Delicious Vietnamese Pork Skewers: A Flavor Explosion!
Welcome to my kitchen, where I specialize in crafting delicious Vietnamese and Asian cuisine. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for traditional Vietnamese pork skewers that are bursting with flavor, aroma, and a kick of heat. These grilled pork skewers are the perfect mixture of sweet and savory that will leave your mouth watering for more.
For me, food is a way of bringing people together and sharing memories. When I was growing up, my grandparents would prepare meals like these skewers during family gatherings, filling our home with an abundance of love and laughter. Cooking became more than just about the food; it’s about the emotions that go into creating it.
With this recipe, whether you are cooking for yourself or a large group of friends and family members, it’ll be a meal worth remembering.
The ingredients used in this recipe are sure to excite your taste buds. We’ll be using a combination of juicy pork belly or pork shoulder marinated in fragrant lemongrass and other traditional Vietnamese flavors such as fish sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and lime zest. The addition of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro enhances the taste even more.
By choosing high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers like City Farmers Market or your local farmers’ market ensures not only great tasting food but also supports your local community.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready to fire up the grill because this Vietnamese pork skewer recipe will transport you straight to the busy streets of Saigon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear foodies, allow me the honor to introduce you to the deliciousness that is Vietnamese Pork Skewers. This recipe is not just a staple in Vietnamese cuisine but also a crowd-pleaser on any dinner table. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe.
Firstly, there’s nothing like the sweet-savory flavor of properly grilled pork skewers marinated in lemongrass, garlic, shallot, and fish sauce – making it one of the most iconic dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a dish that carries an explosion of various flavors that no other dish can match.
Secondly, this dish is super versatile! Whether you’re cooking for your family or organizing a BBQ party with friends, these Vietnamese Pork Skewers will suit everyone. You can even customize them according to your preferences – use pork belly, pork shoulder, or even pork tenderloin if you’d like!
Lastly, Vietnamese Pork Skewers are easy to make and require minimal preparation. With just a few simple ingredients like lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves, and fish sauce – all easily available in your local city farmers’ markets – you can whip up a mouth-watering meal.
So there you have it! This amazing Vietnamese Pork Skewers recipe has all the makings of an unforgettable meal that will impress your family and friends alike. It’s flavorful, versatile, and easy to prepare as well! What are you waiting for? Get grilling!
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you will need to make these mouth-watering Vietnamese pork skewers:
- 1 pound of pork belly or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped or grated
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or to taste
- Zest of one lime
- Cilantro and mint for garnish
- Boston lettuce leaves for serving
All these ingredients might sound exotic but are easily found in most grocery stores. If possible, try to get them fresh from a local farmers market or an Asian grocery store, where you can find quality products at reasonable prices.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Marinating the pork
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Ingredients:
- 1 pound of thinly sliced pork shoulder or tenderloin
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, trimmed and finely chopped
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Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic, brown sugar, salt, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar and lemongrass. Mix well to make a marinade.
Add thinly sliced pork to the bowl and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to overnight) to allow the meat absorb all the flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the skewers
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Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin or belly, sliced into thin strips
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least an hour)
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Instructions:
Preheat your grill on high direct heat. Meanwhile, thread each strip of pork onto a wooden skewer lengthwise.
Step 3: Grilling the pork skewers
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Ingredients:
- Prepared pork skewers
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Instructions:
Brush the grill grates with oil before adding in the prepped skewers. Grill each skewer over direct heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. Using tongs to turn them occasionally until they develop a char crust and are fully cooked through.
Step 4: Assembling your Vietnamese Pork Skewers
- Ingredients:
- Grilled pork skewers
- Boston lettuce leaves
- Mint and cilantro leaves
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Lime zest
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Red pepper flakes
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Instructions:
To serve, lay a few pieces of Boston lettuce leaves onto your plate. Layer each lettuce floret with mint and cilantro leaves. Then, add the grilled pork skewers on top.
Sprinkle sliced green onions, lime zest, and red pepper flakes on the skewers. Enjoy while still hot off the grill.
That’s it! Your Vietnamese Pork Skewers are now ready to be devoured by you and your loved ones. Get inspired by this dish and try making it your own by adding your variations or substitutions to the recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Darling, let me tell you that this recipe is so versatile that the possibilities for substitutions and variations are endless. So, do not be afraid to get creative and make it your own! The following are some ideas that you can use to switch things up a bit.
Instead of pork skewers, why not try chicken skewers or even shrimp skewers instead? You can also substitute the pork belly or pork shoulder for pork tenderloin or ground pork. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try making lemongrass pork skewers or nem lụi.
For the marinade, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Decrease the amount of fish sauce if you find it too overpowering or increase it if you love that umami flavor. Use brown sugar instead of white if you prefer a sweeter marinade or add red pepper flakes to give it a little kick.
If you cannot find hoisin sauce or oyster sauce, use soy sauce as a substitute. You can also use brown sugar and rice vinegar to create a caramel glaze for your pork skewers, giving them a sweet savory taste. Add chopped shallots and garlic cloves to give depth to your marinade.
As for the herbs and vegetables, boston lettuce, mint, cilantro, and green onion add freshness and crunch to your Vietnamese grilled pork skewers. However, feel free to mix things up with sliced cucumbers, pickled carrots, and daikon radishes or shredded cabbage.
