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VietnameseNon-veg

Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork

Broken rice topped with grilled lemongrass pork and pickles.

40 min2 servesmedium

Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork 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 rice, pork chop and lemongrass. 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: basmati and long-grain rice are usually interchangeable here.

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Nutrition · per serving

560

kcal

30g

Protein

68g

Carbs

18g

Fat

porkrice

Ingredients

  • rice1 cup
  • pork chop2
  • lemongrass2 stalks
  • fish sauce2 tbsp
  • sugar2 tbsp
  • garlic3 cloves

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~10 min

    Marinate pork in lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, garlic 20 min.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~10 min

    Grill until charred.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~10 min

    Cook rice.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~10 min

    Plate rice, slice pork on top, add pickles.

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 Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork take to cook?
From prep to plate, Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork takes about 40 minutes and yields 2 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork vegetarian?
No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (rice, pork chop, lemongrass). 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 Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork?
The headline ingredients are rice, pork chop, lemongrass. 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 Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork?
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 Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork?
Broken Rice with Lemongrass Pork 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.