If you're craving a burst of flavor and a touch of Vietnamese cuisine in your kitchen, look no further than these Quick Easy Vietnamese Caramelized Ground Pork Rice Bowls! With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, this dish combines succulent ground pork with the perfect balance of sweetness and savory umami, making it a delightful meal for any night of the week. Imagine the fragrant aroma of caramelized pork wafting through your home, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Ready to impress your family and friends with a deliciously simple recipe that packs a punch? Let's dive into this culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat pan over medium-high heat without adding oil
- Add ground pork to the hot pan, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula
- Sprinkle sugar evenly over the ground pork and let it start to caramelize, stirring occasionally to prevent burning
- Cook pork for 5-6 minutes until it begins to brown and release its natural fat, creating a golden caramel color
- Add minced garlic and black pepper, stirring continuously to distribute flavors evenly
- Pour fish sauce over the pork, which will deepen the caramelization and add umami flavor
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until pork is fully cooked and has a rich, dark caramel color
- Remove from heat and let the meat rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to settle
- Divide cooked rice among four serving bowls
- Top each rice bowl with the caramelized ground pork
- Garnish with fresh cucumber slices and chopped cilantro
- Serve immediately while the pork is still hot and aromatic
Tips
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: To prevent the ground pork from sticking and ensure even caramelization, consider using a non-stick skillet or wok.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat while caramelizing the sugar. If it starts to darken too quickly, lower the heat to avoid burning the pork.
- Customize Your Garnishes: Feel free to add other fresh toppings like sliced radishes, green onions, or even a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat and serve over fresh rice for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Rice Variations: While white rice is traditional, try serving the pork over jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add Some Crunch: For added texture, serve with crushed peanuts or fried shallots on top of the bowls.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to add a bit more sugar while caramelizing the pork, but remember to balance it with the saltiness of the fish sauce. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
