Savor the Flavor: Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Are you on a quest for new and exciting flavors to invigorate your weekly meal plan? Then look no further than this mouth-watering Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops with Mushrooms recipe! As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I can attest that this recipe offers a bold explosion of flavor in every bite, making it perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. With its succulent grilled pork chops, savory mushrooms, deliciously bold marinade, and fresh garnishes, this recipe will never disappoint.
Insanely flavorful yet easy to prepare, this recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors that’s inherent in Vietnamese cuisine. The marinated pork chops are first seared to perfection before being grilled until the meat is juicy and tender with charred edges. The earthy and buttery oyster mushrooms work perfectly alongside the succulent pork to deliver an outstanding dining experience.
But don’t take my word for it. Give it a try yourself, and taste the difference that comes from using the freshest ingredients and making everything from scratch. With simple ingredients like lemongrass, soy sauce, fish sauce, red chili peppers, garlic, brown sugar and fish bouillon powder combined into an explosive marinade, your taste buds are sure to explode in ecstasy. In addition to the delicious taste and ease of preparation, this dish is also highly customizable with various substitutions or variations described later in this article.
Are you ready to embark on a mouth-watering flavor adventure with our Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops with Mushrooms recipe? Follow me through the steps in this article to create your own culinary masterpiece that will amaze your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hello there, foodies! Have you been looking for a recipe that will tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Look no further! Allow me to introduce you to my Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops with Mushrooms Recipe.
You’re going to love this recipe for many reasons. First off, it’s packed with flavors that are unique and delightful to the palate. The marinade alone is a flavor bomb that will give your pork chops the perfect balance of salty, sweet, sour, and umami tastes. It’s a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, lemongrass, garlic, sugar, and other spices – all mixed together to make your taste buds dance.
Secondly, it’s easy to prepare. This recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time and minimal effort from the cook. All you need is a large bowl to mix the marinade and pork chops together, then let them rest in the fridge for at least an hour before tossing them on the grill or in a grill pan. In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can pair it with broken rice (com tam), rice noodles, or even toss the grilled pork chops in a salad. It also goes well with other Vietnamese dishes like pork ribs (suon nuong), spare ribs (suon heo), or even sous vide pork steaks.
Furthermore, this recipe allows for substitutions and variations depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can use chicken instead of pork chops or add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchinis for a healthier meal option.
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard BBQ party with friends. It’s simple enough to make for an everyday meal but impressive enough to serve as the main dish for special occasions.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to the ingredient list, gather the necessary items, and let’s get cooking! You’ll soon see why this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops with Mushrooms Recipe is a must-try.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops with Mushrooms recipe:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 shallots, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons cooking sherry
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon red chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- Black pepper, to taste
For the mushrooms:
– 2 cups of Oyster mushrooms
– 1/2 onion, sliced
– 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
– 2 cloves Garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
– Cooked rice or vermicelli noodles
– Sliced spring onion and cilantro leaf for garnish
Note that some ingredients like the cooking sherry can easily be substituted for other cooking wines like mirin. You can also use pork steaks or pork ribs as a substitute for pork chops. If you have never tried any marinade of Vietnamese cuisine before, be sure to stick to the recipe guidelines because it is really easy to go over or under on spices.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients and prepared the marinade, it’s time to get our hands dirty and start cooking! In this section, I’ll guide you through the steps on how to cook our Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops With Mushrooms Recipe.
Step 1: Marinate the Pork Chops
Place your pork chops in a large bowl and pour in the marinade. Combine everything well by massaging the marinade into each pork chop. Cover with cling wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for better flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
While waiting for the pork chops to marinate, let’s prepare our mushrooms. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add some oil, then sauté your mushrooms. Season it with salt and pepper to taste then set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Pork Chops
Preheat your grill on medium-high heat. Remove [the] pork chops from the marinade and grill over direct heat for about 4-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. The internal temperature of each pork chop should be around 145°F. Once done, remove from grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
While waiting for the pork chops to rest, let’s prepare some garnish. Chop some spring onions and cilantro leaves, then slice some fresh red chilies.
To serve, place the grilled pork chops on a large platter or serving dish together with our sautéed mushrooms. Sprinkle the chopped spring onions and cilantro leaves on top, then garnish with some fresh chili slices. Serve with a side of steamed rice or broken rice (com tam) for an even more authentic Vietnamese dining experience.
And voilà , you just made yourself an incredibly tasty and flavorful Vietnamese-style grilled pork chops with mushrooms recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
If you are unable to find some of the ingredients or simply want to switch things up, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try for this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops With Mushrooms Recipe. Here are some options that will still give you a delicious flavor:
– Lemongrass: If you cannot find fresh lemongrass, you can substitute it with lemongrass powder or paste.
– Soy Sauce: Instead of using regular soy sauce, you may use light soy sauce or coconut aminos for a healthier option.
– Fish Sauce: For a vegetarian version, opt for mushroom sauce instead of fish sauce.
