Honey Glazed Char Siu Pork Tenderloin is the kind of dish that instantly upgrades dinner without requiring restaurant-level effort. Glossy, sweet, savory, and deeply aromatic, this classic Chinese-inspired pork dish delivers bold flavor with surprisingly simple preparation. Traditionally, char siu is roasted over open flames in Cantonese kitchens, but this modern home-friendly version uses pork tenderloin and oven roasting to achieve that same irresistible caramelized finish.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance: honey brings gentle sweetness, hoisin adds depth, soy sauce provides umami, and five-spice powder ties everything together with warm, fragrant complexity. Pork tenderloin keeps things lean, tender, and quick-cooking, making this an ideal weeknight recipe that still feels special enough for guests.

Whether you serve it sliced over rice, tucked into bao buns, or paired with roasted vegetables, Honey Glazed Char Siu Pork Tenderloin is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Char Siu Pork

This recipe checks every box for flavor, ease, and versatility. Pork tenderloin absorbs marinade beautifully, cooks quickly, and stays juicy when handled correctly. The honey glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating that signature sticky exterior without needing a grill or specialized equipment.

It’s also highly adaptable: you can adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice levels with ease, making it perfect for both traditional palates and modern tastes.

Ingredients for Honey Glazed Char Siu Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin
Honey
Hoisin sauce
Soy sauce
Garlic (minced)
Fresh ginger (grated)
Chinese five-spice powder
Sesame oil
Rice vinegar
Red food coloring (optional, traditional)
Green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions: How to Make Honey Glazed Char Siu Pork Tenderloin

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red food coloring if using.
Pat the pork tenderloin dry and place it in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Remove pork from marinade, reserving excess marinade for glazing.
Roast pork for 18–22 minutes, brushing with marinade halfway through.
Turn oven to broil and broil pork for 3–5 minutes until caramelized and sticky.
Rest pork for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for Perfect Char Siu at Home

Always use a wire rack to allow even caramelization.
Don’t skip resting time—this keeps the pork juicy.
Broiling at the end is key for that authentic char siu glaze.
If glaze darkens too fast, tent loosely with foil.

Flavor Variations & Easy Swaps

Spicy Char Siu: Add chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek.
Low-Sugar Version: Replace half the honey with monk fruit syrup.
Grilled Option: Grill over medium heat, basting frequently.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping once.

What to Serve with Honey Glazed Char Siu Pork

This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, fried rice, garlic noodles, or steamed bok choy. Leftovers are excellent in lettuce wraps, noodle bowls, or even sandwiches.

Cultural Context: What Is Char Siu?

Char siu is a classic Cantonese barbecue pork dish known for its signature red glaze and sweet-savory profile. Traditionally cooked in vertical ovens, it symbolizes celebration, comfort, and family-style dining. This pork tenderloin adaptation keeps the soul of char siu intact while making it accessible for home cooks everywhere.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to revive the glaze.