Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Vietnam! These Vietnamese Pork and Lemongrass Skewers are not just a meal; they’re an experience that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi. With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy tender, juicy pork infused with the zesty kick of lemongrass, making it a quick yet unforgettable culinary adventure. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality skewers right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Prepare the pork by slicing the pork shoulder into thin, uniform strips approximately 1/4 inch thick, ensuring each slice is roughly 2-3 inches long for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together to create a marinade with balanced sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors.
- Add the sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-3 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prior to cooking, soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Thread the marinated pork strips onto the soaked skewers, weaving the meat in a slight zigzag pattern to ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for caramelization.
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or barbecue to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
- Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve a nice char and ensuring the pork is cooked through with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, mint, or accompanied by a side of steamed rice and quick pickled vegetables.
Tips
- Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: While 30 minutes is the minimum marinating time, aim for 2-3 hours if you can. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the pork, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder is ideal for this recipe due to its fat content, which keeps the meat juicy while grilling. Make sure to slice it thinly for even cooking.
- Soak Your Skewers: Don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers! This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill, allowing your delicious skewers to shine.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. A medium-high heat helps achieve that beautiful char while keeping the pork tender and juicy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful bites.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add a refreshing touch. Consider serving your skewers with steamed rice and quick pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
