Indulge in the aromatic and deeply satisfying flavors of our Lemongrass Chili Pork Leg recipe – a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia. This dish, a masterpiece of tender, fall-off-the-bone pork, is infused with the bright zest of lemongrass and a delightful kick of chili, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Imagine succulent pork, glistening with a rich, flavorful braising liquid, served alongside fluffy rice, a vibrant salad, or your favorite sides. It's the perfect centerpiece for a family gathering or a special weeknight dinner.
This recipe perfectly balances the delicate citrus notes of lemongrass with the fiery heat of chili, resulting in a truly unforgettable pork leg. The slow-braising process ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
- Knife
Ingredients
- Pork leg: 1.5 kg
- Lemongrass: 200g
- Garlic
- Chili
- Seasoning powder: 1 tbsp
- Rock sugar: 1 tbsp
- Fish sauce: 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Black soy sauce: 1 tsp
- Pepper
- Salt: 0.5 tbsp
- Cooking oil: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Curry powder: 1 tsp (optional)
- Water/Coconut water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Leg
- Chop the pork leg into bite-sized pieces. Put the pork leg in a pot of water with crushed lemongrass and half a tablespoon of salt. Boil to remove impurities.
- Wash the pork leg thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt.
Step 2. Marinate and Sear
- Marinate the pork leg with seasoning powder, rock sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, black soy sauce (or special soy sauce), and pepper. Add the chopped lemongrass, garlic, and chili. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Add a tablespoon of cooking oil and sugar to a pan. Stir-fry over low heat until caramelized. Add the chopped lemongrass and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the marinated pork leg to the pan and stir-fry until it absorbs the spices and the color becomes more beautiful.
Step 3. Braising the Pork
- Add water (or coconut water) to cover the pork leg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer until the water reduces and the pork leg is soft and the color is beautiful.
- Add pepper to taste.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the braised pork leg on a plate and serve. You can pour some of the braising liquid over the rice or serve with vegetables.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- To achieve a clearer and more fragrant braising liquid, remove impurities from the pork leg by boiling it first.
- Don't stir-fry the sugar too quickly, or the color won't be as beautiful.
- Slow simmering ensures the pork leg is soft and the color is beautiful; don’t be impatient and turn up the heat too high.
- Adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork leg?
While pork leg works best for its richness and ability to braise beautifully, you could try a pork shoulder or even beef shank. Adjust braising time accordingly; tougher cuts will require longer cooking.
2. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Easily! Reduce the amount of chili used, or remove the seeds before adding them to the braising liquid. You can also add a touch more sugar to balance the heat.
This Lemongrass Chili Pork Leg recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and aromatic meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pork, fragrant lemongrass, and warming chili creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your family wanting more. So gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure – your taste buds will thank you!