Thịt Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers) is a popular and beloved dish that combines tender marinated pork with a perfect char from the grill. The pork is marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, soy, fish sauce, and honey, creating a sweet, savory, and aromatic flavor profile. It’s commonly served with rice, vermicelli noodles, or in a Bánh Mì sandwich, and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 lbs Thinly Sliced Pork Shoulder
  Marinade:

• 2 stalks lemongrass, minced

• 2 tbsp minced shallots

• 2 tbsp minced garlic

• 4 tbsp oyster sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp oil

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork: Thinly slice the pork shoulder.

2. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine minced lemongrass, shallots, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, oil, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate the pork for at least one hour, ideally overnight for better flavor.

3. Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

4. Thread the Pork: Slide the marinated pork slices onto the skewers, ensuring there are no loose pieces dangling off.

5. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-375°F). Grill the pork skewers for 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot with your favorite sides like rice or vermicelli noodles.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250 per skewer

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 800mg

The Magic of the Marinade: Bold and Aromatic Flavors

The success of Thịt Nướng lies in the marinade, which is a well-balanced mixture of both savory and sweet ingredients. The lemongrass is the star of the show, lending a bright, citrusy aroma that elevates the dish and gives it an unmistakable Vietnamese signature. The shallots and garlic bring savory depth to the marinade, while oyster sauce adds richness and a touch of umami. The soy sauce provides a saltiness that balances the other ingredients, and the fish sauce contributes a deeper, fermented flavor that’s foundational in many Southeast Asian dishes.

A key component in the marinade is the honey, which not only adds a subtle sweetness but also helps to achieve a nice caramelization on the grill, giving the pork skewers a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight crispiness on the outside. Together, these ingredients combine to form a marinade that enhances the pork’s natural flavor and makes each bite a fragrant, flavorful experience.

Preparation: Marinating the Pork for Maximum Flavor

To make Thịt Nướng, begin by thinly slicing the pork shoulder into manageable strips. The thin slices ensure that the marinade can deeply penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor. Once the pork is sliced, prepare the marinade by combining the minced lemongrass, shallots, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl. The sesame seeds add a slight nuttiness to the marinade, complementing the sweetness from the honey and the saltiness from the sauces.

Once the marinade is mixed, toss the sliced pork into the bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to marinate the pork for at least one hour, though marinating overnight is ideal as it allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it even more tender and aromatic.

Preparing the Skewers: Ensuring a Perfect Grill

Before grilling, soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during the grilling process. Soaking the skewers ensures that they don’t char or break under the heat of the grill, allowing them to safely hold the marinated pork as it cooks. Once the skewers are soaked, thread the pork slices onto them, making sure the pieces are evenly spaced and there are no loose bits dangling off the skewer.

Threading the pork evenly onto the skewers ensures that each piece cooks uniformly, creating a consistent texture and a delicious grilled char on every bite. This step is essential for achieving that perfect, balanced grill.

Grilling the Pork Skewers: Perfecting the Char

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-375°F) to achieve the ideal cooking temperature. When grilling, it’s important to get the right heat—not too high, or the outside of the pork will burn before the inside cooks through, and not too low, or it will take too long to cook and lose its tenderness.

Grill the pork skewers for 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F. This ensures that the pork is thoroughly cooked and tender, with a juicy interior and slightly crispy exterior. The grilling process also caramelizes the marinade, resulting in a beautiful golden-brown char and a sweet, smoky aroma that is irresistible.

During grilling, you can brush the pork with extra marinade to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Make sure to turn the skewers occasionally, allowing the pork to cook evenly on all sides.

Garnishing and Serving: A Flavorful Finish

Once the Thịt Nướng skewers are perfectly grilled, it’s time to garnish with sesame seeds to add a final touch of flavor and texture. The sesame seeds give a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pork. Garnishing is a simple but essential step that adds visual appeal and elevates the dish.

Thịt Nướng is traditionally served with a variety of sides, including steamed rice for a classic combination, or vermicelli noodles for a lighter, more refreshing option. It’s also commonly served in a Bánh Mì sandwich, where the skewers are placed inside a crusty baguette with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili for a fusion of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed on their own, with rice, or as part of a sandwich, Thịt Nướng is a dish that will surely please a crowd.

The Nutritional Profile of Thịt Nướng

Each skewer of Thịt Nướng is approximately 250 calories and contains:

• 30g of protein, making it an excellent source of lean protein from the pork.

• 8g of carbohydrates, primarily from the honey and any accompanying side dishes such as rice or noodles.

• 12g of fat, which comes from the pork and oil used for grilling.

• 1g of fiber, thanks to the sesame seeds and pork.

• 800mg of sodium, due to the fish sauce and soy sauce, so it’s best to pair with a light side dish like fresh vegetables to balance out the salt content.

The high protein content, along with moderate fat and carbohydrate levels, makes Thịt Nướng a balanced dish that can be enjoyed as a main meal or appetizer.

Conclusion: A Vietnamese Favorite Perfected

Thịt Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers) is a flavorful, aromatic dish that combines tender pork with a perfectly charred exterior, thanks to a fragrant marinade of lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, and honey. The grilling process adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweet and savory marinade, making each bite a satisfying experience. Whether served with rice, vermicelli noodles, or in a Bánh Mì sandwich, Thịt Nướng is a versatile dish that fits any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings. With its perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and smoky char, Thịt Nướng is a Vietnamese classic that will continue to delight your taste buds for years to come.