Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chop Recipe A Flavorful Dish You Can Make at HomeVietnamese cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic flavors, combining sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements into dishes that are both satisfying and vibrant. One of the standout recipes in Vietnamese cooking is the lemongrass pork chop. This dish combines the savory flavors of pork with the fragrant notes of lemongrass, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. If you’re looking to try a dish that brings the authentic taste of Vietnam to your kitchen, this recipe for Vietnamese lemongrass pork chops is the perfect place to start.
What Is Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chop?
Vietnamese lemongrass pork chop (Sườn nướng sả) is a grilled or pan-fried dish made with marinated pork chops that are infused with the fresh, citrusy aroma of lemongrass. The marinade typically includes other essential ingredients like garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and soy sauce, which give the pork its rich flavor. The pork chops are cooked until they’re caramelized on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of fragrant goodness. This dish is commonly served with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and sometimes fried egg for a complete and satisfying meal.
The star of the dish is the lemongrass, which provides a fresh and aromatic flavor. It’s often paired with other herbs and spices, making it a perfect blend of Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Ingredients You Need for Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chop
To make this dish at home, you will need the following ingredients
For the Marinade
-
Pork chops – Choose bone-in or boneless pork chops, depending on your preference. Bone-in chops tend to have more flavor.
-
Lemongrass stalks – Fresh lemongrass is essential for the authentic flavor of this dish. Make sure to finely chop or bruise the stalks to release their fragrant oils.
-
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are crushed or minced to enhance the flavor.
-
Fish sauce – This savory sauce is a key ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, adding depth to the marinade.
-
Soy sauce – Provides saltiness and richness.
-
Sugar – White sugar or palm sugar balances the savory and tangy elements.
-
Black pepper – Adds a mild heat and complements the flavors of the lemongrass and garlic.
-
Vegetable oil – Used to help coat the pork and ensure it cooks evenly.
For Serving
-
Steamed white rice – A simple side that complements the rich flavors of the pork.
-
Pickled vegetables – Pickled carrots and daikon radish (also known as Đồ chua) provide a crunchy and tangy contrast to the savory pork.
-
Fried egg (optional) – Some variations of the dish include a fried egg, which adds a creamy texture when served with the pork and rice.
How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chop
Step 1 Prepare the Pork Chops
Start by washing and patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel. If you’re using bone-in pork chops, you can trim off any excess fat. Score the surface of the pork chops lightly with a sharp knife. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and create a more flavorful dish.
Step 2 Make the Marinade
To make the marinade, start by preparing the lemongrass. Trim off the tough ends of the lemongrass stalks and peel away the outer layers. Finely chop or bruise the stalks with the side of a knife to release their fragrance. Add the lemongrass to a bowl along with minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the sugar dissolves and all the flavors meld together.
Step 3 Marinate the Pork Chops
Place the prepared pork chops into a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Use your hands or tongs to massage the marinade into the pork, making sure the chops are evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate the pork for up to 2 hours or overnight.
Step 4 Cook the Pork Chops
You can cook the pork chops either on a grill or in a skillet, depending on what you have available.
-
Grilling Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated pork chops on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the pork is fully cooked and has a nice caramelized crust. Be careful not to overcook the pork to keep it juicy and tender.
-
Pan-frying Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the pork cook more evenly.
Step 5 Serve and Enjoy
Once the pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the lemongrass pork chops with steamed white rice, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg if desired. The pickled vegetables add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork, while the egg brings a creamy texture that complements the dish.
Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chop
-
Use fresh lemongrass For the best flavor, always use fresh lemongrass. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or even in some larger supermarkets. If you can’t find it, you may be able to substitute with lemongrass paste, but fresh is always better.
-
Adjust the sweetness If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add a bit more sugar. If you like your dish a little tangier, increase the amount of fish sauce or add a splash of lime juice.
-
Marinate longer for more flavor While 30 minutes will suffice, marinating the pork for a longer period (up to 2 hours) will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
-
Don’t overcook the pork Overcooking pork chops can make them tough and dry. Be sure to monitor the cooking time and remove the pork from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
Variations of Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chop
While this recipe is for the traditional grilled or pan-fried pork chops, there are a few variations that you can experiment with
-
Lemongrass Pork Skewers Cut the pork into smaller pieces and skewer them for grilling. This version is great for serving at parties or as an appetizer.
-
Lemongrass Pork Stir-Fry If you’re short on time, you can stir-fry the marinated pork with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.
Vietnamese lemongrass pork chops offer a delicious balance of savory, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce creates a tantalizing aroma and depth of flavor that make each bite irresistible. Paired with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg, this dish is a complete and satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Vietnam right to your table.