Delicious Vietnamese-style BBQ pork chops recipe
As you inhale the smoky aroma of charred meat mingling with the sweet and savory fragrance of Vietnamese spices, your stomach growls in anticipation. You take a bite of the succulent pork chop, tender and juicy in your mouth, complemented by the umami flavor of soy sauce and fish sauce. The zingy lemongrass and spring onions add a refreshing twist to the dish, making every bite a tantalizing experience for your taste buds.
Introducing my Barbecued Pork Chops Vietnamese Style Recipe – an easy-to-make dish that encapsulates the exotic flavors of Vietnam, perfect for those lazy afternoon barbecues or quick weeknight suppers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will dazzle your friends and family.
I learned this recipe from my travels to Vietnam, where street vendors would grill lemongrass pork chops for their customers on open fires. It was love at first bite, and since then, I have been experimenting in my kitchen to perfect this recipe.
Trust me; once you try this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chop Recipe, there’s no going back. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills? Bon appétit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear reader, this Vietnamese-style Barbecued Pork Chops recipe is undoubtedly one of the most mouth-watering pork chop recipes you will ever taste in your life. Whether you are a lover of sweet and savory flavors or simply looking for something new to try, this recipe will never fail to satisfy your cravings.
The reason why you’ll love this recipe is its unique combination of various ingredients that contribute to its distinct and irresistible taste. The blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, spring onions, water, sugar, and lemongrass garlic creates a beautiful balance between salty and sweet tastes that will keep your taste buds satisfied. Additionally, the marinade used to coat the pork chops is made with shallots and brown sugar which add a caramelized flavor to the dish.
One other reason why this recipe is irresistible is that it is versatile. You can pair it up with any side dish or even use it as an ingredient in other dishes such as Vietnamese Broken Rice or Rice Noodles. It can also be cooked using various parts of pork such as pork loin or pork shoulder. The flexibility in this recipe makes it perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with different cuts of meat.
It’s also incredibly easy to make! The preparation process only takes about ten minutes, and you do not need any fancy culinary skills to get it right. All you have to do is marinate your pork chops for at least one hour before placing them on the grill for three minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. The result is a perfect blend of juicy succulent flavors that will make you feel like a professional pitmaster!
To top it off, this recipe has been tried and tested by many, including Marion Grasby herself – think of it as a guarantee for its deliciousness! With all these reasons combined, nothing should stop you from getting creative in the kitchen and trying out this fantastic Vietnamese-style Barbecued Pork Chops recipe. Bon Appétit!
Ingredient List
Before we roll up our sleeves and put on our aprons, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients we’ll need for these Vietnamese-style grilled pork chops. Don’t worry, none of these should be too difficult to find at your local grocery store or Asian market. And if you can’t find some of them, there are some easy substitutions that can be made as well. Here’s what we need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops (preferably bone-in and ¾ to 1 inch thick)
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of fish sauce
- 1 tbsp of minced shallots
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp of brown sugar
- 1 stalk lemongrass (white part only) – finely minced
- 3 spring onions – white parts only, finely chopped
Marinade:
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients and prepared the marinade, let’s get cooking!
Marinate the Pork Chops
Step 1
Make sure your pork chops are at room temperature then place them in a large shallow dish.
Step 2
Pour the lemongrass garlic marinade over the pork chops, coating them well on both sides.
Step 3
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and allow it to sit in the fridge at least two hours, or preferably overnight. This will give the meat ample time to absorb all those aromatic flavors.
Grill the Pork Chops
Here comes the fun part!
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Make sure you clean up your grill grates thoroughly.
Step 5
Take out your pork chops from the fridge and let them rest for a few minutes until they reach room temperature. This will help them cook evenly and prevent cooking shock.
Step 6
Brush some vegetable oil on one side of each pork chop to help prevent sticking.
Step 7
Place the pork chops on your preheated grill, with the oiled side down first. Cover with a lid to trap in that smoky, delicious flavor.
Step 8
Grill for around 3 minutes until you can see beautiful grill marks and a crispy golden brown crust forming.
Step 9
Flip over each pork chop carefully using tongs or a spatula, then brush more oil on the other side. Continue grilling for around another 3 minutes until they are cooked through, with an internal temperature of around 140°F or higher.
TIP: If you want thinner slices or cook your pork chops all the way through but don’t want to dry them out, use boneless chops and grill for less time.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once they are done, take the pork chops off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle some chopped spring onions on top to add freshness and crunch.
Serve with Vietnamese broken rice, roasted vegetables or salad, even a fried egg on top for added protein. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your sides to create your own perfect meal!
I hope this recipe has brought some new inspiration and variety to your dinner table. Bon appétit!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always options for substitutions and variations. Here are a few ideas to help you make this Vietnamese-style barbecued pork chop recipe your own.
1. Pork Shoulder or Loin: While pork chops are traditional for this recipe, pork shoulder or loin can also be used. These cuts will need to be marinated longer than the chops to ensure proper flavor infusion.
2. Lemongrass: If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, you can use a tablespoon of lemongrass paste or even lemon zest in a pinch.
3. Soy Sauce and Fish Sauce: If you don’t have soy sauce on hand, you can substitute tamari sauce instead. For the fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce or oyster sauce can be used as an alternative.
4. Rice Recipe Pairing: The classic companion dish for these pork chops is Vietnamese broken rice, but rice noodles or even a simple bowl of jasmine rice will do just fine as well.
