Teresa's Recipes
Suon Nuong (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops)
Suon Nuong is a beloved Vietnamese dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of the region. This recipe features succulent pork chops marinated in a delightful mixture of sweet honey, zesty lime, fragrant lemongrass, and savory fish sauce, resulting in a dish that's bursting with flavor. As you grill the chops, their edges caramelize to perfection, creating a mouthwatering char. Traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of Vietnamese dipping sauce, this dish captures the essence of home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. The origins of this dish can be traced back to street food vendors in Vietnam, where it is commonly served with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 4, bone-in or boneless Pork chops
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 stalk, minced Lemongrass
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to form a marinade.
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or for optimal flavor, overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it's clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Reserve the marinade for basting during grilling.
- Grill the pork chops for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char. Baste with the reserved marinade while grilling to enhance the flavor and moisture.
- Once done, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve the Suon Nuong hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice and a Vietnamese dipping sauce like nuoc cham for an authentic experience.
Tips
- For an extra kick, add sliced red chili to the marinade.
- If you prefer a more aromatic flavor, consider adding a few kaffir lime leaves to the marinade.
- This dish can also be prepared in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes if grilling isn't an option.