Caramelized Vietnamese Grilled Pork (Thịt Nướng)
Indulge in the delightful flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with this recipe for Caramelized Grilled Pork, or Thịt Nướng. This dish features tender slices of pork loin marinated in a rich and aromatic blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a caramelized sugar sauce, which imparts a beautiful smoky-sweet flavor. The grilling enhances the meat’s juiciness and adds a charred essence, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or family meals. Serve it with rice, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables for a complete and authentic experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
shallots
2 large (sliced (white parts only))
fish sauce
2 teaspoons (liquid)
soy sauce
2 teaspoons (liquid)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (liquid)
pork loin
1 1/2 lbs (sliced into large pieces about 1/4 inch thick)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2
Allow the mixture to simmer until the sugar turns deep brown, about 15 minutes. While it cooks, prepare some hot water on a back burner.
3
Once the desired caramel color is achieved, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add 4 to 5 tablespoons of hot water, keeping the pan away from your face to avoid splattering. Stir to thin the sauce; it should coat the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool.
4
In a mixing bowl, pound or mince the shallots. Combine the shallots with fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, vegetable oil, and the cooled caramel marinade. Mix thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
5
Add the pork slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let the pork marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6
While the pork is marinating, preheat your broiler or prepare a charcoal or gas grill.
7
Once hot, grill the pork slices for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are just cooked through and have nice char marks.
8
After grilling, let the pork rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into thin strips. Serve with rice and your choice of fresh herbs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Vietnamese Grilled Pork?
Also known as Thịt Nướng, it is a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring pork loin marinated in a smoky-sweet blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, and caramel.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 lbs of pork loin.
How should the pork be sliced?
The pork loin should be sliced into large pieces approximately 1/4 inch thick before marinating.
What are the ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of sugar, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, vegetable oil, and a homemade caramel sauce.
How do I make the caramel sauce?
Combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water, boil until deep brown for 15 minutes, then thin with 4 to 5 tablespoons of hot water.
How long does the caramel take to cook?
The sugar and water mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes to reach the desired deep brown color.
Why must I add hot water to the caramel?
Hot water is added to thin the sauce to the proper consistency and prevent it from seizing or splattering excessively.
How should I prepare the shallots?
You should use 2 large shallots (white parts only), which can be either pounded or minced for the marinade.
How much fish sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of liquid fish sauce.
Is soy sauce included in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce are used to add depth and saltiness to the marinade.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to be fully absorbed.
What are the cooking options for the meat?
You can cook the pork using a broiler, a charcoal grill, or a gas grill.
How long do I grill the pork slices?
Grill the slices for approximately 2 minutes on each side until cooked through.
What indicates the pork is ready?
The pork is ready when it is cooked through and has visible char marks from the grill.
Should the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, let the pork rest for 10 to 15 minutes before you begin slicing it.
How should I serve the pork after it rests?
Slice the rested pork into thin strips and serve with rice and fresh herbs.
What traditional sides go well with this dish?
It is best served with rice, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables for an authentic experience.
Is the caramel sauce used immediately?
No, the caramel sauce should be set aside to cool before being mixed into the marinade.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients used to make this dish.
What type of sugar is best?
Granulated sugar is recommended for creating the caramel base.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, its smoky-sweet flavor and ease of grilling make it perfect for gatherings or family meals.
What flavor profile does the caramel provide?
The caramelized sugar sauce imparts a beautiful smoky-sweet essence to the meat.
Can I use a mortar and pestle for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions mention pounding the shallots, which is typically done with a mortar and pestle.
How do I prevent the caramel from splattering?
When adding water to the hot caramel, keep the pan away from your face and use hot water rather than cold.
What is the importance of the vegetable oil in the marinade?
The oil helps distribute flavors and ensures the meat remains juicy during the high-heat grilling process.
Is this dish considered Asian cuisine?
Yes, it is specifically categorized under Vietnamese and Asian cuisine.
Can this be prepared on a barbecue?
Yes, a charcoal or gas barbecue is an ideal way to achieve the traditional charred flavor.
What is the Vietnamese name for this dish?
The traditional Vietnamese name for this caramelized grilled pork is Thịt Nướng.