Authentic Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chops (Com Suon) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 bone-in pork chops
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 small shallot
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 cups of jasmine rice
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 Spring onions
  • 1 tablespoon of diced pickled carrots and radish
  • 2 cucumber slices
  • 2 tomato slices

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the marinade. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and 1 small shallot.
  2. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic and shallot, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
  3. Place the pork chops in the marinade, ensure they are completely covered, and let them marinate for at least 1 hour.
  4. While the pork chops are marinating, cook 2 cups of jasmine rice with 1 cup of water in a rice cooker or on the stove according to package instructions.
  5. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium high heat. Once it's hot, add the marinated pork chops. Cook each side for about 7-10 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
  6. While the pork chops are cooking, fry 2 eggs in a separate pan to your preferred doneness.
  7. Slice 2 spring onions and set them aside. Prepare 2 cucumber slices and 2 tomato slices as well.
  8. Once everything is ready, plate your dish. Start with a base of jasmine rice, then add the grilled pork chop, fried egg, spring onions, cucumber, tomato, and a tablespoon of diced pickled carrots and radish.
  9. Repeat the plating process for the second portion. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken instead of pork chops for a different meat option.
  • Try marinating the meat with different flavors such as ginger, lemongrass, or lime juice.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Replace jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
  • Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork chops with tofu or tempeh and adjust the marinade accordingly.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
  • Instead of frying the eggs, try poaching or soft-boiling them for a different texture.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the marinade.
  • Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the marinade for a nutty flavor.

Recipe overview

Com Suon is a popular Vietnamese dish that combines savory grilled pork chops, fluffy jasmine rice, and crispy fried eggs. This recipe guide will walk you through preparing this hearty and flavorful comfort food right in your own kitchen. Expect a mix of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, coupled with a variety of textures - from the juicy pork chops to the soft rice and tender vegetables. By marinating the pork in a rich blend of garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sweeteners, you will achieve an incredible depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the rice and egg. Although there are a few components to this dish, each one is straightforward to prepare. In less than an hour, you'll have a satisfying meal that's sure to impress. Enjoy a taste of Vietnam with this delightful Com Suon recipe!

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the pork chops?
  2. You should marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour for the flavors to infuse. However, if you have more time, marinating them for 2-4 hours will result in even more flavorful meat.
  3. Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
  4. Yes, you can use boneless pork chops if you prefer. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly and ensure they are fully cooked.
  5. Can I substitute the jasmine rice with a different type of rice?
  6. While jasmine rice is traditionally used for Com Suon, you can substitute it with other types of rice such as long-grain white rice or basmati rice. Just follow the cooking instructions for the specific type of rice you choose.
  7. What can I serve as a side dish with Com Suon?
  8. Com Suon is typically served with a side of pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and tomato slices. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
  9. Can I grill the pork chops instead of using a grill pan or skillet?
  10. Yes, you can definitely grill the pork chops on an outdoor grill if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the heat of your grill and ensure the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill pan or skillet - A grill pan or skillet is ideal for cooking the pork chops indoors. It helps achieve grill marks and adds a nice charred flavor.
  • Rice cooker or stove - A rice cooker or stove is necessary for cooking the jasmine rice. It ensures the rice is cooked perfectly and ready to serve.
  • Frying pan - A frying pan is needed for frying the eggs separately.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for mincing garlic, shallots, and slicing vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Mixing bowl - A mixing bowl is used to combine the marinade ingredients and coat the pork chops.
  • Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula are helpful for flipping and handling the pork chops while cooking.
  • Plates - Plates are necessary for serving the Com Suon dish.
  • Serving utensils - Serving utensils, such as spoons or forks, are needed to portion and serve the jasmine rice and other components of the dish.

Origin stories

Com Suon, a popular Vietnamese dish, finds its roots deeply embedded in the culture and everyday life of Vietnam. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delightful taste and pleasing aroma but also in its simplicity and convenience. Often referred to as 'Vietnamese grilled pork chop', Com Suon is a common sight on the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where it is served as a quick, fulfilling meal for busy city dwellers. The dish elegantly captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and sour flavors, all perfectly complemented by the crisp freshness of vegetables and the comforting warmth of steamed rice. Traditionally, it is cooked over a charcoal grill, adding a smoky depth to the caramelized exterior of the pork chop. It's a plateful of love, warmth, and centuries-old tradition, promising a taste of Vietnamese culture in every bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.