Hoisin Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Sweet, Savory, and Restaurant-Worthy

There’s a reason why this Hoisin Glazed Pork Tenderloin became an instant hit in my kitchen. The first time I made it, I wasn’t expecting much just a quick weeknight dinner. But when I sliced into the tender pork and tasted that sticky, rich glaze with notes of garlic, ginger, and soy, I was stunned. It tasted like something you’d order at a high-end Asian bistro. The best part? It came together in under an hour and only needed one pan. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a delicious twist on a weeknight staple, this recipe is one you’ll make again and again.

this Recipe

What Is Hoisin Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

Hoisin Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy Asian-inspired dish made by marinating or glazing pork tenderloin in a flavorful sauce featuring hoisin, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and rice vinegar. It’s then seared to lock in the juices and roasted until perfectly tender. The result is a beautifully caramelized crust and a juicy, flavorful interior that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this recipe, whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned foodie:

• Fast and easy 10-minute prep, under 30 minutes cook time
• Incredible flavor salty, sweet, tangy, and umami-packed
• Minimal cleanup one pan and done
• Great for guests elegant presentation with low effort
• Versatile pairs well with many sides or can be sliced for salads, sandwiches, or rice bowls

It’s everything a weeknight dinner should be flavorful, fast, and unfussy.

How Does It Taste?

Each bite is an explosion of flavor. The pork is tender and juicy, with a caramelized glaze that’s sticky and glossy. The hoisin sauce brings deep umami and sweetness, balanced by the saltiness of soy sauce and the tang of rice vinegar. Fresh garlic and ginger cut through with just the right amount of warmth and zing. A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

This dish is flavorful without being overly heavy, and it features several wholesome elements:

• Pork tenderloin is lean and high in protein
• Ginger helps with digestion and inflammation
• Garlic boosts immunity and heart health
• Hoisin sauce adds flavor so you can use less fat or salt
• Sesame seeds offer healthy fats and fiber

When paired with veggies or brown rice, this can be part of a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 to 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (for searing)
• Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Knife and cutting board

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Want to customize it? Here’s how:

• Protein: Try with chicken thighs, beef sirloin, or tofu
• Sauce: Add sriracha or chili paste for heat
• Sweetener: Substitute maple syrup or agave for honey
• Herbs: Add chopped cilantro or Thai basil for a fresh twist
• Nuts: Crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch

How to Make

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Sear the pork: Heat neutral oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear pork tenderloin on all sides until browned (about 6 minutes).
4. Add glaze: Pour about 2/3 of the glaze over the pork in the pan, reserving the rest for serving.
5. Roast: Transfer skillet to the oven. Roast for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest and slice: Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve: Drizzle with remaining glaze, then garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired.

What to Serve With

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Garlic sautéed green beans or bok choy
• Cucumber salad or Asian slaw
• Sesame noodles or lo mein
• Crispy roasted potatoes for a fusion twist

Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking — pork is best at 145°F
• Don’t skip the sear — it locks in flavor and texture
• Let it rest — resting keeps the meat juicy when sliced
• Reserve some glaze for a fresh drizzle at the end
• Slice against the grain for tender pieces

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a tenderloin with silver skin: Always remove the silver skin to avoid chewy texture.
• Overcooking: Pork dries out quickly. Use a thermometer and remove at 145°F.
• Skipping the glaze reserve: Sauce can burn in the oven — save some for a fresh drizzle.
• Overcrowding the pan: Searing works best in a hot, uncrowded skillet.
• Cutting too soon: Always rest the pork before slicing to preserve juices.

How to Store & Reheat

Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Wrap sliced pork tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Gently warm slices in a skillet with a splash of water or leftover glaze. You can also microwave in short intervals, covered, to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the glaze and marinate the pork up to 24 hours ahead.

Is hoisin sauce spicy?
Not typically — it’s more sweet and savory. Add chili sauce if you want heat.

What’s the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
Tenderloin is smaller, leaner, and cooks faster. Don’t substitute with pork loin for this recipe.

Can I grill this instead?
Absolutely! Sear on the grill, then finish over indirect heat or in foil.

Can I double the glaze?
Yes — make extra and use it for dipping or stir-frying veggies on the side.

Nutritional Info (approximate per 6 oz serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fiber: 0g

(Values vary based on exact sauce and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

This Hoisin Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a perfect combination of elegance and ease a glossy, flavor-packed dish that comes together in a single pan with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re serving guests or making a special weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. Make it once, and it just might become your go-to pork dish!

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August 16, 2025 by Melissa