Grilled Pork with Sesame Salt, California Style

Ingredients

In this California adaptation, we infuse the traditional Vietnamese grilled pork with the vibrant flavors of the Golden State. We incorporate local ingredients such as fresh herbs, citrus, and avocado to add a refreshing twist to the dish. Additionally, we use a combination of grilling and broiling techniques to achieve a perfectly charred exterior while maintaining the juicy tenderness of the pork. We alse have the original recipe for Thit lon nuong muoi vung, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 lbs (680g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 1.5 lbs (680g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sliced avocado, for serving Sliced avocado, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, sesame oil, black pepper, and sea salt.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the pork from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the pork slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through.
5. 5.
   While the pork is grilling, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove the grilled pork from the heat and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sliced avocado and lime wedges.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn them, as they can turn bitter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the grilled pork before serving.
• If you don't have a grill, you can broil the pork slices in the oven on high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Serve the grilled pork with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Pork with Sesame Salt alongside a bed of jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add sliced avocado and lime wedges on the side for a refreshing touch. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp California Chardonnay or a light and fruity Pinot Noir.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled pork slices on a platter, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and garnished with fresh cilantro. Place the sliced avocado and lime wedges on the side for an inviting presentation. Serve with a colorful salad or steamed vegetables to add vibrancy to the plate.