Craving tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs bursting with flavor? This Vietnamese-inspired recipe delivers exactly that, combining the smoky char of grilling with the crispy crunch of frying for an unparalleled culinary experience. We'll guide you through a simple yet effective marinade that infuses the ribs with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes, creating a truly addictive taste. Forget bland, dry ribs – prepare yourself for a flavor explosion.
This recipe expertly balances the best of both grilling and frying techniques, resulting in pork ribs that are both juicy and incredibly satisfying. Ready to transform your weeknight dinner (or weekend barbecue!)? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions that will have you enjoying these delectable marinated pork ribs in no time.
Tools Needed
- knife
- cutting board
- pots
- bowls
- freezer
- grill
- frying pan
Ingredients
- Young pork ribs: 2 kg
- Pork belly: 1 kg
- Beef shank
- Corn: 1
- Shallots
- Onions
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
- MSG
- Seasoning powder
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Cooking oil
- Sesame oil
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Lemongrass
- Pears
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Meat and Marinades
- Purchase ingredients from the market (young pork ribs, pork belly, beef shank, corn, etc.).
- Blanch pork ribs and pork belly in boiling water for a few minutes to remove impurities. Then boil again for 3-4 minutes with shallots for aroma. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to prevent discoloration.
- finely chop onions, garlic, and green onions.
- one for grilling and one for frying.
- For the grilling marinade, use a thinner consistency. For the frying marinade, use fish sauce, sugar, salt, seasoning powder, MSG, and cooking oil.
- Divide the marinated meat into portions and freeze for at least 24 hours. When ready to cook, defrost in the refrigerator.
- Marinate the beef shank with seasoning powder, MSG, soy sauce, and cooking oil. Add whole garlic cloves and boil until tender.
Step 2. Marinate and Chill
- one for grilling and one for frying.
- For the grilling marinade, use a thinner consistency. For the frying marinade, use fish sauce, sugar, salt, seasoning powder, MSG, and cooking oil.
- Divide the marinated meat into portions and freeze for at least 24 hours. When ready to cook, defrost in the refrigerator.
Step 3. Cook the Ribs and Belly
- Grill the marinated ribs and pork belly. Add optional chili powder for color.
- Fry the marinated pork belly.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Vietnamese Grilled Pork: A Delicious BBQ Recipe
Tips
- To prevent the meat from darkening after blanching, immediately transfer it to a bowl of cold water.
- Marinating for at least 24 hours allows the meat to absorb the flavors better. Freezing helps with flavor absorption.
- Adjust the amount of salt and sugar in the marinade to your preference.
- For extra sweetness, use pear juice in the marinade.
- Defrost meat only in the refrigerator to maintain quality.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 4500-5500
- Fat: 350-450g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 300-350g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe is specifically for pork ribs, you could experiment with other cuts of pork, like shoulder or belly, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in cuts will generally require longer cooking times.
2. How long can I marinate the ribs?
Ideally, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
3. What if I don't have a grill?
You can skip the grilling step entirely and fry the ribs in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until they are cooked through and crispy. Just be sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking.
These Vietnamese-style grilled and fried pork ribs offer a delicious balance of textures and flavors, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. From the initial marinade to the final crispy bite, this recipe is a journey for your taste buds. Enjoy the delicious rewards of your culinary adventure!