Lemongrass Pork Chop Recipe

 

Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops are a flavorful staple in Vietnamese home cooking and street food alike. Thin-cut pork chops are marinated in a fragrant mix of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and honey, then seared to golden perfection for a juicy, aromatic finish. Traditionally served with scallion oil and a tangy fish sauce dipping sauce, these chops capture the bright, savory-sweet flavors of Vietnam. This quick 30-minute version is easy to make at home, perfect for weeknight dinners, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even a simple salad.

Lemongrass Pork Chop Recipe

Serves: 6 pork chops
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

For the pork loin and marinade:
6 boneless pork loin chops (about 1/3 inch thick, 2 pounds)
2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 shallot, minced
6 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons cooking oil, separated (high-smoking-point such as avocado, grapeseed, or peanut)

For the dipping sauce:
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bird’s eye chili, chopped
1 tablespoon carrot, julienned

For the scallion oil:
2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons extra light olive oil

Lemongrass Pork Chop Instructions

1. Prepare the pork chops:

• Score the fat on each pork chop to prevent curling while cooking.
• Use the back of a knife to gently pound and tenderize the pork chops.

2. Marinate the pork:

• In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, dark soy sauce, honey, 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, lemongrass, and shallot.
• Transfer pork chops and marinade into a large Ziploc bag. Massage to coat evenly.
• Marinate while preparing the other ingredients, or marinate in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Make the dipping sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, sugar, water, lime juice, rice vinegar, garlic, chili, and carrot.
• Set aside for serving.

4. Make the scallion oil:

• In a small pan over medium heat, add oil and scallions.
• Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Cook the pork chops:

• In a large pan over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil.
• Sear the pork chops for 30 seconds per side until golden brown.
• Lower to medium heat and cook for 3 more minutes on each side until fully cooked through.

6. Serve:

• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Top with scallion oil and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & notes

• Prep ahead: Marinate the pork chops, prepare the dipping sauce, and make the scallion oil up to one day in advance.
• Lemongrass prep: Use only the white part and mince it very finely for the best texture and aroma.
• For extra char: Use a cast-iron pan or grill pan for a slightly smoky, caramelized finish.
• Serve with rice or noodles: These pork chops pair beautifully with jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or even banh mi sandwiches.