If you're on the hunt for a quick and mouthwatering dinner that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Asia, look no further than this Easy Asian Pork Tenderloin recipe! With just 30 minutes of total time, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for impressing family or guests. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic creates a delightful marinade that infuses the pork with irresistible taste. Get ready to savor every bite and elevate your weeknight meals to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes better caramelization.
- Place the pork tenderloin in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring it's completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove the pork from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the tenderloin from the marinade, reserving the liquid for basting. Sear the pork on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet with the seared pork directly into the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- During roasting, baste the pork with reserved marinade every 5 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice the tenderloin diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.
- Optional: Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the sliced pork for extra flavor and moisture.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, allow the pork tenderloin to marinate for at least 2-4 hours. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
- Pat it Dry: Before marinating, make sure to pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures that the marinade adheres better, leading to a more flavorful crust when cooked.
- Sear for Perfection: Don’t skip the searing step! Searing the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juices and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve the perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures your pork is juicy and safe to eat.
- Baste for Extra Moisture: Basting the pork with the reserved marinade every 5 minutes while it roasts helps keep it moist and enhances the flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the pork to rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy tenderloin.
- Garnish with Freshness: Don’t forget to garnish your sliced pork with finely chopped green onions. They add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 181kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 22g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
