Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Vietnamese ground pork recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. It's packed with fresh herbs, vibrant flavors, and requires minimal cleanup—the perfect combination for homemade cooking. This easy recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of this delicious dish.
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Brown the Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Make sure the pork is thoroughly cooked for food safety.
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Simmer in the Sauce: Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Add Veggies & Herbs: Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until just tender-crisp. Stir in the cilantro and mint.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Vietnamese ground pork hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy this healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
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Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the ground pork, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will help ensure the pork browns evenly and doesn't steam. Work in batches if necessary.
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Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to your liking. Taste as you go and customize this delicious dish to your palate.
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Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint are key to the authentic flavor of this dish. Don't substitute dried herbs.
Variations:
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Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
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Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
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Make it a noodle dish: Serve the ground pork over noodles instead of rice for a different texture and experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This delicious Vietnamese ground pork recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s both satisfying and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the wonderful flavors this dish delivers!