Suon Nuong (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops)

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.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Pork chops (4, bone-in or boneless)
  • Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish))
  • Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Lime juice (2 tablespoons)
  • Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
  • Honey (2 tablespoons)
  • Fish sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Lemongrass (1 stalk, minced)
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it's clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the pork chops from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Reserve the marinade for basting during grilling.
  5. 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.
  6. Once done, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
  7. 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.

Dietary Information

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