This Easy Vietnamese Caramel Pork is sweet, savory, and oh-so-tasty! It’s made with tender pork, a rich caramel sauce, and some fragrant spices that make dinner a treat.
Once the smell fills the kitchen, your family will come running! I love serving it with jasmine rice, so you can soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s simple and sure to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork shoulder is great for its flavor and tenderness, but pork belly gives an extra richness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chicken thighs work well too!
Sugar: Use brown sugar for its deep flavor, but palm sugar is traditional in Vietnamese cooking. If you don’t have either, regular granulated sugar will work, though the taste will be slightly different.
Fish Sauce: This is a key ingredient that adds umami. If you’re vegetarian or looking for fish-free options, try using soy sauce for a similar salty kick, or coconut aminos for a milder taste.
Red Chili: This is optional if you prefer milder flavors. A dash of chili flakes can also substitute if you don’t have fresh chili.
How Do You Make Perfect Caramel for This Dish?
Creating a deep amber caramel is essential for flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start heating the oil on medium heat before adding sugar. This helps prevent sticking.
- Stir gently as sugar melts to prevent it from burning. Watch it closely; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
- Once the caramel reaches the right color, add garlic and ginger right away to prevent it from hardening.
Taking your time with the caramel ensures a rich, flavorful base for your dish. Enjoy the process, and don’t rush it!
Easy Vietnamese Caramel Pork Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons sugar (preferably palm sugar or brown sugar)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation time, and then you’ll need to let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. In total, set aside about 1 hour and 10 minutes for cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramel:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sugar. Stir gently as the sugar melts, watching very closely until it turns into a deep amber caramel—be careful not to let it burn!
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
As soon as the caramel forms, quickly add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir well to combine, letting the fragrant aroma fill your kitchen.
3. Add the Pork:
Now, add the pork cubes to the pan. Stir well to coat the pork evenly in the delicious caramel sauce.
4. Mix in Sauces and Water:
Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and water. Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are combined.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pan with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened nicely.
6. Spice It Up:
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add freshly ground black pepper and the sliced red chili if you’re using it. This will infuse the dish with a delightful kick!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and lime zest over the pork, adding a fresh pop of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Vietnamese Caramel Pork hot alongside steamed jasmine rice and fresh cucumber slices. Enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends!
Your delectable Vietnamese Caramel Pork dinner is ready to impress tonight!
FAQ about Easy Vietnamese Caramel Pork
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or belly works best for this recipe, you can also use pork tenderloin or boneless chicken thighs as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner cuts will cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! Fish sauce adds a unique umami flavor, but you can substitute it with soy sauce for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, coconut aminos are an excellent fish-free alternative that still delivers on flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture if necessary.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, consider adding more sliced red chili or even a pinch of chili flakes. You can also serve additional chili sauce on the side for those who want an extra kick!
