Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
Introduction
Few dishes deliver such a winning combination of savory, sweet, and tender as Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of classic Japanese teriyaki into your kitchen, making use of lean, juicy pork tenderloin bathed in a homemade sauce. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that rivals takeout—ready in under an hour and certain to please adults and kids alike.
Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin stands out for its rich glaze, juicy texture, and sheer versatility: enjoy it with rice, in wraps, or sliced cold for meal prep. Get ready for a meal that’s not only simple and crowd-pleasing but also delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
What Makes This Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin Special?
This recipe elevates the pork’s natural juiciness with the deep umami of soy, the subtle sweetness of mirin or honey, and the zing from fresh ginger and garlic. Roasting the tenderloin ensures a succulent texture, while the teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
The homemade sauce avoids unnecessary additives and allows you to tailor flavors to your liking—sweeter or more savory as you please. Whether you opt for stovetop or air fryer methods, the result is a stunning main course with minimal fuss.
Mastering the Prep for Perfect Flavor
Begin by prepping your pork tenderloin and vegetables for even cooking and beautiful presentation. Using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a smart way to quickly dice bell peppers or onions for a colorful teriyaki sheet pan meal or side salad.
Marinate the pork in the homemade teriyaki sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor). This not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with the signature tang and sweetness that defines teriyaki.
Cooking Options for Every Kitchen
For perfectly cooked teriyaki pork, roast or air fry the tenderloin, basting regularly for maximum glaze:
- Oven Method: Bake in a hot oven, preferably on a sheet lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This prevents sticking, makes cleanup effortless, and helps caramelize the sauce.
- Air Fryer Method: The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt cuts down on time and yields perfectly juicy pork with a crisp, glazed finish. Preheat, add your marinated pork, and cook until the crust is sticky and golden.
- Stovetop Sear: If preferred, sear in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for a beautiful golden crust before finishing in the oven or air fryer.
Always rest your cooked tenderloin for 5–10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Serving Suggestions and Tips for Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
Slice the pork tenderloin thinly and serve atop steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside sautéed veggies for a complete meal. For meal prep or leftovers, pack sliced pork with greens in a Bentgo Salad Container for a portable, crave-worthy lunch.
Garnish the dish with sesame seeds, scallions, or a drizzle of extra teriyaki glaze. Pair with simple roasted veggies or an Asian-inspired slaw for an added crunch and freshness.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin recipe serves 4 generous portions, each providing lean protein and layers of flavor without excess fat. Depending on the specific glaze ingredients and serving accompaniments, each serving generally contains around 250–300 calories plus any sides added.
Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin (Recap)
A mouthwatering main that’s tender, packed with flavor, and boasts a shiny, caramelized glaze, Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin works for any night and makes impressive leftovers. It’s flexible, speedy, and undeniably delicious—ideal for feeding family and friends with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin (or honey), brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside half the teriyaki sauce for glazing.
- Place pork tenderloin in a large resealable bag or dish. Pour remaining sauce over the pork, seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F, or preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 400°F. Line a roasting pan or tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
- For oven method: Remove tenderloin from marinade and place on the prepared pan. Discard used marinade. Roast for 20–25 minutes, basting twice with reserved sauce until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (check with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
- For air fryer method: Place pork in the air fryer basket lined with air fryer paper or parchment sheet. Air fry for 20 minutes, turning and basting halfway through.
- Meanwhile, pour reserved sauce into a saucepan; bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened and glossy.
- Let pork rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly and drizzle with thickened teriyaki sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with your choice of vegetables—quickly chopped in your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for ease.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)