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Skillet Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 9, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American-Inspired 30 mins onepanskilleteasyfamily-friendlyglutenfreedairyfreequickhealthytimessaverfamilydinner

This easy one-pan skillet recipe features juicy pork tenderloin medallions glazed in a flavorful honey garlic sauce alongside crisp-tender green beans—a fast, wholesome family dinner.

Skillet Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans
Prep 10 min
Cook 20 min
Total 30 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook20 min
Total30 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1½ pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch medallions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork medallions dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the pork medallions and sear for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove pork from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
  5. Add trimmed green beans and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, thyme, and water.
  7. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the green beans and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Return pork medallions to the skillet, nestling them into the green beans and sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize this skillet meal to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability with these substitutions:

  • Pork Tenderloin: Substitute with skinless chicken breast, turkey medallions, or for a vegetarian version, firm tofu or seitan slices cooked similarly to soak up the sauce.
  • Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan or alternative natural sweeteners.
  • Soy Sauce: Swap with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free and soy-free variations while retaining umami flavor.
  • Green Beans: Replace with snap peas, asparagus, or broccoli for seasonal changes and added color.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Use white wine vinegar or lemon juice as a tangy alternative in the sauce.

These swaps keep the dish healthy, quick, and family-friendly while accommodating dietary needs including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

Pan Or Pot Required

For this Skillet Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential to achieve a perfect sear on pork medallions and to cook green beans evenly with the flavorful honey garlic sauce. A cast iron or stainless steel skillet is recommended for optimal heat retention and even cooking, ensuring the pork develops a golden crust while the green beans remain tender-crisp.

This recipe is a classic one-pan skillet meal, simplifying cleanup and saving time. Avoid pots or deep pans as they trap steam, preventing proper browning and caramelization of the glaze.

  • Use one large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel)
  • Choose a skillet large enough to hold pork medallions in a single layer and sauté green beans evenly
  • Enjoy quick, healthy, and family-friendly cooking with minimal cleanup

Cookware Size Guidance

Use a large skillet about 10 to 12 inches in diameter for this recipe. This size provides ample surface area to sear pork medallions evenly without overcrowding, allowing a golden crust and perfect caramelization. It's also spacious enough to sauté green beans and coat them with sauce comfortably while preventing spills. A skillet capacity of 2 to 3 quarts is ideal for the four servings this recipe yields.

If unavailable, opt for the closest larger skillet rather than a smaller one to avoid steaming instead of searing. Heavy-bottomed skillets or sauté pans provide consistent heat, key for this one-pan meal’s flavor and texture.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This one-pan skillet recipe offers flexibility in cookware options without sacrificing flavor or ease:

  • Oven-Safe Skillet or Sauté Pan: Finish pork cooking in the oven for even heat distribution or use the broiler for caramelizing the glaze.
  • Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for excellent heat retention and a superior sear, perfect for stovetop-to-oven transition.
  • Nonstick Skillet: Use for easier cleanup; maintain medium heat to protect the coating while sautéing and glazing.
  • Deep Sauté or Stir-Fry Pan: Useful for larger portions or batch cooking, offering more volume to cook ingredients without overcrowding.
  • Sheet Pan Variation: Adapt as a sheet pan dinner by roasting pork medallions and green beans together with sauce, using parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking.

Avoid slow cookers or Instant Pots, as the recipe relies on quick searing and sautéing for optimal flavor and texture, consistent with PanPotPlates standards emphasizing quick, easy, healthy, and family-friendly one-pan skillet meals.

Leftovers Quality

Leftovers of this honey garlic glazed pork tenderloin with green beans stay flavorful for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve pork tenderness and keep green beans crisp-tender. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even warming.

Avoid overheating to maintain the glaze’s vibrant flavor and texture. While freezing is possible, it may slightly affect green bean texture; freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1-2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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