This sweet and savory Vietnamese Caramelized Pork is ideal for a convenient, flavorful meal any night of the week.
When I finally figured out how to cook ground meat without ending up with dry, bland bites, I realized what I had been missing. To create a well-rounded dish, it’s essential to add layers of flavor—it can’t just be salty; there needs to be a subtle sweetness to balance the salt. As someone who loves spicy food, I always make sure that when I’m preparing a ground pork dish, like for lettuce wraps or grain bowls, it has enough heat to make it interesting. This perfectly seasoned ground pork recipe works as a filling for quick and easy lettuce wraps, adds depth and protein to soups, and makes the ideal topping for any rice bowl.
This dish is a fabulous option for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but substantial or for meal prepping ahead of a busy week. It’s a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser for just about any impromptu occasion and takes under half an hour to come together.
Is Vietnamese Caramelized Ground Pork Healthy?
Though a little high in fat and sodium, this recipe has 20 grams of protein per serving and can work in nearly any omnivore’s diet. You can reduce the brown sugar quantity by half if needed. To suit a vegetarian diet, you can opt for your favorite plant-based ground meat alternatives, as there are numerous kinds on the market right now. As for the fish sauce, it’s not possible to find a vegan substitute that mimics the flavor exactly but coconut aminos work well in a pinch and contribute a nice umami-filled flavor.
Wrap It Up
Lettuce wraps are an excellent vehicle for dishes like this. They provide the best balance of crunchy, fresh, and savory all in one bite. Additionally, the crisp, cool lettuce offsets the rich flavors of the filling.
In this case, using lettuce adds such a nice contrast to the caramelized ground pork, and it’s also a great low-carb way to enjoy this dish. Feel free to get creative with what you add to these wraps. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint are an obvious choice, but you can also toss in some thinly sliced carrots, cucumbers, or even shredded daikon for extra crunch. A drizzle of hoisin sauce, or a squeeze of lime can also bring a nice flavor. I like to add pickled vegetables and a handful of crushed peanuts on top.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
For a well-rounded meal, there are so many excellent dishes that will complement this recipe. Pair it with Coconut Rice or Roasted Cauliflower Rice and this Smashed Cucumber Salad. I highly suggest you enjoy this in lettuce wraps. Alternatively, serve it as an appetizer, and follow up with this incredible recipe for Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup) or this beautiful Shrimp Phở.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 red chili pepper finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Cooked rice or lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground pork to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the brown sugar and fish sauce, then mix to combine.
- Increase the heat to high. Spread the pork mixture evenly in the skillet and let it cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to caramelize. Stir and repeat this process once or twice more to achieve desired caramelization.
- Add the finely minced red chili pepper (optional) and sauté for another minute.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped green onions.
- Serve the caramelized pork immediately, over cooked rice or in lettuce leaves.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment