Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout
Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. After making these countless times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect pork bites every time. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice One-Pan Wonder and Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Why This Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Quick and easy to make
- Packed with flavor
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Pork tenderloin
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Green onions
- Optional: Sesame seeds
- Optional: Chopped cilantro
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pork tenderloin: Trim any visible fat and cut into bite-sized pieces.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfect pork bites every time → See on Amazon
- Non-stick Skillet — Prevents pork bites from sticking and ensures even cooking → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout
- Step 1: Cut pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork bites and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the pork bites, reduce heat to low, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Garnish with green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook pork bites in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
- Tip: To make ahead, prepare the pork bites and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Storing & Reheating Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the pork bites and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout
Freeze uncooked pork bites for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp in the oven for 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a meat mallet to pound the pork tenderloin to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breast for pork tenderloin for a similar result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the pork bites and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-speed Blender — Makes quick work of mincing garlic for the sauce → Check price on Amazon
Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Cornstarch
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Green onions
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork bites and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the pork bites, reduce heat to low, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Garnish with green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a meat mallet to pound the pork tenderloin to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breast for pork tenderloin for a similar result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the pork bites and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked pork bites for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the pork bites and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sat. Fat: 3.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, prepare the pork bites and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry pork bites. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Yes, freeze uncooked pork bites for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
Yes, cook pork bites at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Garlic Pork Bites: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
