Vietnamese Recipes -  Charcoal-Grilled Pork Chops (Suong Nuong)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil

• 2 thick stalks of fresh lemongrass, peeled and thinly sliced, or 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

• 4 shallots, finely chopped

• 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 4 pork chops, about 2 cm/3/4 inch thick

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Method:

1. Place all the ingredients except the pork chops in a liquidizer or food processor and blend until finely pureed. Transfer to a shallow dish large enough to accommodate the chops in a single layer.

2. Add the chops and turn to coat evenly with the paste. Cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.

3. Prepare the barbecue or preheat the grill.

4. Grill the chops until they are browned on both sides and just cooked through (the juices near the bone should run clear when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife), about 6-7 minutes on each side. Serve immediately.

Accompany these succulent chops with sliced fresh cucumbers or Pickled vegetables and steamed rice. Pass Chili dipping sauce separately.