This dish brings together the aromatic flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and lime, creating an irresistible marinade that tenderizes the pork to perfection. The baking soda ensures that even the tougher cuts of pork shoulder are juicy and tender, while the high-heat grilling gives them a delicious charred flavor, reminiscent of Vietnamese street food.
Whether served with coconut rice, a fresh salad, or in a traditional noodle bowl, these lemongrass pork steaks offer a satisfying meal with bold flavors. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests.
Full Recipe:
- 500g/1 lb pork shoulder (skinless and boneless)
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 2 lemongrass stalks, white part only, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (light)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
Directions:
- Cut the pork shoulder into 8 thin slices, pound each slice to about 5mm thickness.
- In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients: lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and baking soda.
- Add the pork slices to the marinade, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or BBQ on high. Cook the pork for 1.5 minutes on one side, then 1 minute on the other until nicely charred.
- Serve with rice, a fresh salad, or in a noodle bowl.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Steaks: A Journey Through Authentic Vietnamese Flavors
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and perfect balance between salty, sweet, sour, and spicy elements. Among its many beloved dishes, Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Steaks, or “thịt nướng sả,” stand out as a prime example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something extraordinary. This dish is deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, and its popularity transcends borders due to its fragrant marinade, tender texture, and versatility in how it’s served.
The Essence of Lemongrass in Vietnamese Cooking
Lemongrass is one of the most distinctive ingredients in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Vietnamese cooking. Known for its fresh, citrus-like flavor, lemongrass is the backbone of the marinade used for these pork steaks. It adds a brightness that cuts through the richness of the pork while providing a subtle earthy undertone that enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
In Vietnam, lemongrass is used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stir-fries and grilled meats. Its ability to infuse meats with flavor while also tenderizing them makes it an invaluable ingredient for grilling. When used in the marinade for these pork steaks, the lemongrass not only flavors the meat but also helps it achieve the perfect texture when cooked over high heat.
The Secret to Tenderizing Tough Cuts of Pork
One of the standout aspects of this recipe is its use of an economical cut of pork—pork shoulder. Typically, pork shoulder is a tough, fatty cut of meat that requires slow cooking to break down its fibers and achieve tenderness. However, in this recipe, a unique method is used to transform the pork shoulder into something tender and juicy, even when cooked quickly on the grill or in a skillet.
The key to this transformation is a combination of thin slicing, pounding the meat to an even thickness, and marinating it with a small amount of baking soda. The baking soda serves as a tenderizing agent, breaking down the proteins in the pork and ensuring that the meat remains tender, even if it’s cooked at high temperatures. This method allows you to achieve the same tenderness you would expect from a more expensive cut of pork, such as tenderloin, but at a fraction of the cost.
The Art of Balancing Flavors
Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance, and this dish is no exception. The marinade for these pork steaks perfectly encapsulates the fundamental flavor balance that Vietnamese food is known for. The salty elements come from fish sauce and soy sauce, both of which provide depth and umami to the meat. These are balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar, which not only enhances the flavor but also helps to caramelize the pork as it cooks, creating a beautiful charred crust.
Lime juice adds the necessary acidity to brighten the dish, while garlic brings a savory, aromatic quality that ties everything together. This combination of ingredients creates a marinade that is both deeply flavorful and nuanced, allowing the pork to shine without overwhelming the senses. When cooked, the meat absorbs the marinade’s flavors, resulting in juicy, tender pork with a slightly smoky, charred exterior—a hallmark of Vietnamese street food.
Vietnamese Street Food at Home
In Vietnam, dishes like lemongrass pork are commonly sold by street vendors, grilled over open flames, and served with a variety of accompaniments. One of the most popular ways to enjoy this dish is in “bún thịt nướng,” a Vietnamese noodle salad. Thin rice noodles are topped with the grilled pork, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, pickled vegetables, and crushed peanuts, all served with “nước chấm,” a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chili.
While this recipe for lemongrass pork steaks can be enjoyed on its own, it’s incredibly versatile and can be paired with many traditional Vietnamese side dishes. Some popular options include coconut rice, Vietnamese fried rice, or even a simple green salad dressed with a light sesame or lime-based vinaigrette. This adaptability makes the dish perfect for home cooks looking to recreate authentic Vietnamese street food experiences in their own kitchens.
Cooking Techniques: Charred Perfection Without the Grill
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s designed to be cooked indoors, making it accessible to everyone, no matter the season. While traditional Vietnamese street vendors cook their lemongrass pork on skewers over hot coals, this recipe uses a cast iron skillet or a stove-top grill pan to achieve the same charred effect.
The high heat cooking method used in this recipe ensures that the pork develops a rich, caramelized crust while remaining tender on the inside. The sugar in the marinade helps the pork caramelize quickly, which is why it’s important to watch the meat closely to avoid burning. Despite the quick cooking time—just 1.5 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other—the pork becomes infused with the bold flavors of the marinade and takes on that signature charred flavor associated with Vietnamese street food.
Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these lemongrass pork steaks can be dressed up or down depending on the sides and presentation. For a simple, hearty meal, serve the pork steaks with jasmine rice and a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw. If you’re in the mood for something more elaborate, try recreating a Vietnamese noodle bowl by pairing the pork with rice noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and plenty of “nước chấm.”
Another great way to enjoy this dish is as part of a larger Vietnamese-inspired spread. You could serve the pork alongside fresh spring rolls, shrimp summer rolls, or a light papaya salad to create a meal that’s both fresh and satisfying. The lemongrass pork also makes a fantastic filling for banh mi sandwiches, adding a smoky, savory element to the crunchy baguette and pickled vegetables.
Conclusion: The Magic of Simple Ingredients
In many ways, this recipe exemplifies what makes Vietnamese cuisine so beloved around the world—it takes humble, everyday ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. The combination of tenderized pork shoulder, fragrant lemongrass, and the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just beginning to explore the world of Vietnamese cooking, these lemongrass pork steaks are a fantastic entry point. They offer an authentic taste of Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture, while also being accessible and easy to prepare in your own kitchen. Plus, the versatility of this dish means it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from noodle bowls to salads to sandwiches.
The next time you’re looking to bring a taste of Vietnam into your home, give this recipe a try. With its bold flavors, tender texture, and charred, smoky finish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Whether served with rice, noodles, or as part of a larger meal, Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Steaks are a surefire way to impress your family and friends with the delicious simplicity of Vietnamese cuisine.