Imagine the sizzle of a perfectly grilled Vietnamese pork chop, its rich marinade of fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and lime juice creating an irresistible aroma.
You can almost taste the savory-sweet balance, with each bite promising a burst of flavor.
Pair it with fluffy Jasmine rice and fresh green onions, and you’re in for a culinary treat.
Curious about how to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Grill or Grill Pan
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Pair of Tongs
- 1 Meat Thermometer
- 1 Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Vietnamese Pork Chops, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Understanding the Recipe:
- Allow approximately 5 minutes to thoroughly read and understand the recipe before starting.
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- 0:00 – 0:02 minutes: Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- 0:02 – 0:05 minutes: Mince the garlic and chop green onions.
- 0:05 – 0:10 minutes: In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, garlic, black pepper, sugar, lime juice, water, sesame oil, and chili flakes to prepare the marinade.
- 0:10 – 0:12 minutes: Coat the pork chops with the marinade.
- 0:12 – 0:15 minutes: Place the marinated pork chops in the refrigerator.
- Marinating (15 minutes, overlap with prep work):
- Allow the pork chops to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes while you preheat the grill.
- Preheating the Grill (5 minutes, overlap with marinating):
- 0:15 – 0:20 minutes: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grilling (15 minutes):
- 0:20 – 0:21 minutes: Remove pork chops from the refrigerator.
- 0:21 – 0:28 minutes: Grill the pork chops for about 5-7 minutes on the first side, applying marinade as needed.
- 0:28 – 0:35 minutes: Flip the pork chops and grill for another 5-7 minutes on the second side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Resting (5 minutes):
- 0:35 – 0:40 minutes: Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest.
- Garnishing and Serving (2-3 minutes):
- 0:40 – 0:43 minutes: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.
Total time from start to finish including reading, prep, cooking, and resting: Approximately 43 minutes.
Recipe Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, garlic, black pepper, sugar, lime juice, water, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
Place the pork chops in the marinade and coat them well.
Let the pork chops marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them on the grill.
Grill the pork chops for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Use a basting brush to apply leftover marinade on the pork chops while grilling.
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of the pork chops.
- Pickled Vegetables: Adds a revitalizing and tangy contrast to the rich marinade.
- Fresh Herb Salad: A mix of cilantro, mint, and basil provides a vibrant, aromatic accompaniment.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Offers a crisp and slightly sweet side that balances the dish.
- Rice Vermicelli Noodles: A light and neutral base that absorbs the delicious flavors of the pork chops.
Storage
To store Vietnamese pork chops, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze Vietnamese pork chops, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Label with the date.
Consume within 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Vietnamese pork chops, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese Pork Chops are a delightful blend of flavors that bring the essence of Vietnamese cuisine to your table.
With a marinade that combines savory fish sauce, sweet honey, and tangy lime juice, these pork chops are both juicy and flavorful.
To achieve the perfect dish, it’s important to marinate the pork chops for at least 15 minutes.
This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a rich taste.
Grilling the pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F guarantees they’re cooked to perfection while remaining tender.
The resting period after grilling is essential. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its succulence.
Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions for an added burst of freshness.
Adjust the chili flakes to suit your spice preference, making this dish as mild or as spicy as you like.
Vietnamese Pork Chops are a versatile main course that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Enjoy this culinary experience with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Sides Pair Well With Vietnamese Pork Chops?
You can pair these pork chops with jasmine rice, which absorbs the flavorful juices nicely. Add a revitalizing cucumber salad for a crisp contrast or steamed bok choy for a tender, leafy green side that complements the dish well.
Can the Marinade Be Used on Other Meats?
You can definitely use the marinade on other meats like chicken or beef. It enhances flavor, offering a burst of savory and tangy notes. Just adjust marinating time based on the meat type for best results.
How Do I Make the Pork Chops Spicier?
To spice up the pork chops, add extra chili flakes or incorporate fresh chopped chilies into the marinade. Increase the amount gradually to match your heat tolerance. This will give the dish an exciting fiery kick!
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives for This Dish?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of pork. Marinate them in the same flavorful mixture, grill to perfection, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying alternative that’s packed with taste.
What Wine Pairs Well With Vietnamese Pork Chops?
You’ll want to pair these with a light, aromatic white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Their fruity, floral notes beautifully complement the savory, tangy flavors of the dish, enhancing your dining experience with every sip. Enjoy!
Vietnamese Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 Grill or Grill Pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 pair of tongs
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 Basting brush
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, garlic, black pepper, sugar, lime juice, water, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
- Place the pork chops in the marinade and coat them well.
- Let the pork chops marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them on the grill.
- Grill the pork chops for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Use a basting brush to apply leftover marinade on the pork chops while grilling.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
