Honey-Gingered Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to “Love With Recipes,” where we bring you mouthwatering dishes that make every meal special! Our Honey-Gingered Pork Tenderloin is the epitome of a perfect dinner party recipe. With its delightful blend of honey, ginger, and a touch of spice, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The best part? Most of the preparation is done in advance, leaving you free to enjoy your time with friends and family while it cooks to perfection. Serve it alongside our zesty Cranberry-Orange Sauce for a meal that’s nothing short of spectacular!
Ingredients
To craft this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons honey 🍯
- 1/4 cup soy sauce 🥢
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce 🦪
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 🍂
- 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger 🌿
- 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tablespoon ketchup 🍅
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 🌶️
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌰
- 1/4 cup chicken broth 🍗
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch 🌽
Instructions
1. Prep the Pork
Start by patting your pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Place the pork in a shallow baking dish. This dish will be used for both marinating and baking, so choose one that can handle both tasks comfortably.
2. Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, ketchup, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, and chicken broth until well combined. This fragrant marinade is packed with flavor and will tenderize the pork beautifully.
3. Marinate the Pork
Pour the marinade over the pork tenderloin, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. For best results, let the pork marinate for at least 8 hours, though 24 hours is ideal for maximum flavor infusion. Remember to turn the pork at least twice during this time to ensure even marination.
4. Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help caramelize the sugars in the marinade and give the pork a beautiful golden brown crust.
5. Bake the Pork
Remove the pork from the marinade, setting it aside. Transfer it to a clean, shallow baking dish. If you wish to make a sauce from the marinade, reserve it for later. Place the pork in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 155°F (68°C). This ensures the pork is cooked through but still juicy.
6. Rest and Slice
Once baked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and flavorful. After resting, slice the pork thinly for serving.
7. Make the Sauce (Optional)
If you want to make a sauce from the reserved marinade, strain it into a saucepan. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce has reduced to about half of its original quantity. To thicken the sauce, add cornstarch as needed, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This sauce is quite strong, so use it sparingly. Nap the plates with a little sauce and pass the rest at the table for guests to add as they please.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Honey-Gingered Pork Tenderloin with a side of your favorite vegetables or a refreshing salad. It pairs wonderfully with our Cranberry-Orange Sauce, which adds a delightful tangy contrast to the sweet and savory pork. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted potatoes or fluffy rice.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Honey-Gingered Pork Tenderloin is approximately:
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Fat: 4.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 73.8 mg
- Sodium: 1094.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Sugar: 16.9 g
- Protein: 25.1 g
Tips for Perfect Pork Tenderloin
- Marinate Well: The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for a minimum of 8 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. This helps avoid overcooking and keeps the pork juicy.
- Rest the Meat: Letting the pork rest after baking is crucial for a tender texture. Don’t skip this step!
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious Honey-Gingered Pork Tenderloin recipe. It’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering. Bon appétit! 🥂🍽️
