After a long day of juggling errands and activities, the last thing I want is another uninspired dinner. That's when I stumbled upon the vibrant, easy flavors of Vietnamese cooking, and my taste buds have never looked back. Enter the Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry—a dish that whisks you away to a bustling street market with every bite.
The harmonious blend of sweet and savory creates a dish that feels both captivating and comforting. With just a handful of common ingredients and a cook time of under 15 minutes, this recipe transforms any weeknight into a culinary adventure. The sizzling sounds of minced pork mingling with shallots and garlic will draw everyone into the kitchen, eager to indulge.
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress your family, this dish promises to deliver a deliciously addictive experience. Let's dive into the recipe and bring a burst of Vietnamese flavor to your dinner table tonight!
Why You'll Love This Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry
- This recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors ensures a delectable taste that will keep you coming back for more.
- Its versatility allows you to pair it with rice, noodles, or fresh greens, making it adaptable to your preferences.
- The vibrant presentation of this dish, with glossy caramelized pork and colorful scallions, will impress anyone at your dinner table.
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
• Ground pork – the star of the dish, providing a rich flavor and hearty texture.
• Neutral oil – for cooking; it helps to achieve that perfect caramelization without overpowering the dish.
• Sugar – combines with the oil to create a beautiful caramel coating that enhances the pork's richness.
• Shallot – finely chopped for a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the pork.
• Garlic – minced for aromatic depth, essential in Vietnamese cooking.
• Red chili – sliced (optional) to add a touch of heat and color; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
• Fish sauce – a key ingredient that delivers umami and depth; it's the secret to authentic Vietnamese flavor.
• Soy sauce – brings saltiness and additional richness, balancing the sweetness.
• Black pepper – ground for a subtle kick, enhancing the overall taste.
• Scallions – sliced to add a fresh, crisp finish that brightens the dish.
This Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry is a delightful way to enjoy a fulfilling meal with minimal effort!
How to Make Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry
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Heat oil: Begin by warming the neutral oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once heated, add the sugar and watch it melt into a lovely amber color, stirring gently for about 2-3 minutes.
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Sauté aromatics: Next, add the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and sliced red chili (if using). Stir briefly for about 1-2 minutes until the shallots turn translucent and fragrant, creating an aromatic base for your stir fry.
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Cook pork: Now, add the ground pork to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula, ensuring it gets coated in the caramelized mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the pork is no longer pink and starts to brown.
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Season the mixture: Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the pork is beautifully caramelized and glossy, appearing inviting and delicious.
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Add scallions: Finally, toss in the sliced scallions, giving them a quick stir to wilt slightly. This brightens up your dish and adds a fresh touch—serve hot from the pan!
Optional: Serve this stir fry over jasmine rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry
Fridge: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a delightful next-day meal.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Portion it out for easy meal prep and avoid freezer burn by sealing tightly.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan over medium heat until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can add a splash of water to moisten, ensuring your Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry remains juicy and flavorful.
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to this delightful stir-fry, tailoring it to your taste and dietary needs!
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red chili or add sliced jalapeños for heat. This will elevate the dish and add an exciting flavor punch.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added crunch and nutrition. Toss them in during the sauté phase for a vibrant, colorful dish.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil at the end for an aromatic boost. The herbs will enhance the dish's freshness and authenticity.
- Soy-Free: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. You'll still enjoy that rich, savory essence!
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol for a lower-calorie version while maintaining that delightful caramelization.
- Pork Alternative: Swap out the ground pork for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. The flavors will still shine through beautifully.
- Coconut Cream: Add a splash of coconut cream right before serving for a creamy texture and tropical flair. It’ll take your taste buds on a flavorful vacation!
- Nutty Flavor: Top with toasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture and a delectable nutty essence that complements the dish perfectly.
These variations empower you to create a dish that’s uniquely yours while keeping the comforting essence of Vietnamese cuisine alive!
Make Ahead Options
These Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the shallot, mince the garlic, and slice the scallions up to 24 hours in advance to save time. The ground pork can be seasoned and mixed with the fish sauce and soy sauce ahead of time—just ensure you refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to cook, simply heat the oil, caramelize the sugar, add the prepped ingredients, and stir-fry everything together for 12 minutes to enjoy a fresh and vibrant meal that tastes just as delicious as if you made it all in one go. This way, weeknight dinners become a breeze!
What to Serve with Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry?
Imagine vibrant colors and enticing aromas filling your kitchen as you prepare a satisfying meal that delights the senses.
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Jasmine Rice: This fluffy, aromatic rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Quick Pickled Vegetables: A tangy crunch from pickled carrots and daikon brightens the dish and adds a refreshing contrast to the savory pork.
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Stir-Fried Bok Choy: With its crisp texture and mild flavor, bok choy adds a lovely green element to your plate, delivering a delightful balance.
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Thai Basil Salad: Fresh Thai basil mixed with lime and peanuts brings zesty notes that enhance the dish, creating an uplifting experience.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: The crispy exterior and savory filling of spring rolls offer a delightful textural contrast, perfect for a crunchy sidekick.
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Mango Smoothie: A sweet, creamy mango smoothie complements the spiciness of the stir fry, providing a refreshing finish to your meal.
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Sesame Noodles: These nutty, flavorful noodles serve as an excellent base that pairs wonderfully with the vibrant, sweet and savory notes of the pork.
Elevate your dining experience with these complements, creating a feast to remember!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the sugar to achieve the perfect caramelization without burning.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan with pork; instead, cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and caramel coating.
- Incorporate the fish sauce and soy sauce gradually, tasting as you go to balance the flavors to your liking.
- For the best texture, cook the pork just until it is no longer pink and starts to brown, keeping an eye on the time to prevent overcooking.
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry Recipe FAQs
What type of ground pork should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a blend of pork that includes some fat, like ground pork shoulder. This will provide a richer and juicier stir fry, enhancing the overall dish. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well, though they may not deliver the same depth of flavor.
How should I store leftovers of the Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry?
Very! Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen and improve as the dish sits, making it a great option for meal prep. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I freeze the Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry?
Absolutely! After cooking, allow the stir fry to cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan over medium heat until hot, about 5-7 minutes.
What if my pork becomes too dry or tough?
Don't worry! This can happen if the pork is overcooked. If you find your stir fry has dried out, try adding a tablespoon of water or broth while reheating to bring back some moisture. For a future attempt, ensure you monitor the cooking time closely, cooking just until the pork is no longer pink and has started to brown, usually around 5-7 minutes.
Is this dish pet-friendly?
Not entirely! While the ingredients are safe for humans, some elements like garlic can be harmful to pets. It’s best to keep this dish as a human-only treat. If you're looking for a pet-friendly option, consider cooking unseasoned ground pork without the garlic or soy sauce specifically for your furry friends.
What kind of substitutions can I make for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can simply replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan alternative for a plant-based version. You might also skip the sugar for a lower-carb option and still achieve a delicious umami flavor with additional seasonings like a splash of vinegar. Just remember to taste as you go to find the perfect balance!
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by warming the neutral oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once heated, add the sugar and watch it melt into a lovely amber color, stirring gently for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and sliced red chili (if using). Stir briefly for about 1-2 minutes until the shallots turn translucent and fragrant.
- Now, add the ground pork to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula, ensuring it gets coated in the caramelized mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the pork is no longer pink and starts to brown.
- Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the pork is beautifully caramelized and glossy.
- Finally, toss in the sliced scallions, giving them a quick stir to wilt slightly. Serve hot from the pan!
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