Description
Looking for a quick and easy Vietnamese pork recipe that’s a taste of childhood? Try this flavorful and tender braised Vietnamese pork. No marinating or caramelizing needed—just simple, delicious home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 shallot (finely diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (finely diced)
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced; whites and greens separated)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 12 fl oz can Coco Rico coconut soda
- Salt (to taste if needed)
- Red chilies (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pork: Trim off excess fat, but leave some for flavor. Slice the pork shoulder into ½-inch thick large pieces.
- Prepare aromatics: Dice the shallot and garlic finely. Thinly slice the green onion, keeping the whites and greens separate.
- Pan fry: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the pork directly into the skillet in a single layer. Pan fry until it starts to brown and caramelize, about 4 minutes per side.
- Toast aromatics: Once you have a layer of rendered pork fat/oil, add the aromatics (shallots, garlic, and whites of green onions) and sauté for a few seconds in the oil until fragrant.
- Braise: Add fish sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, MSG (optional), and coconut soda. Braise, uncovered, on a low simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens to a bubbly glaze, about 20 minutes. Taste and add salt, if needed.
- Finish: Garnish with green parts of the green onion and optional red chilies. Serve with steamed rice and choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese