20 Vietnamese Pork Hash Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Vietnamese pork hash, also known as "cha lua," is a popular and delicious dish that is commonly enjoyed in Vietnamese households and restaurants. This dish is made with a combination of ground pork, garlic, fish sauce, and a variety of herbs and spices, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. In this article, we will dive deeper into the origins and ingredients of this traditional Vietnamese dish and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to create your own tasty pork hash at home. So, get your apron on and let's get cooking!
Vietnamese pork hash has its roots in Chinese cuisine, specifically the Cantonese dish "cha siu," which translates to "fork-roasted." This dish is made with marinated pork that is roasted in a special barbecue sauce, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. As Vietnam has a long history of Chinese influence, it's no surprise that this dish has made its way into Vietnamese cuisine, with some adaptations and modifications to suit the local palate.
The French Connection
Another influence on Vietnamese pork hash is the French charcuterie, a type of cooking that focuses on cured meats and pâtés. When the French colonized Vietnam in the late 19th century, they brought with them their expertise in charcuterie and introduced new techniques and flavors to the traditional Vietnamese cuisine. This led to the development of "cha lua," which is a type of pork sausage wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, similar to the French pâté en croûte.
The Ingredients
The Pork
The main ingredient in Vietnamese pork hash is, of course, pork. This dish typically uses a combination of lean and fatty cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder and pork belly, to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The pork is ground and mixed with other ingredients to create a smooth and cohesive filling.
The Aromatics
Garlic, shallots, and scallions are commonly used in Vietnamese pork hash to add depth and aroma to the dish. These aromatics are finely chopped and mixed into the pork filling, giving it a savory and fragrant taste.
The Spices
A variety of spices are used in Vietnamese pork hash, including black pepper, five-spice powder, and chili flakes. These spices add a kick of heat and a complex flavor profile to the dish.
The Fish Sauce
Fish sauce, or "nuoc mam," is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and is added to many dishes for its umami flavor. In Vietnamese pork hash, fish sauce is used to enhance the overall taste and balance out the flavors of the spices and aromatics.
The Herbs
Vietnamese pork hash also incorporates a variety of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil, to add freshness and brightness to the dish. These herbs are chopped and mixed into the pork filling or used as a garnish.
The Recipe
Now that you know the origins and ingredients of Vietnamese pork hash, it's time to try making it yourself. Here is a simple and delicious recipe that will guide you through the process step-by-step:
Ingredients:
1 lb ground pork
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp five-spice powder
1 tsp chili flakes
2 tbsp fish sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, and Thai basil)
Banana leaves (for wrapping)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, garlic, shallots, scallions, black pepper, five-spice powder, chili flakes, and fish sauce until well combined.
Add in the chopped herbs and mix well.
Prepare the banana leaves by cutting them into 8-inch squares and blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds to soften.
Place a few tablespoons of the pork filling onto the center of a banana leaf square and shape it into a log.
Wrap the banana leaf tightly around the pork filling, tucking the ends underneath to seal it.
Repeat with the remaining pork filling and banana leaves.
Steam the pork hash for about 45 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Let the pork hash cool before unwrapping and slicing into rounds.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
With this recipe, you can now make your own delicious Vietnamese pork hash at home. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique version of this traditional dish. We hope you enjoy this flavorful and savory treat!
