This Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowl is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The rich caramelized pork combined with the sharp bite of fish sauce and the umami of soy and oyster sauce is a flavor-packed experience. The dish is served over fluffy jasmine rice, making it the ideal comfort food.
It’s simple to make, yet impressive in flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, it adds a bright contrast to the richness of the pork, bringing the whole dish together for a delightful, satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
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500g (1 lb) pork mince
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons fish sauce
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, chopped
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1/2 cup water
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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Cooked jasmine rice, to serve
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Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
Directions:
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In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add pork mince, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
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Stir in brown sugar and cook until it melts and caramelizes slightly, about 2 minutes.
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Add fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar, mixing well to combine.
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Pour in water, add black pepper and chili flakes (if using). Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce and thicken for about 10 minutes.
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Serve the caramelized pork over jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls are a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish that combines the rich, savory taste of pork mince with the sweet caramelization that transforms the flavor into something irresistible. This dish is inspired by traditional Vietnamese caramel pork, offering a modern and simplified take on this classic recipe. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, as it uses ingredients that are easy to find and already common in many households. Despite its minimal ingredients list, it bursts with authentic Vietnamese flavors, making it a beloved choice for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.
Caramelized pork is a popular dish in Vietnam, usually made with larger cuts of pork. However, this quick recipe uses pork mince, making it a more affordable and convenient option without sacrificing the complex, rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy with its savory, slightly sweet profile and delicious caramelized texture.
The Secret Behind the Caramelization Process
What truly sets this Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowl apart is the caramelization process. Caramelizing pork mince gives it a golden-brown, crispy edge that adds a deep, rich flavor. This technique is not commonly seen with ground meats, making the dish a standout. The caramelization happens when sugar is added to the pork, allowing the sugar to melt and form a syrup-like glaze. The pork absorbs these flavors, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and savoriness.
The key to achieving the perfect caramelized pork is patience. Once the sugar is added to the pan, the pork should be left undisturbed for a few minutes to allow the caramelization to occur. Stirring too early can prevent the meat from browning properly, so it’s essential to let it sit and develop that beautiful caramel color. The result is a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor that’s irresistible.
What Makes Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Unique
The unique combination of ingredients is what makes this Vietnamese caramelized pork recipe truly shine. It includes a blend of garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and brown sugar, all of which are commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. The fish sauce provides an umami depth, while the brown sugar adds sweetness, which is necessary for the caramelization process. For an added burst of fragrance and freshness, a dash of lemongrass can be included, although it’s optional.
Lemongrass, though not a pantry staple in every home, is a traditional herb in Vietnamese cooking. It adds a citrusy note that complements the rich and savory flavors of the pork. If you can find fresh lemongrass, finely chop the white part and add it to the pan when cooking the garlic and ginger for an added dimension of flavor.
Versatility of the Recipe
While pork mince is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other types of meat, including chicken, turkey, or even beef. Pork and chicken are particularly well-suited for this recipe because they tend to cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you prefer leaner meats, ground turkey works wonderfully, though it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor as pork. The recipe is flexible enough that you can tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs, making it a great option for various occasions and preferences.
For a low-carb alternative, you can serve this dish over cauliflower rice instead of traditional jasmine rice. This will drastically cut down on the carbohydrate count while still providing a filling meal. The savory caramelized pork pairs beautifully with the light texture of cauliflower rice, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing taste.
How to Serve Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls
Traditionally, this dish is served over a bed of jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce, but it can also be served over vermicelli noodles for a lighter, more refreshing take. The caramelized pork, rich in flavor, blends seamlessly with the rice, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. To complete the meal, serve it with a side of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, shredded lettuce, and carrots, which add crunch and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
A classic Vietnamese meal often includes a side salad, such as an Asian slaw, or a light cucumber and tomato salad. These sides balance out the richness of the pork and bring a touch of freshness to the meal. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, a shredded lettuce and cucumber mix makes the meal feel more like a traditional Vietnamese noodle bowl. The addition of a fresh salad or vegetable sides also makes the dish more vibrant and visually appealing.
For a truly authentic Vietnamese experience, add a drizzle of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) on the side. This tangy, savory sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, lime, and chili is the perfect accompaniment to any Vietnamese dish and adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the richness of the caramelized pork.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
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Use Lean Pork Mince: For a healthier version, opt for lean pork mince with about 10% fat content. This will ensure that the dish is flavorful without being overly greasy.
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Be Patient with Caramelization: The secret to the perfect caramelized pork is letting the sugar cook without stirring too soon. Allow the pork to sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that deep caramelization.
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Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili or use a hotter variety of chili, such as a Thai bird’s eye chili. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for kids or those who prefer less spice, you can skip the chili altogether.
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Fresh Herbs and Garnishes: Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime can take this dish to the next level. These garnishes brighten up the flavors and add a fresh, aromatic finish to the rich caramelized pork.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Though this recipe isn’t low in calories, it is relatively balanced in terms of macronutrients. Pork mince provides a solid amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, while the addition of vegetables on the side can help increase your intake of fiber and vitamins. The caramelization process also helps reduce the need for added sauces, which can sometimes be high in sugar and sodium.
For those looking to reduce carbs, cauliflower rice is a great substitute for traditional rice. It’s low in calories and carbs, making it a suitable option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. Additionally, using lean pork mince reduces the fat content while still keeping the dish flavorful.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls are an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of Vietnam to your kitchen. The rich, savory pork combined with the sweet caramelization and the slight heat from the chili creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you choose to serve it over rice or vermicelli noodles, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the depth of flavor makes this a must-try recipe for anyone looking to explore the tastes of Vietnamese cuisine.
By making this dish, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of a Vietnamese specialty without the complexity. The recipe is versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences, and its quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy evenings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a family, these Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls are sure to become a new favorite.