the loin as described in step 7 as well.
overhead shot of a pork loin on a cutting board sliced

Some Tips

  1. Get a meat thermometer! We want to guarantee our loin reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 F degrees and the best way to do this is through accuracy.
  2. Baking at a high temperature will give you nicely browned pork with delicious crispy bits while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.
  3. Be sure to let it rest! Otherwise your meat will end up dry and no one wants that. If you’d like even more help while it rests feels free to cover the dish in aluminum foil before slicing up and serving.

What To Pair With Honey Garlic Pork Loin

This entree pairs greatly with a lot of delicious side dishes, here are some suggestions:

  • Creamy Polenta
  • Italian Roasted Mushrooms And Veggies
  • Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Old Fashion Green Beans
overhead shot of 2 slices of Honey Garlic Pork Loin and mashed potatoes on a plate garnished with parsley

How Can I Re Purpose Leftover Pork Loin?

There’s lots you can do with your leftover Honey Garlic Pork Loin! You can incorporate it into so many dishes, let’s get into some of these transformations!

  • Mexican Pork Stew
  • Substitute it for the chicken in this Enchilada Rice Casserole
  • Cuban Panini
  • You can substitute it for the chicken in this Pad See Ew recipe
  • Add it to this Chow Mein for a savory addition

Leftovers

Fridge

To keep this pork loin fresh in the fridge, store it in a shallow airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and it will keep for 3 – 4 days.

Freezer

If you’d like to make this pork loin ahead, you can store it in an airtight container or in freezer bags with the air pressed out for 4 – 6 months. Allow the roast to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350 F degrees till the pork is heated through.

2 slices of Honey Garlic Pork Loin with mashed potatoes and a fork on a plate

Craving More Pork? Try These Delicious Recipes:

  • Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast
  • Perfect Pulled Pork
  • Korean Style Pork Chops
  • Perfect Pork Tenderloin
  • Pork Schnitzel
  • Ranch Pork Chops And Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner
  • Pork Carnitas
  • Cranberry Pork Roast
  • Pork Loin Roast

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

side view shot of honey garlic pork loin

Honey Garlic Pork Loin

4.63 from 54 votes
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 1 hr 20 mins
Total: 1 hr 35 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 6
Print Pin Rate
Honey Garlic Pork Loin is my gift to your kitchen. This spectacular pork is perfectly seasoned, wonderfully moist, and coated in a finger licking honey garlic glaze. If you've ever found your pork tasting a little lack lustre, this recipe is your new go to.

Equipment

  • 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • 1-Quart Saucepan
  • Basting and Pastry Brush

Ingredients

  • 3 pound pork loin
  • 2 tablespoon butter unsalted

For Rub

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

For Honey Garlic Glaze

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoon water
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.
  • In a small bowl whisk together all the rub ingredients together. Sprinkle the rub over the entire surface of the pork pressing firmly to get everything covered.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter. Place the pork loin in the skillet and sear the pork over high heat on all sides until nicely browned.
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered for 70 to 80 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork is at least 145 F° to 150 F°.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice to the saucepan, whisk well and bring to a slight boil.
  • Whisk the cornstarch with the water and add the slurry to the saucepan. Whisk until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • When the pork has reached the desired temperature remove the skillet carefully from the oven and baste with the honey garlic sauce. Place the skillet back in the oven and broil it on high for 3 additional minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes.
  • Let the loin rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing it and serving. Serve with leftover honey garlic sauce.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. To keep this pork loin fresh in the fridge, store it in a shallow airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and it will keep for 3 – 4 days.
  2. If you’d like to make this pork loin ahead, you can store it in an airtight container or in freezer bags with the air pressed out for 4 – 6 months. Allow the roast to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350 F degrees till the pork is heated through.

 

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 521kcal (26%)Carbohydrates: 40g (13%)Protein: 52g (104%)Fat: 17g (26%)Saturated Fat: 8g (50%)Cholesterol: 163mg (54%)Sodium: 860mg (37%)Potassium: 956mg (27%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 34g (38%)Vitamin A: 415IU (8%)Vitamin C: 3mg (4%)Calcium: 44mg (4%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Course:Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:honey garlic pork loin
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 484

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Kimm Cole says

    April 19, 2022 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    This was hands down one of the best tenderloin recipes I have made!! I am not a bug Italian seasoning fan so I did leave that out and added a pinch of cayenne pepper…..my husband and son were blown away!! This is definitely on the make again list!!

    Reply
  2. Tami Yeomans says

    April 9, 2022 at 10:37 am

    Any tips on how to make this in an Instant Pot? My adult son asked me to do that with one of his pork loin roasts (3 pounds, 2 1/2″ thick). TIA

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      April 9, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      Yes, there are instructions on how to do it in the recipe post:
      https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/honey-garlic-pork-loin/#How_Else_Can_I_Make_Honey_Garlic_Pork_Loin

      Reply
  3. Melissa says

    October 9, 2021 at 11:07 am

    5 stars
    This recipe was great. Nice flavour, crispy crust and a delicious glaze, definitely will make again. My roast weighed in at 7.68lbs so I adjusted the cook time and temp to 350 for 2hrs and 50 min. It came out at 148F and was good but next time I’ll take it out ten minutes earlier. The family will be enjoying tasty roast, wraps, sandwiches and pork and beans for a week.

    Reply
  4. mary ellen says

    July 18, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    Will absolutely use this glass on ribs!!!! It was sooooo good!

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team AMJ says

      July 19, 2021 at 9:18 am

      That’s wonderful, we’re so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
    • Melissa says

      October 9, 2021 at 11:10 am

      I agree, the glaze would be amazing on chicken ribs, pork chops, or shrimp, breaded or grilled meat.

      Reply
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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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