Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored cooking oil (vegetable, canola, peanut)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
- Quick-pickled vegetables (optional, see notes)
- Fresh herbs: cilantro, mint, Thai basil
- Chopped peanuts
For Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 Thai chili, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
Make the Nuoc Cham (Optional):
- Combine warm water, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add minced garlic and optional chili slices. Let sit for flavors to blend.
Caramelize the Pork:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.
- Stir in brown sugar and fish sauce. Let the mixture sizzle for a minute or two to start caramelizing.
- Spread the pork in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for another 2 minutes to develop a deeper caramelization.
- Stir the pork, spread it out again, and cook for another 2 minutes undisturbed.
- Season with black pepper and remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice among serving bowls.
- Top with caramelized pork, cucumber, carrot, and optional pickled vegetables.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and chopped peanuts.
- Serve with nuoc cham sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes:
- Quick-Pickled Vegetables: Combine thinly sliced radishes, cucumbers, or carrots with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes or add fresh chilies for more heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative for the pork. Use a vegan fish sauce substitute.
Enjoy your delicious Vietnamese-style Caramelized Pork Bowls!
