Vietnamese Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Fire up the grill for this tantalizing Vietnamese Grilled Pork Tenderloin, a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Southeast Asia. Tender pork is marinated in a flavorful mix of fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, lime juice, and aromatic lemongrass, creating a rich and fragrant profile. Grilled to juicy perfection, each slice is infused with caramelized char and vibrant spices. Finished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, this dish is perfect served alongside fluffy steamed rice or crisp rice noodles with pickled vegetables. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or craving an authentic Vietnamese-inspired dinner, this quick and easy recipe is sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped shallot, minced lemongrass, vegetable oil, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved to form the marinade.
Rinse the pork tenderloin under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or silver skin.
Place the pork tenderloin in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over it. Ensure the pork is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven broiler to high. If using the grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade in a small saucepan for basting.
Grill the pork tenderloin for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating it to cook evenly, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If broiling, place the pork on a broiler pan and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side.
While the pork cooks, bring the reserved marinade to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes to use as a basting sauce.
Baste the pork occasionally with the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
Remove the pork from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, then serve with steamed rice or rice noodles, along with fresh vegetables or pickled daikon and carrots.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
281 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.8 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 1619 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.9 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 30.0 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 41 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 698 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
