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Sticky Honey Garlic Pork with Glossy Sweet-Savory Sauce

If you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy, this sticky honey garlic pork is the kind of recipe that delivers every time. Tender strips of pork are cooked until golden, then coated in a rich, glossy sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just a little tangy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pork:
  • 1 lb 450g pork loin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
For the sauce:
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar optional
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water slurry
For garnish (optional):
  • Fresh herbs such as chopped green onions or thyme

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. This step is important for getting a good sear on the pork.
  2. Add the sliced pork in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to help the meat caramelize properly.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (if using), and black pepper. Stir well so the pork is evenly coated in the sauce.
  5. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor and begins the thickening process.
  6. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thick, coating the pork beautifully.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Slice the pork thinly for quicker cooking and better sauce absorption. Thicker pieces may take longer and won’t soak up as much flavor.
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the pork. This helps create that golden sear instead of steaming the meat.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry, but do so gradually to avoid over-thickening.