Suon Nuong (Lemongrass Grilled Pork Chops)

Suon nuong is the lemongrass-grilled pork chop that anchors backyard meals across Vietnam. Thin chops are marinated in fish sauce, lemongrass, and honey, then grilled until the edges char and the glaze turns sticky. It is served with rice, pickles, and cucumber, simple enough for a Tuesday and good enough for company. It is the dish that makes the whole neighborhood smell like a weekend cookout. The glaze caramelizes fast, so keep the heat medium and the tongs ready.

Sticky, charred pork chops with a lemongrass-sweet glaze

The marinade does double duty, tenderizing the chops and lacquering them with a sweet-savory crust as they grill. The charred edges are smoky and a little crisp, while the meat stays juicy and perfumed with lemongrass. Served over rice with a bowl of nuoc cham, it is weeknight magic. These chops are thin on purpose — they cook fast and stay juicy. If you have a charcoal grill, use it; the smoke is half the flavor, and the leftovers make the best sandwich filling.

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Want the full story on the sauces behind this dish? See our Beginner’s Guide to Asian Sauces & Seasonings.

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