How to Make Thịt Nướng: A Delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork Recipe

Thịt Nướng is a classic Vietnamese dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make. Known for its tender grilled pork, usually served with Bánh Hỏi, rice noodles, or in a bowl of Bún Thịt Nướng, this dish captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. Today, we’re diving deep into how to make this delectable grilled pork at home, with all the tricks and tips you need to achieve that authentic, mouthwatering flavor.

What is Thịt Nướng?

Thịt Nướng translates to “grilled meat” in Vietnamese, and it refers to marinated pork that’s grilled to perfection. The meat is typically pork shoulder, cut into thin slices, marinated with garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and various herbs. The grilling process gives the pork a smoky, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible. Thịt Nướng is often served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and crispy spring rolls, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Why is Thịt Nướng So Popular?

Thịt Nướng is a popular dish in Vietnam for many reasons:

• It’s simple to make and requires few ingredients.

• The grilling brings out a charred smokiness that pairs perfectly with the pork’s natural flavors.

• It’s versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as pickled vegetables, rice noodles, or salads.

Thịt Nướng isn’t just a dish – it’s a celebration of Vietnamese culture and flavors. Let’s dive into how you can make it at home!

Ingredients for Making Thịt Nướng

Before you fire up your grill or stovetop, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade and the pork:

• Pork Shoulder (or pork belly): 500g, thinly sliced

• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced

• Shallots: 2, finely chopped

• Fish Sauce: 2-3 tablespoons (the key to that rich umami flavor)

• Sugar: 2 tablespoons (balances the saltiness of the fish sauce)

• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (adds a citrusy zing)

• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon

• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (for richness)

• Ground Black Pepper: to taste

• Honey: 1 tablespoon (for a bit of sweetness)

• Fresh Herbs: such as cilantro and mint for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the pork and gives it a distinctive Vietnamese taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Thịt Nướng

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Start by selecting your pork cuts. The best choice is pork shoulder, as it’s tender and flavorful when grilled. If you prefer a fattier version, you can use pork belly. Slice the meat into thin strips, around 1/4 inch thick, for even grilling.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, and ground black pepper. Mix well until the sugar dissolves, and the ingredients are fully combined.

Tip: The key to a great marinade is balancing the salty, sweet, and sour flavors. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add a little more honey.

Step 3: Marinate the Pork

Add the sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, marinate the pork for up to 4 hours or overnight.

Pro Tip: The longer the pork marinates, the more intense the flavors will be. However, even a short marination time will result in a delicious dish!

Step 4: Grill the Pork

Once the pork is marinated, it’s time to cook! Heat your grill or stovetop griddle pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the pork strips for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they’re cooked through and have nice grill marks. The pork should be golden brown on the outside, while still juicy and tender on the inside.

Note: Be careful not to overcook the pork, as it can dry out quickly. The goal is a crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pork is grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve! Thịt Nướng is traditionally enjoyed with Bún Thịt Nướng (rice vermicelli noodles), topped with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables, crispy fried shallots, or spring rolls to add texture and flavor.

Drizzle some hoisin sauce or nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) over the top for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Thịt Nướng!

Tips for Making Perfect Thịt Nướng

• Marinate Well: Don’t rush the marinating process. For the best results, let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

• Control the Heat: Grilling at too high a temperature can cause the pork to burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. Medium heat ensures even cooking and a perfect char.

• Experiment with Spices: If you want to give your Thịt Nướng a unique twist, try adding a little five-spice powder or chili flakes for a spicier kick.

Variations of Thịt Nướng

Thịt Nướng with Bún

One of the most popular ways to enjoy Thịt Nướng is in a bowl of Bún Thịt Nướng. This dish combines grilled pork with Bún (Vietnamese rice noodles), fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s fresh, light, and absolutely delicious!

Thịt Nướng with Bánh Hỏi

Another classic pairing is Bánh Hỏi, thin rice vermicelli woven into delicate bundles. The grilled pork is served over the rice noodles, and the dish is typically topped with crispy shallots and a generous drizzle of nuoc cham.

FAQs About Thịt Nướng

Q: Can I use chicken instead of pork for Thịt Nướng?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute chicken for pork if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster than pork.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

A: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook Thịt Nướng on a stovetop griddle pan or in a broiler. The key is to get the pan hot enough to sear the pork.

Q: Can I make the marinade in advance?

A: Yes! You can make the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This will help the flavors develop even more.

Q: What’s the best dipping sauce for Thịt Nướng?

A: Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) is the classic choice. It’s made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili, offering a sweet, salty, and tangy contrast to the rich pork.

Conclusion

Making Thịt Nướng at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create this delicious Vietnamese dish that will transport you straight to the streets of Vietnam. Whether you serve it with noodles, rice, or just enjoy it on its own, this grilled pork recipe is sure to impress.

Try it today, and don’t forget to share your results with friends and family. Enjoy your meal!