How to Make Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice for Dinner

Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice, known as "Thịt Nướng," is a flavorful dish that combines marinated grilled pork with fragrant rice, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dipping sauce. This vibrant meal is perfect for dinner and can be made at home easily with the right ingredients and steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients

To prepare Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Marinade:

1 pound of pork shoulder (thinly sliced or ground)
2 tablespoons of sugar
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of minced shallots
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional)

For the Rice and Accompaniments:

2 cups of jasmine rice
Fresh vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, and herbs like mint and cilantro)
Circle of sliced pickled carrots and daikon (optional)
Chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

Start by preparing the pork. If you're using pork shoulder, slice it into thin pieces to enable better marinating and grilling. In a bowl, mix the sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, shallots, vegetable oil, black pepper, and sesame oil until combined. Add the pork to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated well. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes; for the best flavor, let it marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Rice

While the pork is marinating, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, generally using a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

3. Grill the Pork

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also use an outdoor grill if available. Cook the marinated pork for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until it develops a nice char and is cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary.

4. Assemble the Dish

To serve, place a generous scoop of jasmine rice on a plate. Layer the grilled pork on top and add fresh vegetables around the rice. Include a small portion of pickled vegetables for added flavor and texture. Drizzle with some chili sauce or soy sauce to taste.

5. Enjoy!

Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This dish not only makes for a fulfilling dinner but also offers a delightful blend of taste and nutrition. You can customize your plate with various fresh herbs and vegetables for an added crunch and burst of flavor.

Tips for the Best Vietnamese Grilled Pork

For extra tenderness and flavor, let the pork marinate overnight.
Experiment with different cuts of pork such as tenderloin or belly for varied flavors.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Add crushed peanuts or shallots on top for an extra crunch.

With this easy recipe, you can bring an authentic taste of Vietnam right into your home. Enjoy the delightful aromas and flavors of homemade Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice for dinner tonight!