Asian Pork Tenderloin
Easy Asian Pork Tenderloin is a quick weeknight dinner made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes. Tender and juicy pork coated in a sticky, sweet-salty glaze. Fast, flavorful, and foolproof- it’s a go-to meal when craving Asian flavors.
I regularly buy pork tenderloin from Costco, it’s actually so affordable compared to other cuts and grocery stores to be honest. Sometimes I slice some of it to make Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Pork Chops, and then bigger portions can use for Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast.
The magic of this Asian Pork Tenderloin Recipe is in its simplicity and technique. Pork tenderloin is naturally tender and lean, which means it cooks quickly and stays juicy when not overcooked. By cutting it into medallions, you maximize the surface area for that gorgeous caramelized crust while ensuring even, quick cooking.
The flavor balance is what makes me come back to this recipe again and again. The soy sauce provides salty umami, the brown sugar adds sweetness and helps with caramelization, and the chicken broth keeps everything from being too intense while adding savory depth. The garlic brings aromatic punch, and the sesame seeds and green onions add textural contrast and fresh flavor.
The combination of tender pork with that sticky, sweet-savory glaze is absolutely irresistible, and the fact that it comes together in one pan in 30 minutes makes it a true weeknight hero.
If you have more time and want a slow cooker pork recipe, try our Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Pulled Pork. This Slow Cooker Apple Pork recipe provides a completely different yet very pleasant taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients and Notes
As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Recipe Variations
Protein Swaps:
- Chicken breast or thighs work perfectly with the same cooking method.
- Beef sirloin or flank steak cut into strips.
- Shrimp (reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side).
- Firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
Sauce Variations:
- Add 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for tanginess
- Stir in 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger with the garlic
- Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness
- Add 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce for depth
- Splash of orange juice makes it more citrusy
Broth Alternatives:
- Vegetable broth works great
- Beef broth adds richer flavor
- Water in a pinch (though flavor will be less complex)
How to Make Asian Pork Tenderloin
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Reduce the heat to medium then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and chicken broth.
3. Pour the sauce into the skillet over the pork and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Let the pork simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork. Add black pepper and salt only if needed.
5. Once cooked, transfer the pork to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Success
What to Serve with Asian Pork Tenderloin
- White Rice or Brown Rice: The classic pairing, as the rice soaks up the flavorful sauce from this Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin.
- Fried Rice: For a heartier option, serve alongside egg fried rice or veggie fried rice. You can even use Cauliflower Fried Rice.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bok choy, snap peas, or green beans make excellent side dishes.
- Noodles: Toss cooked rice noodles, ramen noodles, or lo mein noodles in the sauce for a complete one-dish meal.
Storage and Reheating
Recipe FAQ
Yes, pork loin or even boneless pork chops can be used as substitutes. Just ensure they’re thinly sliced for even cooking.
Just ensure your skillet is large enough to handle the increased volume without overcrowding.
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the medallion. Pork is safe at an internal temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest to allow the juices to settle. The meat will be slightly pink in the center and very juicy.
I love that this recipe uses everyday ingredients but tastes like something special. There’s no complicated technique, no hard-to-find ingredients, and no long cooking time. Just straightforward, delicious food that makes everyone at the table happy.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! I guarantee it’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation just like it has for my family.
More Easy Pork Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Stovetop Asian Pork Tenderloin, you’ll want to try these other quick pork recipes that are just as delicious and easy to make on busy weeknights.
If you’ve tried this Stovetop Asian Pork Tenderloin let me know in the comments below. Also, leave a 🌟 star rating. Thanks!
Asian Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin (cut into small cubes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 green onion (sliced, for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and chicken broth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet over the pork and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Let the pork simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork.
- Once cooked, transfer the pork to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Pre-sear for extra flavor: Browning the pork locks in flavor and adds a caramelized depth to the dish.
- Monitor the sauce: If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness: Feel free to tweak the ratio of soy sauce and brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled pork and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this delicious recipe. We hope you love it!