Why You’ll Love this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Recipe
When you try this Vietnamese Grilled Pork recipe, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite for so many. The combination of savory and sweet flavors, along with the tender, juicy pork, creates a dish that’s simply irresistible.
Each bite bursts with the rich essence of the marinade, and the grilling adds a delicious smoky touch. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
I love serving it with fresh vegetables and rice, turning it into a complete meal. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked and wanting more!
Ingredients of Vietnamese Grilled Pork
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork dish, the first step is gathering your ingredients. You’ll find that the list is pretty straightforward, but each component plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of flavors.
Plus, the beauty of cooking is that you can tweak things a bit to suit your taste. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering recipe to life.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 large shallots, sliced (white parts only) or 5 scallions, chopped (white parts only)
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 lbs pork loin, sliced into large pieces about 1/4 inch thick
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations regarding these ingredients. For the sugar, you want to make sure it’s granulated for the best caramelization result.
And when it comes to the shallots or scallions, don’t worry too much about being perfect – a rough chop is just fine. The fish sauce can be a bit intense, so if you’re new to it, start with a little less and taste as you go. It adds that umami punch that’s so signature in Vietnamese dishes.
Finally, the vegetable oil should be something neutral – like canola or grapeseed – so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe add a touch more soy sauce for that extra savory kick. Cooking is all about experimentation, right? Just keep it fun and enjoy the process!
How to Make Vietnamese Grilled Pork
Alright, let’s plunge into making this delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork. First off, you’ll want to start with that 1/4 cup of sugar. Grab a small saucepan, add the sugar, and mix it with 1/2 cup of water.
Now, set it over medium heat and bring it to a boil. This is where the magic happens. Stir it a few times, and let it simmer until it transforms into a beautiful, deep brown caramel – about 15 minutes or so. But be careful! When it reaches that perfect color, you’ll need to add 4 to 5 tablespoons of hot water to the pan.
This will help slow the cooking and thin out the sauce. Just make sure you hold the pan away from you – trust me, you don’t want hot caramel splattering everywhere. If you find it’s a bit thick, feel free to add more hot water until it’s just right. Set that gorgeous sauce aside to cool while we get on with the pork.
Now, in a mixing bowl, it’s time to get a little aromatic. Pound your 2 large shallots (or 5 scallions if you went that route) until they’re nice and fragrant.
Mix those with 2 teaspoons of fish sauce, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. After that, add in the cooled caramel marinade you just made. Give it a good stir to blend everything together.
Now, take your 1 1/2 lbs of pork loin, sliced into large pieces about 1/4 inch thick, and toss it into the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated in that flavorful goodness. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes – you can use this time to clean up a bit or maybe daydream about how amazing dinner will be.
Once your pork is done marinating, heat up your broiler or fire up the grill. You want it super hot. Cook the pork for about 2 minutes on each side until it’s just done. The smell will be absolutely irresistible.
After that, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This is an essential step – just like when you make a good steak, letting it rest helps keep all those juices in. Once it’s rested, slice the pork into thin strips.
And there you have it, Vietnamese Grilled Pork that’s bursting with flavor and ready to impress anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner. Enjoy!
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying the delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork, you might be wondering how to customize the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
You can easily swap the pork loin for chicken thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. If you’re out of shallots, green onions work well too.
For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or fresh sliced chili to your marinade. I also love experimenting with different sugars; coconut sugar adds a unique flavor.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the fish sauce and soy sauce to your preference—it’s all about making it your own!
What to Serve with Vietnamese Grilled Pork
Serving Vietnamese Grilled Pork can elevate your meal to a whole new level.
I love pairing it with jasmine rice for a fragrant base that complements the savory flavors. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add a burst of vibrancy, while pickled vegetables provide a tangy crunch.
You can’t go wrong with a side of vermicelli noodles, either. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it in a banh mi sandwich with crunchy veggies and spicy mayo.
And don’t forget a revitalizing iced tea or Vietnamese coffee to wash it all down. Trust me, these sides will make your dish unforgettable!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing Vietnamese Grilled Pork with the right sides can truly enhance your meal.
I love serving it with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables to balance the rich flavors. Don’t forget to drizzle some of that delicious caramel sauce over the pork for added sweetness.
If you’re grilling, keep an eye on the time; overcooking can dry it out. For extra flavor, try marinating the pork overnight.
And remember, presentation matters! Serve it on a colorful platter with herbs and lime wedges for a vibrant touch.
Enjoy experimenting and don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your taste!