5. Fried Egg Topping: A popular variation is to top the pork chops with a fried egg before serving, adding another layer of deliciousness to this already mouth-watering dish.
6. Marinated Roast Pork: For a twist on the classic grilled pork chop recipe, try marinating a roast pork cut and slow-roasting it in the oven until golden and tender.
Remember that experimentation is key when it comes to cooking. Don’t be afraid to mix up ingredients and try something new. Bon appétit!
Serving and Pairing
As a Vietnamese chef who has mastered the art of flavor harmony, I can attest that these barbecued pork chops Vietnamese style are best served with a side dish of steaming broken rice, known as “com tam.” There’s something about the texture and nuttiness of the broken rice that perfectly complements the sweet and savory grilled pork.
For those looking for a lighter option, consider pairing these juicy pork chops with a refreshing green papaya salad or crunchy pickled vegetables. The tanginess of the salad will bring out the umami richness of the meat and provide a complex taste sensation in every bite.
If you can’t get enough of Vietnamese flavors, you can serve these pork chops with traditional rice noodles or even add them to your favorite banh mi sandwich. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different sides and sauces to create your ideal meal.
Whether served as the main course or in combination with other Vietnamese dishes, these lemongrass pork chops are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So go ahead and cook up a batch of these sweet and savory grilled pork chops and see for yourself why this dish is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who has spent a fair amount of time cooking, I know that sometimes, we don’t have the luxury of time to cook daily. So, it’s essential to make meals that can be stored or reheated without losing their flavor and nutrients.
When it comes to these Barbecued Pork Chops Vietnamese Style, they are an ideal recipe for advance preparation. After grilling your pork chops to perfection, you can cool them to room temperature and then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
To reheat your pork chops without drying them out, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chops in an oven-proof dish with a lid. For best results, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth before covering the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. This way, the moisture from the water or broth will help steam the pork chops without drying them out.
You can also serve your reheated pork chops with an easy-to-make fried egg on top and a side of Vietnamese broken rice for a delectable meal on-the-go!
Bon appétit!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making these delicious Vietnamese-style grilled pork chops, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure perfectly cooked meat that is juicy, tender and bursting with flavor.
First and foremost, make sure to marinate your pork chops for at least two hours, but ideally overnight in the fridge. This will help infuse the meat with the sweet and savory flavors of the marinade, as well as ensure that the pork is tender and moist when grilled.
Once it’s time to cook the pork chops, be sure to preheat your grill to high heat. This will help ensure a nice sear on the outside of the chops while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Also, resist the urge to keep flipping your pork chops on the grill. Instead, let them cook for 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping once and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. This will help create a golden brown crust on both sides without overcooking or drying out your meat.
If you don’t have access to a grill, don’t worry! You can also cook these pork chops in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Just be sure to brush them with a bit of vegetable oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
Lastly, remember to let your pork chops rest for a few minutes after removing them from the heat. This will give the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is just as flavorful and juicy as the last.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating juicy and flavorful Vietnamese-style grilled pork chops that are sure to impress even the toughest of critics.
FAQ
Just like any recipe, making Barbecued Pork Chops Vietnamese style may pose some questions and concerns in your kitchen. Don’t worry though, I have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe to keep you at ease while cooking. From substitutions to cook time, here are the answers to some of the most common FAQs.
What is the secret to juicy pork chops?
Want to make sure your pork chops are juicy and flavorful? Brine them! Brining, even for just 30 minutes (though you can go up to four hours), is a reliable way to ensure that your cooked pork chops are moist and tender. So, as soon as you get your pork chops home, start preparing the brine.
How do you BBQ pork chops without drying them out?
Achieving juicy pork chops involves cooking them at a moderate heat, moving them around less frequently, brushing them with sauce periodically, and allowing them to rest for a minimum of 5 minutes before cutting into them.
How do you tenderize pork chops before barbecuing?
To ensure that the pork chops are tender and flavorful, a meat tenderizer or acidic fruit juices like lime, lemon or pineapple can be used to break down the protein in the meat. This process allows the acid to penetrate through the meat and produce juicy and tender pork chops. If the pork chops are ½ inch thick, a marinating time of 45 minutes up to overnight is advised to achieve the desired tender and succulent result.
How do you cook pork chops so they aren’t tough and dry?
One method to cook pork chops in the oven without drying them out is through sear-roasting. This technique involves frying one side of the pork chops until they turn golden brown, then flipping them over and putting them directly in the oven which is moderately hot at 400 degrees F. The high heat sears the meat creating a crispy layer, while the oven cooking locks in the moisture to preserve tenderness of the meat.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vietnamese-style barbecued pork chop recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and delicious Asian flavors. The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, lemongrass, and sugar creates a sweet and savory taste that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned veteran, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its juicy texture and beautiful golden-brown color, these grilled pork chops are sure to impress your guests at your next barbecue party.
So why not give this recipe a try? You won’t be disappointed. Pair it with some rice noodles or broken rice and enjoy an authentic taste of Vietnam right in your home. Bon appétit!
Barbecued Pork Chops Vietnamese Style Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 spring onions (scallions)
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (Nuoc Nam)
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 pork chops (not too thick)
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer until brown (about 10 mins). Add more hot water till the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool.
- Chop the onions and combine well with the sugar sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, salt and vegetable oil.
- Put the chops in a large bowl and pour the marinade over. Marinate in the frig for at least 6 hours, even better overnight.
- Cook on the grill for about 10 - 20 mins, turning over once.