Honey-Soy Five-Spice Pork Tenderloin - Flour & Herbs

Chinese Five Spice brings warm aromatic flavor to lean pork tenderloin, while a glossy honey-soy sauce adds sweetness and tang. Sear the pork for color, finish it in the oven, then spoon over the glaze just before serving.

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From the Flour & Herbs kitchen

Honey-Soy Five-Spice Pork Tenderloin

Serves4 servings
Prep15 minutes
CookUp to 25 minutes
TotalAbout 45 minutes
Calories~260 per serving

Total includes 5 minutes resting. By Flour & Herbs.

Ingredients

For the pork

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For the glaze and finish

Directions

  1. Heat the oven and season. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C), conventional. Pat the pork dry. Rub it with 1 teaspoon of the oil and the Chinese Five Spice. Fold the thin tail under and tie with kitchen string if needed for a more even thickness.
  2. Sear the pork. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin for 4–6 minutes in total, turning to brown several sides. Reduce the heat if the spices start to scorch.
  3. Finish in the oven. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for about 12–18 minutes. Start checking early and cook until a thermometer in the thickest part reads at least 145°F (63°C). Transfer to a board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The skillet handle stays hot.
  4. Simmer the glaze. While the pork roasts, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until lightly syrupy. Add a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
  5. Slice and finish. Remove any kitchen string. Slice the rested pork across the grain. Spoon over the warm glaze and scatter with scallions. Serve with rice and steamed greens; these accompaniments are not included in the calorie estimate.

Estimated nutrition: 260 calories per serving (one quarter of the recipe). Includes the listed sauce or marinade; excludes suggested accompaniments. Actual values vary with brands, portions, and marinade left behind.

Before you start

Choose pork tenderloin rather than the much larger pork loin. Use an oven-safe skillet, small saucepan and thermometer; remember the skillet handle stays hot after roasting.

Cooking tips

Keep the honey glaze in its own saucepan during searing so its sugar does not scorch. Slice across the grain after resting and spoon the sauce over just before serving.

Serving ideas and variations

Pair with steamed greens and rice. Scallions add freshness; save some for the top rather than cooking them into the glaze.

Storage and reheating

Chill sliced pork and glaze in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Reheat gently with a little water or stock so the glaze loosens and the pork stays moist. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

More ways to use Chinese Five Spice

Use a small pinch in roasted sweet potatoes, a mushroom stir-fry, or a glaze for chicken.

Keep cooking: Cheddar & Roasted Garlic Pepper Drop Biscuits.

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