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Easy Honey Garlic Pork & Rice - Sweet, Savory, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds pork (boneless pork chops, tenderloin, or pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon for the sauce slurry)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1–2 cups quick-cook veggies like broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Start your rice first so it’s ready when the pork is done. Use a rice cooker or stovetop according to package directions.
  2. Prep the pork: Pat pork pieces dry with paper towels. Toss with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and sesame oil. Stir in red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like heat. In another tiny bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry and set aside.
  4. Sear the pork: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the pork in a single layer. Let it brown for 2–3 minutes before flipping. Cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining oil and pork.
  5. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty skillet. Stir for 30–45 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
  6. Build the sauce: Pour in the honey-soy mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir the cornstarch slurry, then drizzle it in while stirring. The sauce will thicken and turn glossy within a minute.
  7. Add veggies (optional): If using quick-cook veggies like snap peas or thin bell pepper strips, toss them into the simmering sauce for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  8. Combine: Return the pork and any juices to the skillet. Toss to coat and warm through for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning—add a splash more soy for salt or vinegar for brightness.
  9. Serve: Spoon the honey garlic pork over hot rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Eat right away while it’s saucy and steamy.