Delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork Recipe for Foodies
Are you looking for a new recipe to take your taste buds on a wild ride? Well, get ready to experience the explosion of flavors that come with Vietnamese Grilled Pork. With its unique blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater. As an expert in the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, I can guarantee that this dish will be the highlight of any meal.
Vietnamese Grilled Pork is a timeless classic in Vietnamese cuisine, deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. It’s known as “thịt nướng” in Vietnamese, which simply means grilled meat in English. The dish consists of tender pork chops marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemongrass, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and shallots. Then it’s grilled until golden brown and caramelized on the outside, while still juicy and tender on the inside.
If you’ve never tried Vietnamese Grilled Pork before, you’re in for a treat. And if you have tried it before but never made it at home, now is the perfect time to start. This dish is affordable and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.
So get ready to impress your friends and family with your kitchen skills and take your taste buds on a journey to Vietnam with this amazing Vietnamese Grilled Pork recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey, foodies! Are you in the mood for something tantalizing and savory? Then, let me introduce you to my latest addiction, Vietnamese Grilled Pork Recipe. Trust me; once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked. Wondering why? I have three words for you – delicious, healthy and effortless.
Firstly, let’s talk about the taste. The grilled pork is juicy, tender and delivers an explosion of flavors in your mouth – a blend of sweet and spicy accompanied with an aroma of grilled lemongrass that intensifies the overall taste. The marinade consists of flavorful ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, shallots, scallions, black pepper but with lemongrass as a special ingredient that sets it apart from other pork marinades.
Secondly, this dish is ideal for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s a perfect balance of protein and veggies without compromising on taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint and lettuce are added to give a refreshing crunch and balance out the meaty flavor. Also, the marinade ingredients don’t need oil and are low in calories.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Once the marinade is ready (which takes less than ten minutes), pour it over your pork chops or skewers and let it sit for at least an hour before grilling. That’s it! No complicated steps or cooking techniques needed. This dish can be served in so many ways; accompanied by rice noodles or vermicelli with fresh herbs and veggies over grilled pork or used to add flavor to fried egg or sandwich filling.
In conclusion, whether you’re hosting a BBQ party or just looking for something new to satisfy your cravings with a healthy twist, Vietnamese Grilled Pork is my go-to recommendation. Its enticing aroma will make everyone gather around the grill while its delectable taste will leave them wanting more! Try it today and thank me later.
Ingredient List
Before grilling up some Vietnamese Grilled Pork, make sure to get all the necessary ingredients to achieve the desired taste. Here are the ingredients needed for this recipe:
Pork Marinade:
- 2 tablespoon of minced shallots
- 2 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 stalk lemongrass, roughly chopped
- 3 thinly sliced scallions
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pork chops or sliced pork
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Thai chili pepper, sliced thinly
Serving:
- Rice vermicelli noodles or pork rice
- Lettuce or mixed greens
- Sliced cucumbers, bean sprouts, shredded carrots and daikon radish
- Fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro and Thai basil
Make sure to have all these fresh spices and vegetables on hand to create the perfect Vietnamese Grilled Pork.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s dive into the juicy part of this article, the recipe instructions on how to make the Vietnamese Grilled Pork. Not gonna lie, this recipe is not for the faint of heart as it involves a bit of preparation and marinating time, but trust me – it’s worth it.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s review what we’ll need:
- 3 lbs pork chops or boneless pork shoulder
- 3 stalks lemongrass, roughly chopped
- 4 shallots, minced
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Marinating the Pork
To prepare the marinade, first puree the chopped lemongrass in a food processor or blender. Then mix it with minced shallots, thinly sliced scallions, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. If you want a sweeter kick to your pork, add in honey.
Next step is to marinate the pork chops or shoulder with the marinade. Make sure that each piece is fully coated with marinade then put them in a plastic bag or container. For best results, let it marinate for at least two hours (or even better overnight) in the refrigerator.
Grilling the Pork
After marinating time, take out the pork from the fridge and bring them to room temperature for about half an hour before grilling.
You can cook your Vietnamese grilled pork outside on the grill, or indoors on a grill pan over high heat. Make sure you grease your grilling equipment first so that food doesn’t stick.
Grill each side of your pork chop until it is crispy and golden brown, but not too burnt. If you need a guide, it takes around 3-4 minutes per side. You can test if the pork is done by inserting a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should read 165º F (74º C).
Serving Your Delicious Pork
Now that you’ve grilled your vietnamese grilled pork to perfection, the only thing left to do is serve it up and enjoy! Serve with some rice noodles, fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, pickled carrots and daikon – this classic Vietnamese dish is known as Bun Thit Nuong. Or you can pair it with rice for another delicious meal.
Don’t forget to share, savor, and enjoy every bite of your homemade creation!
Substitutions and Variations
Hey, Chef here! I know that not everyone has all the ingredients on hand or might want to switch things up a little bit. So, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations you can try to make this Vietnamese grilled pork recipe your own.
First off, let’s talk about the pork. This recipe calls for pork chops but feel free to substitute it with thinly sliced pork belly or pork shoulder. The fatter cuts will provide an extra level of richness to the dish that will make your mouth water.
For the marinade, you can swap out the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. If you’re looking to add some heat, try adding a tablespoon of chili garlic paste or sriracha.
