Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam with these mouthwatering Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowls! This dish combines tender ground pork infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and chili, cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory caramelized sauce. It’s a delightful balance of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Whether served over fluffy rice, vermicelli noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option, these bowls are a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for Vietnamese cuisine.
In our home, Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowls are more than just a meal—they’re a culinary adventure that takes us on a journey to the vibrant streets of Hanoi. I still remember the first time I made them for my family; the fragrant aroma of ginger and garlic filled the kitchen, instantly transporting us to a bustling Vietnamese market. As we sat down to eat, the first bite was met with exclamations of delight, followed by requests for seconds. Since then, it’s become a beloved dish in our household, a reminder of the incredible flavors and experiences we’ve shared together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowls always bring a taste of Vietnam to our table.
Why This Recipe Deserves the Hype:
Discover why Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowls are a must-try dish:
- Bold Flavor Profile: From the aromatic ginger and garlic to the sweet and savory caramelized sauce, every bite is bursting with bold Vietnamese flavors.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether served over rice, vermicelli noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative, these bowls can be customized to suit your preferences.
- Classic Vietnamese Pairings: Garnish your bowls with sliced scallions/shallots and serve alongside fresh cucumber and carrots for a traditional Vietnamese dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 22.5 ml (1 1/2 tbsp) cooking oil (such as peanut oil)
- 1/2 onion, finely diced (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 2 tsp ginger, grated or minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tsp garlic paste)
- 1 bird’s eye or Thai chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- 454 grams (1 lb) ground pork (mince)
- 75 grams (5 tbsp) brown sugar
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) fish sauce
Serving:
- 1 green onion stem, finely sliced
- Cooked rice or vermicelli noodles
- Optional: sliced red chili, tomato, cucumber
Directions:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the diced onion, ginger, garlic, and chili to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until the pork is white all over, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and fish sauce, then allow the mixture to cook without stirring until the juices cook out and the pork begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Stir the mixture and allow it to cook without stirring again for around 30 seconds to further caramelize. Repeat this process two more times until the pork is caramelized to your liking.
- Serve the caramelized pork over cooked rice or vermicelli noodles, garnished with sliced green onion. Optionally, serve with sliced red chili, tomato, and cucumber on the side.
Notes:
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference.
- For a low-carb, low-calorie option, serve the caramelized pork over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite vegetables or herbs for added freshness and flavor.
