Name: Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1lb (450g) pork ribs (country style, deboned) or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 teaspoons cornstarch, optional; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken or beef stock; 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (we used Sriracha), optional; 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes for garnish; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley and scallion, for garnish; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup steamed broccoli florets

Jump to Recipe

The Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings together tender pork, a lusciously sticky honey garlic sauce, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli into one comforting bowl. Sweet, savory, and a touch zesty, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into a dinner that absolutely wows a crowd and makes weeknights feel a little more special. If you’re looking for a dish that balances depth of flavor, crowd-pleasing appeal, and just the right amount of heat, the Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl will win a spot in your regular rotation.

Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is all about bold yet approachable flavors, and the ingredient list strikes that perfect balance between easy-to-find staples and a few irresistible touches. Every component has its own role, from the rich pork to the bright hit of lemon; it’s the interplay of each that really makes this Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl shine.

Pork ribs or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes: Provides deliciously tender, juicy bites when cooked just right—go for boneless country-style ribs or well-marbled shoulder for the best texture.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps create a light crust on the pork, locking in juices and thickening the sauce beautifully.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the pork; don’t be shy, as this ensures each bite sings with flavor.
Olive oil: A neutral oil with flavor that helps brown the pork and adds richness to the dish.
Unsalted butter: Adds depth and a bit of decadence to the pan, complementing the olive oil.
Fresh garlic, finely minced: The unmistakable aroma and punch of fresh garlic is absolutely crucial—it infuses both the pork and the sauce.
Honey: Sweet, sticky, and irresistible, it transforms the sauce into something glossy and outrageously addictive.
Low-sodium chicken or beef stock: Adds savory notes and body to the sauce without overpowering the honey and garlic.
Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens and balances, bringing the whole bowl to life.
Hot sauce (like Sriracha), optional: Add a teaspoon for a subtle kick that plays off the sweetness of the honey.
Red chili pepper flakes, for garnish: A pinch of these fiery flakes provides a pop of color and just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Chopped fresh parsley and scallion, for garnish: These bring freshness and a splash of color to finish off your bowl.
Cooked rice: Choose fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even jasmine or basmati—this is the hearty base that soaks up all that sauce.
Steamed broccoli florets: Adds crunch and a vibrant green touch that makes every bowl feel balanced and lively.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

Step 1: Season and Prep the Pork

Toss your pork cubes into a large salad bowl and sprinkle over the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle but thorough mix to ensure the pork is evenly coated—you want every single piece to get its fair share of that seasoning and a light dusting of cornstarch, which really helps with browning and sauce cling later. Doing this first lets the pork start absorbing those flavors while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high, swirling in the olive oil and letting the butter melt right in. When the pan is hot and the butter’s sizzle is just starting to subside, add the seasoned pork cubes. Give them space in the skillet (work in batches if needed!) and let them get golden and crisp on all sides—about 6-8 minutes. You’re looking for rich color, because those golden bits equal big flavor. Try to resist the urge to stir constantly so they develop that deep caramelization.

Step 3: Create the Honey Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat if needed and pour in the minced garlic, honey, chicken or beef stock, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of hot sauce if you like things spicy. Stir everything together so the pork is completely coated in that glossy, sweet-savory sauce. Let it bubble and simmer for a few minutes—the sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the pork. At this stage, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

Step 4: Garnish and Assemble Your Bowl

Once the sauce is beautifully reduced and clinging to every piece of pork, it’s time to assemble. Sprinkle on the fresh parsley, chopped scallions, and a good pinch of red chili flakes for color and a flicker of heat. Serve the glazed pork bites hot over a bowl of fluffy rice, with steamed broccoli nestled alongside. Spoon over any extra pan sauce, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl

Garnishes

The right garnish brings freshness and elevates every bite of your Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl. A scattering of chopped parsley and scallion gives a burst of color and a pop of herbal brightness, while red chili flakes lend dramatic flair and a subtle, smoky fire. Don’t skip these—your bowl will look restaurant-worthy and taste even better.

Side Dishes

This meal is basically a show-stopping all-in-one, but if you’re feeding a hungry crowd or want to round things out, try pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad, a quick Asian-style slaw, or some simple miso soup. Each side dish can cool and complement the rich, sweet heat of your Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more playful take, try serving the pork and sauce in lettuce cups for a lighter, party-friendly twist. Or go family-style: pile the rice and broccoli on a big platter, tumble the pork bites over the top, and let everyone help themselves. However you plate it, the deep caramel glaze makes every serving beautiful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl (lucky you), store the cooled pork, rice, and broccoli in separate airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the rice from soaking up too much sauce. Your leftovers will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, the cooked pork and sauce freeze very well. Portion them into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. The rice and broccoli are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them in a pinch. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pork and sauce gently over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water if the sauce needs loosening. Rice is best fluffed in the microwave or steamed back to life. Combine everything just before serving to keep textures at their best. Sprinkle with fresh garnishes to revive all the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Absolutely! While country-style ribs or shoulder give you that irresistible tenderness, pork tenderloin or boneless chops work great too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—leaner cuts can dry out if overcooked.

How can I make this Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl spicier?

Simply increase the hot sauce and red chili flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for even more heat, or serve with extra sriracha on the side for the spice lovers at your table.

Is there a good substitute for honey?

Yes! Maple syrup or agave nectar can step in for honey if needed, though you’ll get slightly different flavor notes. Each will add that much-needed sweetness and help the sauce reach the right stickiness.

What if I want to make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your stock and hot sauce are gluten-free. Always double-check product labels, especially if serving to someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! The Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl is perfect for meal prep. Just double all your ingredients and cook the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding. Store in pre-portioned containers for easy lunches or dinners all week.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love how easily the Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl fits into your life, and even more so, how much flavor it brings to the table. Give it a try and share it with friends or family—you might just find it becomes your new go-to comfort bowl!

Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl, featuring tender pork bites glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice and steamed broccoli. This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

Instructions

Honey Garlic Pork Bites: Add the diced pork to a large salad bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix to evenly coat all the pork pieces.
Cooking the Pork: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter into the oil and add the seasoned pork cubes. Cook on all sides until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Preparing the Sauce: After the pork is cooked, add garlic, honey, chicken stock, lemon juice, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir to coat the pork and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes.
Serving: Garnish the pork bites with parsley and red chili pepper flakes. Serve over rice and steamed broccoli.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian