Vietnamese BBQ Pork Chops (Sườn Nướng) are a popular and delicious dish often served with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles. The pork chops are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, and sugar, then grilled to perfection. The result is a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet dish with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. It’s often served with fresh vegetables, pickles, and sometimes a side of dipping sauce, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (preferably brown sugar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or palm sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
- 1-2 fresh chili peppers (optional, for spice)
Directions:
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Rinse the pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. You can slightly score the edges of the pork to prevent them from curling while cooking.
- Make the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, black pepper, honey (or palm sugar), vegetable oil, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Marinate the Pork Chops:
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to soak into the meat.
- Grill the Pork Chops:
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates or the pan with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Grill the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Serve:
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, along with pickled vegetables if desired. You can also drizzle some extra fish sauce or a dipping sauce on the side for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Vietnamese BBQ Pork Chops!
