Crispy Bitter Orange Pork with Spiced Honey Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried pork coated in a crispy crust, finished with a bittersweet glaze of honey and bitter orange zest and juice. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs bitter orange zest, (60ml) bitter orange juice, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika in a shallow dish. Dredge 400g pork tenderloin medallions in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 375°F).
  3. Step 3: Add pork medallions to the skillet in a single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup bitter orange juice, 1 tbsp bitter orange zest, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return pork medallions to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the spiced honey glaze. Serve immediately with steamed rice or greens.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Bitter Orange Pork with Spiced Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Bitter Orange Pork with Spiced Honey Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bitter orange zest from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Bitter Orange Pork with Spiced Honey Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Bitter Orange Pork with Spiced Honey Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Bitter Orange Pork with Spiced Honey Glaze?

Latin American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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