Vietnamese Grilled Meat Thịt Nướng | The Perfect Marinade: Balanced Salty, Sweet, Rich in Umami

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Chicken is leaner while pork belly is often less expensive.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce offers a similar umami flavor, and salt is a basic alternative.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness, while brown sugar is often less expensive.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: mixed greens

Dried herbs are more shelf-stable, and mixed greens can add bulk.

Marinate pork shoulder (or chicken thighs) in fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, shallots, black pepper, and vegetable oil for at least 1 hour.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Skewer marinated pork pieces on sticks.

Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through.

Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions.

Slice cucumber and carrots into thin strips.

Arrange grilled pork over rice noodles in a bowl.

Top with cucumber, carrots, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts.

Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: