This Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is a simple but delicious meal featuring tender pork glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s served over a bed of fluffy rice, making it a perfect comfort dish that’s quick to put together on busy days.
I love how the honey and garlic team up to give the pork such a nice balance of flavors—it’s not too sweet, but just enough to make each bite feel special. The garlic adds a little bite while the honey gives it a warm, gentle sweetness that I find really comforting. Whenever I make this, the whole kitchen smells amazing!
My favorite way to enjoy this bowl is with some steamed veggies on the side to add a bit of freshness and crunch. It’s super satisfying and keeps the meal feeling balanced. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies you have sitting in the fridge. This dish has quickly become one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it’s both easy and so flavorful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork shoulder or belly is great because it stays tender and juicy. If you want a leaner option, try pork tenderloin, but watch the cooking time as it cooks faster.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work as substitutes if you’re avoiding honey.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives the dish its salty, umami kick. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar can work.
Chili Flakes: Adds a mild heat to balance sweetness. Adjust to your taste or swap with a dash of hot sauce or fresh chili if you like it spicier.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger are key for flavor depth. Ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh gives the best aroma.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and color at the end. If unavailable, chives or finely chopped mild onion are good alternatives.
How Do You Get the Pork Tender and Flavorful Every Time?
Cooking pork for this dish means getting it nicely browned and tender, without drying it out.
- Cut Even Pieces: Make sure your pork pieces are around the same size so they cook evenly.
- Preheat the Pan: Use medium-high heat so you get a good sear. This locks in flavors and gives the pork a caramelized crust.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed, so the pork browns instead of steaming.
- Cook Thoroughly but Not Overdone: Pork shoulder takes a little longer to get tender, so cook about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, but avoid overcooking which makes it dry.
- Coat Quickly with Sauce: Toss pork in the warm honey garlic sauce right after cooking to keep it shiny and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I recommend this because it heats evenly and helps you cook the pork and sauce all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring the sauce and turning the pork pieces without scratching the skillet.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure your honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar are just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic, ginger, scallions, and pork into even pieces.
- Frying pan or omelet pan – if you’re frying eggs separately for topping.
- Rice cooker or pot – to prepare the rice fluffy and ready to serve.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs or shrimp instead of pork for a different protein; they’ll soak up the sauce nicely.
- Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a veggie boost and extra crunch.
- Swirl in a splash of rice wine or sesame oil for more depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat in your dish.
Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork and Sauce:
- 1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- 2 eggs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, so about 25 minutes total. It’s quick enough for a tasty weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pork:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized pork pieces and cook them until nicely browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Once done, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
Turn the heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger if you’re using it. Sauté just until you smell the fragrance, about 30 seconds. Then stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Combine Pork and Sauce:
Return the cooked pork to the skillet and toss it so every piece gets coated with that delicious honey garlic sauce. Stir in most of the sliced green onions, leaving some for garnish.
4. Prepare the Eggs (Optional):
In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny side up or however you prefer. This adds a tasty topping to your rice bowl.
5. Serve Your Bowl:
Place cooked white rice into bowls. Spoon the sticky, flavorful pork over the rice. Top each bowl with a fried egg, then sprinkle the remaining green onions and some fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice sear.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pork and sauce ahead and store them separately from the rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to evenly heat the sauce and pork.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar can work well as a substitute, giving that mild tang to balance the honey’s sweetness.