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VietnameseNon-veg

Com Tam Suon Nuong

Broken rice with lemongrass-marinated grilled pork chop.

40 min2 servesmedium

Com Tam Suon Nuong is a classic protein-forward Vietnamese recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 2 and comes together in roughly 40 minutes from prep to plate. It sits in the comfortable middle ground: nothing intimidating, but it rewards a little patience during the roughly 40 minutes of active cooking. The method leans on high-heat grilling, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.

The headline ingredients here are pork chops, lemongrass and fish sauce. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: if seafood is hard to find, firm white fish or even firm tofu can stand in.

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Nutrition · per servingestimated

539

kcal

39g

Protein

49g

Carbs

21g

Fat

porkricegrill

Ingredients

  • pork chops2
  • lemongrass2 stalks
  • fish sauce3 tbsp
  • sugar2 tbsp
  • garlic3 cloves
  • rice2 cups
  • cucumber
  • tomato

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~10 min

    Pound lemongrass and garlic with sugar and fish sauce.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~10 min

    Marinate pork chops 20 min.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~10 min

    Grill 5 min per side, brushing with marinade.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~10 min

    Plate over rice with sliced cucumber and tomato.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 40 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Rinse the rice until the water runs almost clear before cooking — it makes the difference between fluffy separate grains and a sticky clump.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Com Tam Suon Nuong take to cook?
From prep to plate, Com Tam Suon Nuong takes about 40 minutes and yields 2 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Com Tam Suon Nuong vegetarian?
No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (pork chops, lemongrass, fish sauce). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
What are the key ingredients in Com Tam Suon Nuong?
The headline ingredients are pork chops, lemongrass, fish sauce. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 1 serving or double for 4. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Com Tam Suon Nuong?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Com Tam Suon Nuong?
Com Tam Suon Nuong pairs naturally with classic vietnamese sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.