Dorset-style Grilled Pork Rice (Cơm tấm sườn)

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Vietnamese dish, Cơm tấm sườn, with the flavors of Dorset. The original dish typically uses fish sauce and lemongrass for marinating the pork, but we replace them with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and thyme to incorporate the essence of Dorset cuisine. Additionally, we stir-fry a medley of colorful vegetables instead of serving pickled vegetables commonly found in the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cơm tấm sườn, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin chops 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin chops
• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice
• 4 cups (940ml) water 4 cups (940ml) water
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned 2 carrots, julienned
• 100g (3.5 oz) green beans, trimmed and halved 100g (3.5 oz) green beans, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the pork loin chops to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Meanwhile, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork loin chops from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Let the pork rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, julienned carrots, and halved green beans. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the tangy sauce.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the cooked jasmine rice among plates. Top with grilled pork slices and stir-fried vegetables. Drizzle the tangy sauce over the dish and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork loin chops — Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. Grill the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal juiciness.
• Jasmine rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking. Use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water for fluffy results.
• Apple cider vinegar — Opt for unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a more robust flavor in the tangy sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a Dorset twist, you can add a sprinkle of Dorset sea salt to the grilled pork before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of Dorset chili sauce to the tangy sauce.
• Feel free to customize the stir-fried vegetables with your favorite seasonal produce from Dorset.
• To enhance the presentation, serve the dish in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.

Serving advice

Serve the Dorset-style Grilled Pork Rice as a complete meal on its own. However, you can also accompany it with a side of fresh mixed greens or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing element to the plate.

Presentation advice

To present this dish beautifully, arrange the sliced grilled pork over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Surround it with the vibrant stir-fried vegetables, creating an appealing contrast of colors. Drizzle the tangy sauce over the pork and rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of green.