The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
When you need dinner fast but still crave bold, comforting flavor, Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry delivers every time. This dish is everything a weeknight meal should be—quick, budget-friendly, deeply savory, and endlessly satisfying. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you get glossy, caramel-coated pork that tastes like it simmered all day.
Caramelised pork is a cornerstone of Vietnamese home cooking. Traditionally made with chunks of pork slowly simmered in caramel sauce, this mince version is the modern shortcut—keeping all the sweet-savory depth while cutting cooking time down to minutes. The result is rich, sticky pork infused with garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and just enough sugar to create that signature caramel finish.
Served over steaming rice and finished with herbs and lime, this dish hits every craving: salty, sweet, umami-packed, and comforting. It’s the kind of meal that becomes a regular in your weekly rotation.
What “Caramelised” Means in Vietnamese Cooking
Vietnamese caramelised dishes don’t taste like candy. Instead, sugar is gently cooked until amber, then balanced with fish sauce, aromatics, and protein. The caramelization creates depth, color, and complexity—transforming simple ingredients into something crave-worthy.
In this stir fry:
- Sugar provides richness, not sweetness
- Fish sauce adds umami and salt
- Pork absorbs the sauce beautifully
- High heat creates glossy, sticky coating
It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Why Pork Mince Works So Well
Using pork mince instead of sliced pork:
- Cooks faster
- Absorbs more flavor
- Is budget-friendly
- Requires no marinating
- Works perfectly for weeknights
The mince caramelizes quickly, creating little crispy edges while staying juicy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- One pan, minimal cleanup
- Perfect balance of sweet, salty, savory
- Family-friendly but customizable with heat
It’s comfort food with Vietnamese soul.
Ingredients for Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry
For the Stir Fry:
- Ground pork
- Shallots, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Neutral oil
- Granulated sugar
- Fish sauce
- Light soy sauce
- Water
To Finish:
- Fresh red chili (optional)
- Green onions
- Fresh lime
Instructions
- Make the caramel: Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add sugar and cook until melted and amber in color.
- Add aromatics: Immediately add shallots and garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning.
- Brown the pork: Add pork mince and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink.
- Season: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and water.
- Caramelise: Increase heat and let sauce bubble and reduce until glossy and sticky.
- Add heat: Stir in fresh chili if using.
- Finish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions.
- Serve: Spoon over hot rice with lime wedges.
Expert Tips for Perfect Caramelised Pork
- Watch the sugar carefully: It turns fast
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Helps caramelization
- Use medium-fat pork: Juicier and more flavorful
- Adjust sweetness: Add a splash of water if too dark
- Finish hot: Sauce thickens quickly off heat
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili garlic sauce or bird’s eye chilies
- Herb-Forward: Finish with Thai basil or cilantro
- Low-Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly and caramelize longer
- Ground Chicken: Swap pork for chicken mince
What to Serve With It
Serve Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried eggs
- Pickled cucumbers or carrots
- Simple sautéed greens
It’s also delicious spooned into lettuce cups.
Cultural Context
Caramelised pork dishes are staples in Vietnamese family meals—deeply comforting and deeply personal. Each household adjusts sweetness, salt, and heat to taste. This quick version honors those flavors while fitting modern schedules.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4 days
- Reheat: Gently with splash of water
- Freezer: Freezes well up to 2 months
- Meal prep: Ideal for lunches
Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Mince Stir Fry (Quick & Easy)
Quick Vietnamese-style caramelised pork mince stir fry with sweet-salty umami flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil and melt sugar until amber.
- Add shallots and garlic, stir quickly.
- Add pork and cook until browned.
- Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and water.
- Simmer until thick and caramelised. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Serve hot over rice with lime wedges.
