Name: Vietnamese Inspired Caramelized Pork Bowls with Lentils
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into small chunks; 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat); Fresh cilantro or basil, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving; 1-2 cups cooked jasmine rice (optional, for serving)

Description

These Vietnamese Inspired Caramelized Pork Bowls with Lentils combine savory caramelized pork with hearty lentils, creating a flavorful, satisfying meal. The rich sauce with fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar gives the pork a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, these bowls are versatile, nutritious, and packed with vibrant Vietnamese-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into small chunks

1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Fresh cilantro or basil, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

1–2 cups cooked jasmine rice (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the pork: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add pork chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Caramelize the pork: Add garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in brown sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sugar begins to caramelize.
Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and black pepper. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the pork is tender and coated in a thick, glossy sauce.
Prepare lentils: While the pork simmers, cook lentils according to package instructions. Once done, set aside.
Assemble the bowls: Divide lentils between bowls, top with caramelized pork and drizzle the sauce over the top.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil and a squeeze of lime. Serve with jasmine rice for a more filling meal, if desired.

Notes

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy for extra freshness and nutrition.
Substitute pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
This recipe can be made ahead and stored for easy meal prep.
To make it gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for tamari sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vietnamese