#103 in Vietnam
Sườn Nướng: Basic Information
Pronunciation
Alternative Name(s)
Dish Type
Course
Mealtime
Popular Sườn Nướng Variations

Sườn Nướng Mật Ong

Sườn Nướng Sả

Sườn Nướng Muối Ớt

Sườn Nướng BBQ

Sườn Nướng Ngũ Vị Hương

Sườn Nướng Chao
Sườn Nướng: Ingredients and Preparation
Main Ingredients
Main Cooking Method
Preparation Process
Sườn Nướng: A Deep Dive
Cultural Significance
Taste
Texture
Aroma
Color
Serving Style
Serving Temperature
Accompaniment
Occasions
Seasons
Special Diets
Calories
Popularity
Popular Similar Dishes
- Gà Nướng Sả
- Char Siu
- Satay
- Galbi
- Tandoori Chicken
Popular Dining Area
Sườn nướng (grilled pork chops) is a traditional and popular Vietnamese dish made from ribs and charcoal grilled to perfection. In Vietnam, pork ribs are the most common one.
They are commonly used and often served with broken rice (cơm tấm).
To make sườn nướng, the pork chops are marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and then grilled until they’re golden brown and deliciously sizzling.
Making it at home is not too difficult if you follow the guide below. There are also several ingredients, especially the spices and seasonings to prepare before making it.
Furthermore, you’ll have a better look at appropriate kitchen equipment to cook sườn nướng and delve into different sườn nướng options.
Then, let’s discuss their pros and cons in general, other regularly asked inquiries and similar delights of Vietnamese grilled pork chops. Keep scrolling for more insights!
Key Points
Sườn Nướng Images
What Makes Sườn Nướng Essential in Cơm Tấm?
Sườn nướng plays a crucial role in Vietnamese broken rice (aka cơm tấm) as it provides a rich, smoky taste flavor that contrasts and enhances the plain flavor of the broken rice.
Marinated in a blend of traditional Vietnamese spices and grilled to perfection, the pork chops offer succulent and tender meat with a caramelized exterior.
Sườn nướng in cơm tấm often comes with egg meatloaf, sunny-side-up egg, slices of tomatoes and cucumber, and pickles, creating a hearty meal that you can enjoy any time of the day.
How To Prepare Sườn Nướng?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Vietnamese grilled pork chops in an easy-to-understand format:
Step 1: Cleaning the Pork Chops
Rinse the ribs thoroughly and place them in a colander to drain. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Tenderizing the Meat
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently tenderize the ribs
Step 3: Marinating the Meat
In a mixing bowl, combine the ribs with seasonings, and mix well to ensure the ribs are evenly coated with the marinade.
Step 4: Refrigerating the Meat
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to be absorbed into the meat.
Step 5: Grilling the Meat
Grill the pork chops on a rack and use rib tongs. Flip them to ensure even cooking on both sides. Grill them until they’re evenly cooked and have a glossy golden color, making sure they don’t burn.
With the preparation of sườn Nướng, choosing suitable spices and seasonings to make the marinade is a must. So pay your attention to the next part for complete options.
What Are the Ingredients in Sườn Nướng Marinade?
For an ideal marinade for sườn nướng, the following seasonings and spices are commonly used:

Fish Sauce
Adds a unique umami flavor.

Honey
Provides sweetness and helps to caramelize the ribs during grilling.

Seasoning Powder
Enhances the overall taste and adds depth to the flavor profile.

Oyster Sauce
Contributes a rich, savory flavor.

Chili Sauce
Adds a light spicy kick to the meat.

Black Pepper
For a bit of heat and aroma.

Garlic
Offers a strong, pungent flavor that compliments the meat.

Onions
Adds sweetness and a subtle sharpness.
FYI, in some recipes, condensed milk might be added. It not only enhances additional sweetness but also helps to tenderize the meat, making it juicier and more aromatic. Now, let’s move on to the kitchen equipment to perfectly cook these pork chops.
What Are the Ideal Kitchen Tools To Cook Sườn Nướng?
To cook sườn nướng effectively, you can use one of these three recommended kitchen tools in the following table.

Charcoal Grill
Characteristics:
Most popular choice in Vietnam, especially in street food stalls and restaurants serving broken rice
Imparts smoky flavor.
Direct heat for a charred exterior.
Ideal Temperature:
375-400°F

Oven
Characteristics:
Great alternative to grilling.
Even cooking, juicy interior but has no smoky flavor.
Ideal Temperature:
350°F

Air Fryer
Characteristics:
Modern, convenient.
Healthier, less oil usage.
Even cooking.
Easy cleanup.
Ideal Temperature:
375-400°F
The next topic is about exploring various common versions of the dish. Each showcases distinctive flavors made from different ingredients.
What Are Common Sườn Nướng Varieties?
Here, you’ll find common varieties of sườn nướng in different styles and ingredients used. Some can be made from pork ribs. Below, I present a table showcasing six varieties and their features.

Sườn Nướng Mật Ong
Honey glazed for sweetness and rich flavor

Sườn Nướng Sả
Lemongrass marinated for a fragrant, citrusy taste

Sườn Nướng Muối Ớt
Pork chops seasoned with chili and salt for a spicy and savory touch

Sườn Nướng BBQ
Coated in BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy American-style flavor

Sườn Nướng Ngũ Vị Hương
Marinated with five-spice powder for a complex, aromatic taste

Sườn Nướng Chao
Fermented bean curd marinated for a unique, umami taste
With an understanding of the different popular styles of sườn nướng in Vietnam, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of consuming this dish.
Pros and Cons of Eating Sườn Nướng
Here is a thorough analysis of the positive and negative aspects of Vietnamese grilled pork chops.
Pros
Cons
In the next part, you should also explore the frequently asked questions to enhance your knowledge about the grilled pork delicacy in Vietnamese cuisine.











Truc Tran (Kris)
Senior Food Editor
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.