Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops

Method5 steps · about 2 hr 50 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare the pork: if you are using pork shoulder, slice it into chops about 3/4 to 1 inch thick; if using pork chops (6), lightly score the edges so they don't curl. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.

   Uses 6 pork chops, sliced into chops (or pork shoulder sliced into chops)

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Make the marinade by mixing the minced lemongrass (2 tbsp), six minced garlic cloves, grated ginger (1.5 tsp), soy sauce (1.5 tbsp), marinade fish sauce (1 tbsp), honey (1.5 tbsp), brown sugar (1.5 tbsp) and measured marinade oil (1.5 tbsp) in a bowl until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

   Uses 2 tbsp lemongrass, finely minced · 6 clove garlic, minced · 1.5 tsp ginger, grated · 1.5 tbsp soy sauce · 1 tbsp fish sauce · 1.5 tbsp honey · 1.5 tbsp brown sugar · 1.5 tbsp neutral oil

3. 3

   Step 3: Marinate the pork: add the chops to the marinade, coat them evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Take the pork out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.

   Minimum pork marination · 120 minUses Prepared pork chops · Lemongrass, garlic and ginger marinade

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Make the nuoc cham: dissolve the sugar (2.5 tbsp) in the warm water (0.25 cup), stir in the fish sauce (2 tbsp) and lime juice (2 tbsp), then add the garlic (3 clove) and chilies. Taste, adjust the balance, and set it aside.

   Uses 0.25 cup water, warm · 2.5 tbsp sugar · 2 tbsp fish sauce, for the nuoc cham · 2 tbsp lime juice · 3 clove garlic, finely minced; for the nuoc cham · 2 bird’s-eye chilies, finely chopped; adjust to taste

   
5. 5

   Step 5: Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with the extra oil. Sear the marinated chops for about 3–4 minutes per side to brown, then lower the heat and continue until the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F); thicker chops take longer. Lower the heat earlier if the marinade sugars darken too quickly. Rest for at least 3 minutes before serving with the prepared nuoc cham.

   Brown pork — each side · 3 minUses Marinated pork chops · a drizzle neutral oil · Prepared nuoc cham