Introduction
In this article, we’ll explore a delicious and aromatic dish featuring pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant mixture of lemongrass, garlic, and other savory ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those looking to bring a taste of Southeast Asia into their kitchen, making it a wonderful addition to your meal repertoire.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g (1 lb) pork shoulder, skinless and boneless
3 tablespoons canola oil
Marinade:
2 lemongrass stalks, white part only, bruised and sliced into 1 cm (0.4″) pieces
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
4 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce (all-purpose or light; not dark soy)
4 tablespoons brown sugar, tightly packed
3 tablespoons oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda (bi-carb)
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus 24 hours for marinating)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Pork:**
– Slice the pork shoulder into 8 equal pieces.
– Pound each piece to a thickness of 5mm (0.2″) using the jagged side of a meat mallet, placing the meat between sheets of go-between or freezer bags to prevent damage.
2. **Marinate:**
– In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.
– Add the pork slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
– Transfer the pork and marinade to a ziplock bag and refrigerate for 24 hours.
3. **Cook:**
– Remove the pork from the marinade, brushing off lemongrass pieces. Discard the marinade.
– Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke.
– Add 1.5 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
– Cook half of the pork slices for 1.5 minutes on one side, then 1 minute on the other, until nicely charred.
– Remove the cooked pork, scrape the pan clean of any burnt bits, and repeat with the remaining pork.
4. **Serve:**
– Serve the pork with rice and a side salad, or use it to prepare Vietnamese noodle bowls (bun thit nuong).
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pork:
– Slice the pork shoulder into 8 equal pieces.
– Pound each piece to a thickness of 5mm (0.2″) using the jagged side of a meat mallet. Place the meat between sheets of go-between or freezer bags to prevent damage during pounding.
Marinate:
– In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients: bruised and sliced lemongrass, minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, and baking soda.
– Add the pork slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
– Transfer the pork and marinade to a ziplock bag, seal it, and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
Cook:
– After marinating, remove the pork from the marinade and brush off any remaining lemongrass pieces. Discard the marinade.
– Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s hot and begins to smoke.
– Add 1.5 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
– Cook half of the pork slices for 1.5 minutes on one side until nicely charred, then flip and cook for an additional 1 minute on the other side.
– Once cooked, remove the slices and scrape the pan clean of any burnt bits before repeating the process with the remaining pork slices.
Serve:
– Serve the cooked pork with rice and a side salad, or use it to prepare Vietnamese noodle bowls (bun thit nuong).
Notes
Ingredient Preparation:
– When preparing lemongrass, ensure you only use the white parts for the marinade, as they are the most flavorful.
Pork Thickness:
– Pounding the pork to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
Marinating Time:
– The marinade time of 24 hours is crucial for the pork to absorb the flavors fully; do not skip or reduce this time.
Cooking Technique:
– Ensure the skillet is extremely hot before adding the pork; this helps achieve a nice char and prevents sticking.
Serving Suggestions:
– The pork can be enjoyed in various ways, be it with rice, a fresh salad, or as a component in noodle dishes.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Pork
Slice the pork shoulder into 8 equal pieces and pound each piece to 5mm (0.2″) thick for even cooking.
Marinating
Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl, add the pork slices, and refrigerate in a ziplock bag for 24 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Searing
Heat a cast iron skillet until it smokes, then add oil to sear the pork slices for a charred finish, ensuring to clean the pan between batches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cooked pork with rice and a side salad, or use it in Vietnamese noodle bowls (bun thit nuong) for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin can be used, but adjust cooking times as they may cook faster.
How do I know when the pork is done cooking?
The pork should have a deep golden-brown color and be charred on the edges; a meat thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
You can use soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and water, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Is the marinade suitable for other meats?
Yes, this marinade works well with chicken, beef, or tofu, but adjust marinating times based on the type of protein.
Can I marinate for less than 24 hours?
While 24 hours is ideal, you can marinate for as little as 2 hours for a quicker option, but the flavor may not be as intense.
Conclusion
The marinated pork shoulder, with its vibrant flavors from lemongrass, garlic, and lime, offers a tender and charred experience that is perfect for a variety of meals. This dish not only delivers an explosion of taste but also showcases the richness of Vietnamese cuisine. Serve it alongside rice or noodles for a satisfying and delicious meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pork Tacos
Use the marinated pork as a filling for soft or crunchy tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Asian Stir-Fry
Slice the cooked marinated pork into strips and toss it in a stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and baby corn, served over jasmine rice.
Pork Banh Mi
Transform the marinated pork into a delicious banh mi sandwich by placing it in a crusty baguette with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy mayo.
Pork Salad Bowl
Slice the cooked pork over a bed of mixed greens and top with avocado, cucumber, and a sesame-ginger dressing for a light and refreshing meal.
Pork Skewers
Thread marinated pork onto skewers and grill for a smoky flavor, perfect for serving as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
