You know that feeling when you take your first bite of a dish and it’s like a symphony playing in your mouth?
Well, our Vietnamese Pork & Rice recipe promises just that. It’s the kind of meal that’s a spicy dance party for your taste buds. If you’re ready for a flavorful adventure in your kitchen, let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
What is Vietnamese Pork & Rice?
Ah, Vietnamese cuisine! It’s like a treasure chest of culinary wonders. This dish, a Vietnamese Pork & Rice extravaganza, is a beautiful marriage of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s a recipe that speaks to the heart of Vietnamese food, where aromatic herbs and fresh ingredients rule the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Imagine this: juicy ground pork meets the fiery kiss of jalapeños, the comforting hug of brown sugar, and the umami-rich fish sauce. It’s like a whirlwind romance of flavors that’ll make you fall head over heels for this dish. Plus, it’s quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights.
Other Pork Recipes
Ingredients
Let’s get down to business with our ingredients:
- Green Beans: These bring a nice crunch and a splash of green to the party.
- Green Onions: They add a fresh, oniony zing.
- Ginger Paste: The secret weapon for a punch of aromatic warmth.
- Garlic: Because, well, garlic makes everything better!
- Jalapeño: The hero behind the spicy kick.
- Ground Pork: The star of the show, turning this into a hearty meal.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Sweet, rich, and essential for that irresistible caramelization.
- Fish Sauce: A little bottle of magic, it’s the key to that signature Vietnamese umami.
- Cilantro: Fresh, fragrant, and a burst of color for the final touch.
Substitutions & Additions
Feel free to dance to your own culinary tune! If you’re not a fan of pork, try ground chicken or turkey. And if spicy isn’t your jam, skip the jalapeños (though we highly recommend the adventure).
You can also toss in some extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even snow peas for added oomph.
How to Make this Recipe
So, here’s the scoop. Start by giving those green beans a sizzling sear until they’re slightly charred.
Then, in the same pan, create an aromatic playground with green onions, ginger, garlic, and jalapeño. T
he pork takes center stage next, getting browned and cozy with brown sugar and fish sauce.
Top it all off with a cilantro confetti and serve over a bed of rice. Ta-da!
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Caramelization Magic: Don’t rush the pork’s rendezvous with the brown sugar. That caramelization is where the enchantment happens.
- Extra Veggies: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in your favorite veggies for added texture and nutrients.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce as a fish sauce substitute if you’re gluten-sensitive.
- Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless version, swap pork with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian fish sauce.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Vietnamese Pork & Rice experience, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
Pair it with a side of quick pickled veggies for that perfect balance of flavors. It’s a delightful marriage of textures and tastes.
Storage Suggestions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll taste even better the next day. Just reheat gently in the microwave, and you’re back in flavor town.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use ground chicken instead of pork? Absolutely! It’ll give you a lighter twist on this dish.
Is fish sauce necessary? It’s a star ingredient, but you can use soy sauce if you’re not a fan of fish sauce.
How spicy is this dish with the jalapeños? The heat is there, but you can control it by removing the seeds or using fewer jalapeños.
Can I make it vegan? Swap out the pork for a meatless option and use a vegan fish sauce alternative.
What kind of rice works best? Jasmine rice is a great choice, but you can use any rice you love.
More Inspired Dishes
In the world of weeknight dinners, our Vietnamese Pork & Rice recipe is like the friendly neighbor who brings you a plate of deliciousness.
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s a party of flavors.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, whip up this dish, and savor a slice of Vietnam in your very own kitchen. Happy cooking, foodie friends! 🍽️✨
Vietnamese Pork & Rice
Ingredients
- 4 tsp vegetable oil divided
- 12 oz green beans trimmed
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 Tbsp ginger paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1 lb ground pork
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat 2 tsp of vegetable oil, over high heat, in a large skillet. Add the green beans, stir to coat, and cook until just starting to get tender and slightly charred on the outside; about 4-5 minutes. Remove to plate.
- Using the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil, and reduce the temperature to medium-high. Add the green onions, ginger, garlic, and minced jalapeño; stir to combine.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet and break apart with a spoon. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until starting to brown and almost cooked through.
- Add the brown sugar and fish sauce and stir well to combine. Cook for additional 4-6 minutes, until nearly all the liquid has reduced and the sugar has caramelized to the pork. Stir in the green beans to warm through.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve over a bed of rice, topped with cilantro and sesame seeds, if desired.
