Cream Soda–Glazed Pork Bites (Printable)

Quick-cooked pork bites glazed in a tangy-sweet cream soda reduction. Fast, flavorful, and effortless.

# Components:

→ Pork

01 - 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Glaze

04 - 1 cup cream soda
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
06 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
07 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Garnish (Optional)

10 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions, finely sliced
11 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

# Directions:

01 - Pat the pork pieces dry thoroughly. Season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil. Carefully sear the pork bites for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are almost cooked through. Remove the seared pork from the skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet used for searing, pour in the cream soda, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate them into the glaze.
04 - Bring the glaze mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the glaze to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by approximately half and reached a slightly syrupy consistency.
05 - Return the seared pork bites to the skillet with the reduced glaze. Toss the pork to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the pork to finish cooking and become coated in the sticky glaze.
06 - Serve the glazed pork bites immediately. If desired, garnish with finely sliced chives or green onions and sesame seeds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients with an unexpected twist
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Versatile as both a main dish or appetizer
  • Kid-friendly while still sophisticated enough for adults
02 -
  • This recipe contains significantly less sugar than traditional glazed pork recipes
  • Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork available
  • The entire dish can be made in one pan for minimal cleanup
  • Leftovers make excellent rice bowl toppings for lunch the next day
03 -
  • Let pork sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results
  • Use a splatter guard when reducing the glaze to keep your stovetop clean
  • The glaze is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it

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