Sticky Garlic Pork Bites (The Addictive Skillet Recipe You’ll “Just Taste Once”… and Then Destroy)
Let me warn you right now: these Sticky Garlic Pork Bites are dangerously good.
Like “stand over the stove eating them with the red spoon you cooked with” good.
Like “why did I make this for dinner guests when I could’ve kept it all for myself” good.
Juicy pork bites, golden and caramelized, tossed in a glossy garlic-soy-honey sauce that clings to every edge like it was made to be famous. And the best part?
This masterpiece happens in ONE black cast iron skillet, no mess, no fuss, maximum applause.
Why This Recipe Is A Hit, Every. Single. Time.
Sticky, savory, garlicky, slightly spicy, pure flavor chaos in the best way
Ready in 20 minutes
Cast-iron sear = flavor fireworks
Uses basic pantry ingredients
Perfect over rice, noodles, veggies, or straight out of the skillet (no shame)
This is the kind of recipe people taste once and immediately screenshot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pork Bites
1.5–2 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp oil (for searing)
For the Sticky Garlic Sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but fabulous)
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp chili flakes or chili crisp (adjust to taste)
½ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Sliced green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Sticky Garlic Pork Bites
1️⃣ Season & Coat
Pat the pork dry (this is the secret to that crispy sear).
Toss in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch until everything looks lightly dusted and ready for greatness.
2️⃣ Sear Like You Mean It
Heat oil in your black cast iron skillet until it’s shimmering.
Add pork in a single layer, no crowding, no touching, no friendships.
Let it sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
The cast iron magic is happening. Trust the process.
3️⃣ Build the Sticky Garlic Sauce
Remove pork temporarily.
Add garlic (and ginger if using) to the skillet, sauté until fragrant.
Pour in soy sauce, honey, vinegar, chili flakes, and broth. Let it bubble like a tiny, delicious volcano.
Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it into that glossy, shiny beauty.
4️⃣ Coat Those Pork Bites
Add pork back in and toss everything together like you’re giving it the spa treatment it deserves.
The sauce should cling to every nook and cranny.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Top with sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes.
Serve over rice, noodles, or right from the skillet using your red spoon (the correct choice).
Perfect Pairings
Steamed jasmine rice
Garlic noodles
Stir-fried broccoli
Sesame cucumbers
Lettuce wraps
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: 3–4 days
Freezer: 2–3 months
Reheat: skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce