Honey-Black Pepper Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Tender pork tenderloin coated in a sweet-spicy glaze with a hint of black pepper, perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs trimmed of fat pork tenderloin, honey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, trimmed of fat pork tenderloin
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tsp, freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs trimmed pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub with 1.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper and 1 tsp garlic powder, pressing to adhere.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear pork for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour mixture over seared pork, basting to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 15-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Black Pepper Glazed Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Honey-Black Pepper Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
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 honey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Black Pepper Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
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 Honey-Black Pepper Glazed Pork Tenderloin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Honey-Black Pepper Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many beef recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
