This Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is a savory-sweet comfort meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Crispy, golden pieces of pork tenderloin are coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze and served over a warm bed of rice with tender broccoli on the side. The contrast of crispy pork, sweet and garlicky sauce, and steamed vegetables makes every bite a satisfying explosion of flavor and texture.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner option or a homemade alternative to takeout, this dish is perfect. The pork is double-dredged for a crunchy exterior, then tossed in a sauce that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors. It’s easy to customize and great for meal prep, making it a practical favorite for busy nights or cozy weekends at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, Flavor-Packed Pork – Lightly battered and fried pork tenderloin delivers a crispy texture that holds up beautifully against the sticky sauce.

Delicious Homemade Sauce – The honey garlic glaze is bold and rich, made from simple pantry staples with big payoff.
Complete Meal in a Bowl – Protein, vegetables, and rice come together for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Better Than Takeout – Skip the restaurant and enjoy the same bold flavors at home with fresher ingredients.

Perfect for Meal Prep – Store the components separately and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

Pork tenderloin
Garlic (finely minced)

Honey
Soy sauce
Ketchup

Salt
Black pepper
Cornstarch

Eggs
Neutral oil (for frying)

For the Bowl:

Broccoli florets

Extra oil (for sautéing or steaming broccoli)
Cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or your choice)

Variations

Use Chicken or Tofu: Swap pork for boneless chicken thighs or pressed tofu for a different protein option.

Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter, low-carb option.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients.

Air Fry Option: Instead of pan-frying, use an air fryer for a lighter version of the pork.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs and one with cornstarch.

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Pork

Dip each pork piece into the egg, then dredge in cornstarch until fully coated. Heat the oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the pork in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic. Pour the sauce into a clean skillet and heat over medium heat until it begins to bubble.

Step 4: Coat the Pork

Add the fried pork to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat each piece evenly. Let simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pork.

Step 5: Prepare the Broccoli

Steam or sauté the broccoli florets until just tender. Season with a little salt and pepper and a drizzle of oil if sautéing.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon hot cooked rice into bowls. Top with honey garlic pork, then add broccoli on the side. Spoon extra sauce over the top if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Pork Evenly: Ensure even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the pork won’t get crispy.

Drain Well: Place fried pork on a wire rack or paper towel to keep it crispy before saucing.
Use Fresh Garlic: It brings stronger flavor to the honey garlic sauce than pre-minced versions.
Cook Broccoli Last: To keep its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.

How to Serve

In a Bowl: Classic presentation with rice, pork, and broccoli in a single serving bowl.
As a Plate: Serve on a plate with a drizzle of sauce and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
Over Fried Rice: Use leftover rice to make fried rice and use that as the base.

With Noodles: Swap rice for soba or lo mein noodles for a twist.
Family Style: Place everything in large serving dishes so everyone can build their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store pork, rice, and broccoli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. This helps maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pork without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then toss with freshly made sauce.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, though the pork may lose some crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the pork instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

2. What cut of pork works best?

Pork tenderloin is ideal, but you can also use pork loin or boneless chops.

3. Can I use bottled honey garlic sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce is fresher and more customizable in flavor.

4. What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and make sure ketchup and cornstarch are gluten-free.

6. Can I prepare this ahead for meal prep?

Yes, cook the components and store them separately. Assemble fresh bowls as needed.

7. How do I keep the pork crispy after frying?

Cool on a wire rack and avoid covering before saucing. Add to sauce just before serving.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just fry in batches and increase sauce ingredients proportionally.

9. What’s a good substitute for ketchup?

Tomato paste with a bit of vinegar and sugar can work in a pinch.

10. Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, this dish pairs well with stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is the perfect blend of crispy, sticky, and savory-sweet. With golden fried pork, a mouthwatering garlic glaze, and a fresh broccoli side, it’s a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Easy to make and even easier to devour, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen for any night you’re craving bold, balanced flavors without the hassle.