Easy Lemon Garlic Pork Tenderloin Bites
Sampas
These easy lemon garlic pork tenderloin bites are juicy, quick, and full of flavor. Cooked in a glossy soy-honey sauce with garlic, lemon zest, and sesame, they make a simple but impressive lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 3 people
Calories 235 kcal
- 10.5 oz pork tenderloin cut into small even pieces
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest fresh or to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce regular or low sodium
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon water enough to dissolve the cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic crushed or minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Cut the pork tenderloin into small, even pieces so it cooks quickly and browns evenly in the skillet.
Place the pork in a medium bowl. Add the lemon zest, garlic powder, soy sauce, and honey, then mix well until every piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the slurry so the pork can absorb the flavors.
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until completely smooth. Make sure there are no lumps, because this will help create a silky sauce later.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned pork and spread it out so the pieces have room to brown.
Let the pork cook without stirring too much at first so it can develop a golden sear. After the first minute or two, stir and continue cooking until the pieces are lightly browned on most sides.
Add the crushed garlic and stir well, cooking just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Pour in the cornstarch mixture and stir continuously as it heats. The sauce will begin to bubble, turn glossy, and lightly thicken around the pork.
Keep stirring until the pork is cooked through and coated in a silky sauce. If needed, add a small splash of water to loosen the sauce slightly.
Finish with sesame seeds and serve immediately while hot. Spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the top before serving if desired.
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