Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops with Cilantro
Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with these Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chops. This dish features tender, juicy pork chops marinated in a fragrant mix of lemongrass, garlic, and shallots, delivering aromatic notes that perfectly complement the savory meat. Ideal for backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners, serve these grilled chops with a side of steamed white rice and a tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce for a complete meal. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe brings a taste of Vietnamese cuisine right to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
195
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
4 (Bone-in, about 1 inch thick)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (Granulated)
Garlic
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Shallots
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Lemongrass
2 stalks (Trimmed and roughly chopped)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Fresh ground)
Dark Soy Sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Fresh Cilantro
for garnishment (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a mini food processor, combine the sugar, garlic, shallots, and lemongrass. Pulse until minced to a paste-like consistency.
2
Stir in the black pepper, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and olive oil until well blended.
3
Place the pork chops in a large zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the chops until evenly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
4
Before grilling, take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated pork chops on the grill and close the lid. Grill for approximately 4 minutes on one side.
6
Flip the chops and grill for an additional 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Remove the chops from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes.
7
Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses four bone-in pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick.
How long should the pork chops marinate?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the pork chops in the marinade for a minimum of 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
What are the primary aromatics in the marinade?
The marinade features a fragrant mix of lemongrass, garlic, and shallots.
What is the target internal temperature for the grilled pork?
The pork chops should be grilled until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
How long do I need to grill the pork chops?
Grill the chops for approximately 4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
Should the pork chops be at room temperature before grilling?
Yes, take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before grilling.
Do I need to let the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the grill.
What kind of soy sauce is required?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for the marinade?
Trim and roughly chop 2 stalks of lemongrass, then pulse them in a food processor with other aromatics to form a paste.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories, 10g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
What side dishes are suggested for this meal?
It is recommended to serve these chops with steamed white rice and a tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a mini food processor or a small blender can be used to mince the sugar, garlic, shallots, and lemongrass into a paste.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce provide the essential savory and umami flavor characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.
What type of sugar should I use?
Use 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The instructions recommend closing the lid while grilling the pork chops.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients including the meat, aromatics, and seasonings.
When should I add salt to the pork?
Season both sides of the pork chops with salt just before placing them on the grill.
What kind of pepper is best for this marinade?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal recipe for summer and backyard barbecues.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredient list, the recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers vibrant, aromatic, and savory flavors with notes of lemongrass and garlic.
Can I use boneless pork chops?
While bone-in chops are specified for juiciness, you can use boneless chops, though cooking times may vary.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, while it requires marinating time, the actual grilling process takes less than 10 minutes.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Asian cuisine, specifically Vietnamese.
What are the dimensions of the pork chops?
The chops should be approximately 1 inch thick.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced garlic.
How much shallot is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced shallots.
What should I do if I don't have a zip-lock bag for marinating?
You can use a shallow glass dish, ensuring the chops are well-coated and covered before refrigerating.