This Easy Vietnamese Caramel Pork is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. Juicy pork is cooked in a sauce made from caramel, soy sauce, and spices. Yum!
Cooking this dish feels like magic as the sugar turns into caramel right in your pan. I love enjoying it with rice, soaking up all that delicious sauce! Trust me, it’s a family favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend pork shoulder for its tenderness and great flavor, but you can also use pork belly for a richer dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, lean cuts like pork loin will work too, though they won’t be as juicy.
Sugar: Rock sugar is traditional for its unique caramel flavor, but you can easily use regular white sugar. Brown sugar is a nice alternative too if you prefer a hint of molasses flavor in your dish.
Fish Sauce: This adds a lot of umami! If you’re vegetarian, try using soy sauce or mushroom sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
Chilies: I love adding fresh chilies for heat, but if you prefer milder flavors, simply leave them out or use bell peppers for a pop of color without the spice.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Caramel for This Recipe?
Making caramel can seem tricky, but it’s straightforward if you follow a few simple steps:
- Use a heavy pan or wok to ensure even heat. Avoid stirring too much at first to help the sugar melt uniformly.
- Watch the sugar closely as it melts. Once it starts to change color, swirl the pan gently instead of stirring.
- Once you reach a deep amber color, quickly add the pork to prevent burning. The sugar can go from perfect to burnt very quickly!
With a little patience and attention, you’ll master the caramel and take your dish to the next level! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Vietnamese Caramel Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp sugar (preferably white or rock sugar)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small piece ginger (about 1 inch), sliced
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 cup water or pork broth
- 1 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 fresh red chilies, sliced (optional for spice)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Zest of 1 lime (for garnish)
- Fresh cucumber slices (for serving)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 1 hour for cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in around 1 hour and 15 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramel:
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sugar and constantly stir until it melts and turns a deep amber caramel color. Be careful not to burn it! Once it reaches the right color, you’re ready for the pork.
2. Cook the Pork:
Immediately add the pork cubes to the caramel, stirring to coat each piece well. You’ll notice the pork starting to brown as it cooks—this is what gives it amazing flavor!
3. Add Aromatics:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced ginger. Sauté with the pork for about 2 minutes until everything is fragrant. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Stir to combine and let those flavors mingle.
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Add enough water or broth to almost cover the pork. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The pork will become tender, and the sauce will thicken to a beautiful glaze.
6. Final Touches:
Once the pork is tender, season it with black pepper. If you enjoy some heat, add sliced red chilies now. Stir everything thoroughly to bring the spice into the mix.
7. Serve:
Transfer the caramel pork to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced green onions and lime zest. It looks colorful and inviting!
8. Enjoy:
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice and fresh cucumber slices on the side. If you like, toss some mint leaves on top for a fresh touch!
This caramel pork is rich, flavorful, and has a delightful balance of sweet and savory—a true Vietnamese classic that’s easy to make at home! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can! While pork shoulder and pork belly are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may not be as juicy, so be careful not to overcook them.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add more sliced red chilies or include a dash of chili powder. You can also use a spicy sauce like sriracha in the final stages of cooking to up the heat level!
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the pork with the sauces the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to seep in. Cook it fresh the next day when you’re ready to eat!
What Should I Serve with Vietnamese Caramel Pork?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Fresh cucumber slices and a simple salad also make great accompaniments. Feel free to include some fresh herbs like mint for added flavor!
