Craving a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine? Look no further than Com Tam Suon Nuong, a beloved national dish that's bursting with flavor and texture. This iconic street food features perfectly grilled pork chops, served atop a bed of broken rice, creating a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet notes. The dish is often complemented by a vibrant array of accompaniments, including pickled carrots and daikon, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and a rich, savory fish sauce. The combination of crispy pork, fluffy rice, and refreshing garnishes makes Com Tam Suon Nuong an unforgettable culinary experience.
This irresistible dish might seem daunting to recreate at home, but fear not! This article will guide you through a simple, step-by-step process, ensuring you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Com Tam Suon Nuong in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together and discover the secrets to creating this Vietnamese masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- mortar and pestle
- cloth bag
- bowl
- grill
- charcoal stove
- air fryer
- steamer
- baking tray
- jar
- pan
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Marinade and Pork
- Pound onions and garlic in a mortar. Alternatively, grind or chop them.
- Squeeze the juice from the pounded onions and garlic in a cloth bag.
- Crush 3-4 lemongrass stalks. (Optional)
- Cut a small yellow orange into pieces.
- Wash and dry pork chops completely. Press the meat to make it softer and cut tendons to prevent shrinkage during grilling.
- Marinate the pork chops with all the ingredients listed in the video. Marinate for 3-8 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2. Cook the Accompaniments
- Prepare the pickled radish and carrots.
- Prepare the steamed egg rolls (ingredients and steps detailed in the video)
- Mix all egg roll ingredients.
- Steam the egg rolls for 25-30 minutes. Brush the surface with annatto oil after steaming and bake for 10 minutes at 180°C.
Step 3. Grill the Pork Chops
- Grill the marinated pork chops over charcoal or in an air fryer (375°F for 8-10 minutes).
Step 4. Prepare the Fish Sauce
- Prepare the fish sauce (recipe detailed in the video).
Read more: Vietnamese Grilled Pork: A Delicious BBQ Recipe
Tips
- Don't marinate onions and garlic directly in the meat as they burn easily during grilling.
- If you don't like lemongrass, you can omit it.
- Malt can be substituted with honey.
- Fried garlic oil can be replaced with cooking oil.
- For shorter marinating times (3-5 hours), squeeze the orange juice and use 3-4 tablespoons.
- For longer marinating times, use orange slices to avoid over-tenderizing the meat.
- Use a towel to cover the steamer lid to prevent water droplets from falling onto the egg rolls.
- Press down on the steamed egg rolls to flatten the surface.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make the pork chops ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the pork chops and grill them up to a day in advance. Reheat gently before serving.
2. What if I don't have all the fresh herbs listed?
Don't worry! The dish is still delicious without all the herbs. Cilantro is the most important, but feel free to substitute or omit others as needed.
Enjoy your homemade Com Tam Suon Nuong! This flavorful dish is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients, expertly combined. With a little practice, you'll be mastering this Vietnamese classic in no time.