How to Make Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Hoisin Sauce

Vietnamese grilled pork is a delectable dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe, which is often served with rice or in a banh mi sandwich, is elevated by a rich hoisin sauce that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. Below is a straightforward guide on how to make Vietnamese grilled pork with hoisin sauce.

Ingredients

To make this authentic Vietnamese grilled pork, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 500 grams of pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of minced shallots
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Hoisin sauce for serving
  • Chopped peanuts and fresh herbs (like cilantro and mint) for garnish

Marinating the Pork

To begin, you’ll want to marinate the pork to ensure it absorbs all the wonderful flavors:

  1. In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced shallots, black pepper, and vegetable oil.
  2. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Grilling the Pork

Once your pork has marinated, it’s time to grill:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Using skewers, thread the marinated pork slices onto the skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  3. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the pork is cooked through and has a slightly charred appearance.
  4. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

Serving the Dish

To serve your delicious Vietnamese grilled pork:

  1. Place the grilled pork skewers on a serving platter.
  2. Drizzle with hoisin sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
  3. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
  4. This dish is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice or wrapped in a banh mi style sandwich.

Tips for the Best Grilled Pork

Here are a few tips to elevate your Vietnamese grilled pork:

  • For extra tenderness, consider using a meat mallet to lightly pound the pork slices before marinating.
  • Experiment with additional spices like five-spice powder for a unique flavor twist.
  • Ensure that the grill is hot enough before placing the pork to achieve that desired char.

With this recipe, you can whip up a delicious Vietnamese grilled pork dish that is sure to impress family and friends. Serve it with your favorite sides, and savor the captivating flavors of Vietnam right at home!