Vietnamese Caramel Pork Crumbles (only 20-minutes!!)
Vietnamese caramel pork is a beautifully balanced dish that combines tender, slow-braised pork with a rich, sweet-savory caramel sauce. I fell in love with this dish on a trip to Vietnam in 2015 and was so excited to find a weeknight version of the dish on Recipe Tin Eats– which has since become a weeknight staple in my house! Made with ground pork, Vietnamese Caramel Pork Crumbles delivers the same irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and umami-rich flavors but in only 20 minutes. With crispy, golden-brown pork coated in a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is as delicious as it is versatile. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for an irresistible quick dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Flavorful – This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Sweet and Savory – Caramel and pork might sound like a strange pairing, but if you love bacon and maple syrup, you’ll love this dish!
- Crispy and Caramelized – The crumbled pork develops a golden-brown sear before being coated in a rich caramel sauce.
- Versatile and Customizable – Serve it with rice, lettuce wraps, or noodles, and adjust the spice level to your liking.
My favorite way to serve these Caramel Pork Crumbles is over Momofuku noodles (Spicy Soy is my favorite!) with stir fried bok choy
Ingredient Notes
Ground Pork. The base of this dish. Look for ground pork with a bit of fat (around 80/20) for the best texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar. The key to the caramel sauce, creating that deep, slightly sweet glaze that coats the pork.
Fish Sauce. A must-have in Vietnamese cooking, fish sauce adds rich umami and a savory depth.
Garlic & Ginger. These aromatics build the foundation of the sauce’s flavor.
Thai Chili Pepper. Add a little heat for a spicy kick. Omit for a less spicy version.
Tips for Making Vietnamese Caramel Pork Crumbles
- Caramelize the Pork Properly – Let the pork cook undisturbed after adding the brown sugar for a few minutes between stirring to develop a deep, caramelized crust.
- Adjust the Spiciness and Saltiness – If you prefer a spicier dish, add another chili (or omit the chili for a non-spicy version). If you like it saltier, add up to 2 tbsp of fish sauce.
- Serve It Your Way – This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, lettuce cups, or noodles. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Garnish with squeeze of lime and sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve alongside stir fried greens or sliced cucumbers.
Pro Clean Up Tip: After the pork is done cooking, transfer it to a serving dish and immediately rinse pan out well with water to prevent the caramel sauce from hardening on pan.
More Quick Weeknight Dinners
30-Minute Kimchi and Shiitake Noodle Stir Fry
Cozy One-Pot Farro with Green Beans and Tomatoes
Weeknight Kimchi Shiitake Ramen
Vietnamese Caramel Pork Crumbles
PRINT PINIngredients
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1 inch piece of ginger peeled and minced
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 Thai chili thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground pork
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and chili and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the ground pork and cook for 2 minutes while breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon.
- Add in the sugar and fish sauce. Stir and then leave to cook without stirring until all the juices cook off and the pork begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Stir it and then leave it again to cook without stirring for another minute. Stir and leave it again to cook for 30 seconds. Repeat twice more or until it is caramelized to your taste.
- Transfer pork to a serving dish. For an easier clean up, immediately rinse pan out well with water to prevent the caramel sauce from hardening on pan.