– Pork Chops: This recipe is also great with pork steaks or even spare ribs. You could also try using sous vide pork if that’s what you have.
– Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms work well in this recipe but feel free to use your preferred mushrooms here.
– Five spice powder: This spice blend is crucial to Vietnamese-style grilled pork dishes like this one, but if you can’t get ahold of it, try using Chinese five spice powder as a substitute.
Keep in mind that these substitutions will result in slightly different flavors and textures. As long as you stick closely to the recipe instructions for the marinade and cooking times, you should still be able to achieve delicious results. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe work for your taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
When serving these Vietnamese Grilled pork chops with mushrooms, the traditional way is to pair them with broken rice or Com Tam, which is a popular Vietnamese dish consisting of steamed fragrant rice paired with various meats and herbs. The rice serves as a neutral base for the chops, allowing the complex flavors of the dish to shine.
You can also serve these savory pork chops alongside some vermicelli or rice noodles for a lighter meal, or pair them with a refreshing pork noodle salad to add some color and freshness to your plate.
For those who prefer something heartier, these delicious grilled pork chops also pair well with spare ribs or pork steaks. The five-spice powder in the marinade makes the meat tender and juicy, and the lemongrass flavor will give your taste buds an extra kick.
To complement the flavors in this dish, I recommend pairing it with a light and crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. A light beer such as a lager or pilsner would also be a great choice.
Finally, top off your meal by garnishing your pork chops with some fresh spring onions, cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice to elevate their flavors to another level.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops With Mushrooms recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it. Simply mix together the marinade ingredients and pour them over the pork chops and mushrooms in a large bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the pork chops and mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to keep the pork moist while reheating.
Another option is to freeze any leftover grilled pork chops for future meals. To do so, simply wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
When you’re ready to serve your frozen pork chops, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once they’re fully thawed, reheat according to the instructions above.
By making this dish ahead of time and storing it properly, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops With Mushrooms at any time without any fuss or hassle!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the best results with this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops With Mushrooms Recipe, there are several tips you should consider. From marination to grilling, every step of the cooking process plays a crucial role in the final outcome. Here are some tips that will help you make perfect and flavorful grilled pork chops every time:
Firstly, it is important to marinate your pork chops for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavor it will absorb from the marinade. This pork marinade is not only easy but also packs a punch of flavor with ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Remember to mix the marinade well until all the sugar has dissolved and coat the pork chops evenly.
Secondly, make sure to let your pork chops sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling them. This will promote even cooking and prevent the meat from drying out.
Thirdly, prepare your grill ahead of time by preheating it on medium-high heat. Additionally, brush some oil over the grates to prevent sticking.
When grilling the pork chops, don’t forget that this recipe calls for a Vietnamese-style grilled technique known as “suon nuong.” Direct heat is used so make sure to keep an eye on the meat and flip them once they start to turn golden brown. Pork chops usually take around 8-10 minutes in total but use a meat thermometer to ensure that they have reached an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
Lastly, resting is crucial in ensuring juicy grilled pork chops as it allows time for the juices to redistribute back into the meat. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
By following these tips, you can create tender and flavorful grilled pork chops that are both simple yet bursting with Vietnamese flavors. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information you need to make these mouth-watering Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops with Mushrooms, it’s time to hop into the kitchen and get cooking! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests at a summertime BBQ, these pork chops are sure to become a crowd favorite.
Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients – every single one is crucial in delivering the complex and irresistible flavors of this dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions until you find your perfect flavor combination.
Although it may take some time to prepare and cook, trust me when I say that the end result is more than worth it. So put on your chef hat, preheat that grill, and get ready to experience a flavor bomb that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Thank you for taking this culinary journey with me. Until next time, happy cooking!
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops With Mushrooms Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 4 large field mushrooms (portabello)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 small red chilies, seeded and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 4 shallots, chopped
- 1 teaspoon roasted rice flour
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon cooking sherry
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup onion
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- cilantro leaf (coriander)
- spring onion, to garnish
Instructions
- To make the marinade, combine the garlic, sugar, sauces, oil and whisky or sherry in a ziplock bag. Stir in the lemon grass and scallions. Add the pork chops, turning to coat them in the marinade. Cover and leave to marinate for 1-2 hours, and up to 24 hours for the most flavour.
- Lift the chops out of the marinade and place them on a barbecue over hot coals or on a grill (broiler) rack. Add the mushrooms and brush them with 15 ml/1 tablespoon of the oil. Cook the pork chops for 5-7 minutes on each side and the mushrooms for about 2 minutes. Brush both with the marinade while cooking.
- Heat the remaining oil in a wok or small frying pan, then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, shallots, ground rice and chopped scallions. Put the pork chops and mushrooms on a large serving plate and spoon over the sauce. Garnish with the cilantro leaves and shredded scallions.
- To make your ground rice: in a dry non-stick fry pan toast dry uncooked rice until it is a light brown, then using either a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, grind until it is a powder.