Finally, pair your Vietnamese grilled lemongrass pork with some steamed rice or vermicelli noodles dressed in nuoc cham dipping sauce for an authentic taste. Or wrap them up in rice paper with lettuce leaves and herbs to make delicious spring rolls.
Remember darling – cooking is an art form where creativity knows no bounds. So have fun selecting flavors that excite your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these delicious Vietnamese pork skewers, there are many options to choose from. Let me start by suggesting a classic pairing – serve with freshly steamed white rice and a side of pickled vegetables. The tender grilled pork will pair perfectly with the slightly sour taste of the pickled veggies, creating an exciting culinary experience.
Alternatively, you can create a more modern dining experience by serving the skewers on top of a bed of mixed green salad, drizzled with rice vinegar and soy sauce-based dressing.
For a bolder flavor combination, try pairing the pork skewers with spicy Sriracha mayo and fresh crispy lettuce wraps. Not only is this a hand-held meal that is perfect for outdoor gatherings, but it also offers an excellent balance between sweet savory pork and spicy Sriracha mayo.
Lastly, another excellent way to enjoy these flavorful Vietnamese pork skewers is by adding them to vermicelli noodles or bun cha. Bun cha is a Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled marinated pork belly or lemongrass pork served over noodles and smothered in nuoc cham sauce. It’s a must-try if you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese food.
In terms of beverage pairing, I recommend serving the Vietnamese pork skewers with a chilled light beer or iced tea. Both drinks offer refreshing sensations that will complement the bold flavors of the marinade.
Overall, these grilled Vietnamese pork skewers offer plenty of pairing possibilities that cater to every taste preference. Whether you like it traditional or want to get more creative with your meals, one thing is certain – these mouthwatering skewers deserve to be on your dinner table!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My friends, the beauty of these Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers is that you can make them ahead of time and store them without losing any of that sweet savory flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to do much cooking but still want something delicious.
To prepare in advance, simply make the marinade and marinate the pork skewers up to 24 hours before you plan to grill them. You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
When it comes to reheating your grilled pork skewers, there are a few methods you can use. To reheat in an oven, preheat to 350°F and warm the skewers for 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet or on the grill for a few minutes on each side.
If you have any leftover Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re great when added to fresh salads or as a protein source with noodles or rice dishes.
Remember to always practice safe food handling when storing and reheating, and avoid leaving your meat out at room temperature for too long.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes – I’m almost certain it’s bound to become one of your favorites!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready and your Vietnamese pork skewers marinated, let me give you some tips to ensure that your dish turns out perfect.
Firstly, when grilling the pork skewers, make sure they are evenly spaced apart so that they cook through evenly. This will also prevent them from sticking together and breaking apart.
Secondly, use a clean grill grate to avoid any flavors from previous meals transferring onto your pork skewers. You don’t want any unwanted flavors that can potentially ruin the taste of your dish.
Thirdly, try not to overcook the pork as it can become tough and dry. Keep an eye on the skewers and remove them from the grill once they develop a caramelized crust on both sides, with a hint of charred edges giving them just enough smokiness.
Fourthly, while flipping the pork skewers, be gentle as they can easily fall apart. A trick is to use tongs to turn them carefully while holding them in place with another utensil like a fork or a spatula.
Fifthly, let your grilled Vietnamese pork skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat for succulent bites in every mouthful.
Sixthly, be mindful of the garnishes you choose as they play a significant role in enhancing the flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro with boston lettuce leaves add brightness to the savory-sweet marinade of your grilled pork.
Lastly, experiment with different kinds of cuts of pork like pork belly, shoulder, or tenderloin for a unique twist to your Vietnamese grilled pork skewers recipe. You could even try using ground pork or pork mince mixed with herbs and spices following Chef Luke Nguyen’s nem nuong recipe for delicious pork meatballs on skewers.
By following these tips and being adventurous in creating new pork skewer variations, you’ll be a grill master serving up authentic Vietnamese grilled lemongrass pork skewers that will be sure to impress your guests or family!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Vietnamese Pork Skewers are a must-try for anyone who loves good food. The combination of savory flavors and unique herbs make for a taste that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re craving a simple Vietnamese grilled pork skewer or the bold flavor of lemongrass pork, this recipe has everything you need to make truly unforgettable pork skewers.
But don’t take my word for it. Try making these pork skewers at home and discover the magic for yourself. With some simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create restaurant-quality pork skewers that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your local farmers market or grocery store, gather up your ingredients, and get grilling! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
VIetnamese Pork Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
Skewers
- 1 pork tenderloin, coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc-mam)
- salt and pepper
- 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- approximately 200 g rice vermicelli, cooked, at room temperature
- 1 head boston lettuce
- mint or cilantro, coarsely chopped
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc-mam)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- some red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In the bowl of a food processor, chop the pork, garlic, rice vinegar, lime zest, green onion and fish sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into 10-cm (4-inch) long sausages and thread onto the skewers. Place on the baking sheet and bake in middle of the oven for about 15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking. Once cooked, remove the skewers.
- Sauce: In a saucepan, bring all the ingredients to a boil. Serve at room temperature.
- When serving, place on the table: skewers, sauce, noodles, herbs and the detached lettuce leaves. Each person makes his own dish by placing some noodles, sausage and herbs on a lettuce leaf. Roll, dip into the sauce and enjoy.
- Makes 3 skewers per person.