If you don’t have shallots on hand, you can use red onion instead. They have a similar sweetness and can provide a nice crunch when thinly sliced.
For those who are vegetarian, try substituting the pork with grilled tofu or tempeh. Slice it up into thin strips and marinate it in the same marinade as the pork.
If you’re not a fan of rice noodles, try using vermicelli noodles instead. They have a similar texture but are thinner and lighter in taste.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making these into pork skewers instead. Thread the marinated pork onto skewers and grill them on high heat until they caramelize and become charred around the edges.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making recipes your own. Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavors and ingredients to find what works best for you.
Serving and Pairing
Vietnamese grilled pork is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Traditional Vietnamese dishes like bun thit nuong (grilled pork rice noodles) or bún thịt nướng (grilled pork vermicelli) are popular serving options. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor of the pork pairs well with the fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and tangy fish sauce typically found in these dishes.
Another great option is to use the grilled pork as a protein in a rice bowl or salad. Serve the pork alongside steamed rice or lettuce leaves, and top it with sliced scallions, cucumbers, and fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil. Drizzle some fish sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding the grilled pork to a breakfast dish like fried eggs or hash. The salty-sweet flavor of the pork is a perfect complement to savory breakfast flavors.
To accompany your grilled pork, consider serving refreshing beverages like coconut water or sweet tea. Beer lovers might enjoy pairing their meal with a crisp lager or pilsner.
Whether you choose to serve your Vietnamese grilled pork in a traditional dish or get creative with your presentation, this flavorful dish will be sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As much as I love Vietnamese grilled pork fresh off the grill, sometimes we don’t have the luxury of time to prepare it every single day. Fortunately, this recipe is not only delicious freshly made, but it also makes for great leftovers.
To make ahead: You can prepare and marinate the pork up to 2 days in advance. Place the marinated pork chops in a resealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
To store: Leftover grilled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to slice the leftover pork before storing it, so it’s easier to reheat later.
To reheat: The best way to reheat grilled pork is by using a microwave or an oven. In the microwave, cover the sliced pork with plastic wrap and heat for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. In the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sliced pork on a baking sheet, and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
Pro tip: If you’re using leftover grilled pork for a Vietnamese vermicelli noodle bowl (bun thit nuong), add some water or chicken broth when reheating to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Remember that reheating may cause some loss of flavor and texture compared to freshly made grilled pork, but with these tips, you can avoid dried-out meat and enjoy your savory leftovers without any hassle!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re someone who loves a good bbq, then you won’t be able to resist these Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops. This recipe has been honed and adapted over the years to get the perfect balance of flavour that’s absolutely irresistible. Here are some tips to make sure your grilled pork chops will turn out perfectly every single time.
First of all, it’s vital to use quality ingredients to get the best flavor possible. Look for fresh pork chops and stalks of lemongrass that are fragrant and firm. For the marinade, opt for good quality soy sauce and fish sauce, as well as sugar and brown sugar that are free from any clumps or lumps.
It is also essential to marinate your pork chops for at least two hours (overnight is even better!), so they soak up all the marinade flavors. Don’t be in a hurry to grill them immediately after marination because trust me; the wait is worth it!
When grilling your pork chops, be patient and don’t rush them. Grill each side for about three minutes; this will ensure that they’re deliciously caramelized yet still juicy on the inside. Alternatively, you can broil them in an oven if grilling isn’t possible.
Keep an eye on how hot your grill or oven is. You want the heat high enough to get those beautiful grill marks and caramelization but not so hot that your pork chops burn on the outside before cooking through to the center.
Lastly, avoid overcooking your pork chops. Overcooked meat results in tough and dry bites, so always ensure that you check internal temperature with a meat thermometer—they should reach 145°F in their thickest part.
So there you have it, folks! By following these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops. Enjoy with some rice noodles or vermicelli for an ultimate filling and satisfying meal!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information and steps to create succulent Vietnamese Grilled Pork, there’s no need to go out and spend money on restaurant food. You can make this delicious meal right in the comfort of your own home!
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it is also packed with flavor and comes with plenty of serving options. Whether you’re in the mood for some grilled pork chops, a noodle bowl, or even a fried egg, this recipe has got you covered.
So why not give it a try? Impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and enjoy a delicious meal all at once. I promise you won’t regret it!
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large shallots, sliced (white parts only) or 5 scallions, chopped (white parts only)
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb pork loin or 1 1/2 lbs sirloin, sliced into large pieces about 1/4-inch thick
Instructions
- To make the caramel - combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir a few times and allow to simmer until the sauce turns deep brown, about 15 minute Meanwhile, have some extra hot water ready on a back burner.
- Once the sauce reaches the desired color, carefully add 4 to 5 Tbs. hot water to slow the cooking and thin the sauce. (Be sure to hold the pan away from you so that none of the hot caramel splatters on you when you add the water.) If necessary, add more hot water. The sauce should only be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Set aside to cool.
- To make the pork - pound the shallots in a mortar and pestle or mince by hand.
- Transfer the shallots to a mixing bowl and combine with the fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, vegetable oil, and cooled caramel sauce. Stir well to blend.
- Add the pork slices and let marinate for 20 minute.
- Meanwhile, heat a broiler or light a charcoal or gas grill. When the broiler or fire is very hot, cook the pork until just done, about 2 minute on each side.
- Let the pork rest for 10 to 15 min., cut into thin strips, and serve with noodles.