Tag: Vietnamese

Caramelized Pork Riblets

Caramelized Pork Riblets

Caramelized Pork Riblets

Caramelized pork ribs is a classic Vietnamese dish. It is fairly simple to make. I decided to use pork riblets, since they are $1.99lb. You can use spare ribs or baby back as well. Make sure to cut them in-between the bones to help speed up the cooking process.
One of the most important steps in making the ribs is to blanch them for a couple of minutes before marinating. If this step is skipped, your ribs will have a layer of scum film over them. I’ve noticed this step is used in pretty much all Asian cuisine when braising pork ribs. This gives the pork a “cleaner” taste and presentation.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: main course, Pork, Vietnamese
Servings: 2
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork riblets
  • 1 large shallot minced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp pork boullion
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 1 green onion chopped

Instructions

  • Cut the pork riblets into individual bite sized pieces in-between the bone.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Place the riblets into a pot of boiling water for 3 minutes. This will allow the scum and other impurities to float to the top.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Drain the riblets and run under cold water, individually washing each riblets of any scum film.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • In a large bowl, mix together the shallots, garlic, pork bouillon, fish sauce, black pepper, and 1 tbsp of sugar.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Add in the riblets, among sure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • In a large sauce pan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp of sugar.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Constantly stir the sugar until it starts to caramelize. Make sure it doesn’t burn.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Stir in the marinated riblets with all of the juices and marinade. Add 1 cup of coconut water.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • After the 30 minutes is up, uncover the sauce pan and simmer for at least another 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Garnish with green onion.
    Vietnamese, main Course, pork
  • Enjoy with a side of chili oil stir fried rice noodles.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
Pork Belly braised in Coconut Water

Pork Belly braised in Coconut Water

Pork Belly braised in Coconut Water

Yes, I have an obsession with pork belly. This is a great Vietnamese dish that is very simple to make. This dish is very similar to a Thai dish one of my old roommates used to make, but pork shoulder was used instead of pork belly. I must admit, I think drinking coconut water is pretty gross. But when used as a braising liquid for pork belly, it is something magical when commingling with pork fat. I also love how the hard boiled eggs absorb some of the braising liquid, giving it a nice dark color. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: main course, Pork, Vietnamese
Servings: 2
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb sliced pork belly 1″ pieces
  • 4 hard boiled eggs
  • 3 shallots sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 dried chilies
  • 2 cups coconut water
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 5 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 bunch green onions chopped

Instructions

  • In a large sauté pan over medium high heat, add the cooking oil. Sauté the shallots and garlic for 2 minutes.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Add in the pieces of pork belly. Brown on both sides.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Add in the coconut water, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, dried chilies, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Once boiling, add the hard boiled eggs. Cover. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • The last 5 minutes of cooking, turn up the heat to medium high to help thicken the sauce. Add in the green onions.
    Vietnameses, main course, pork
  • Before serving, remove the eggs and slice in half.
    Vietnamese, main course, Pork
  • Serve with steamed rice.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork