Name: Vietnamese Pork Chops (Air Fryer or Grilled)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 thin bone-in pork chops (about 1/4-inch thick); 2.5 Tbsp minced lemongrass; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp onion powder; 3 Tbsp fish sauce; 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp oyster sauce; 1.5 Tbsp honey; 1.5 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 lime (juiced); 1/4 cup fish sauce; 1/3 cup water; 3 Tbsp granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp lime juice; 2 tsp rice wine vinegar; 1 red bird’s eye chili (Thai chili, minced); 1 clove garlic (minced)

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If you’re craving something flavorful, savory, and just a little tangy, these Vietnamese pork chops are going to be on your next favorite meal!

This easy and delicious recipe uses a fragrant lemongrass marinade and can be cooked in the air fryer or grilled to perfection.

Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or just looking for a new way to prepare pork chops, this Vietnamese pork chops recipe is a total winner.

Table of Contents

What are Vietnamese Pork Chops?

Vietnamese pork chops (also known as Vietnamese marinated pork chops) are thin-cut bone-in pork chops that are typically marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemongrass, fish sauce, garlic, and sugar. These chops are then grilled, pan-fried, or air fried until caramelized and juicy.

This dish is a staple in many Vietnamese households and restaurants, often served with steamed rice, fresh or pickled veggies, a fried egg, and a side of nước chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce). It’s simple, comforting, and packed with umami.

Why You'll Love This Vietnamese Pork Chops Recipe

Easy to make: Just marinate, air fry or grill, and serve. Super weeknight-friendly!
Big, bold flavor: The lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce marinade gives these chops a punch of umami and sweetness.
Flexible cooking methods: No air fryer? No problem. Grilled Vietnamese pork chops taste just as amazing.
Restaurant-style at home: Paired with rice, pickled veggies, and a fried egg, you’ll have a full Vietnamese-style plate that rivals any takeout.

If you like this recipe, then check out my Honey Butter Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork recipes!

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

Pork Chops: Use thin, bone-in chops (about ¼-inch thick) for the best balance of quick cooking and flavor retention.
Lemongrass: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma that’s signature to Vietnamese marinated pork chops.
Garlic: Adds depth and richness to the marinade.
Onion Powder: Enhances the umami flavor and adds subtle sweetness.
Fish Sauce: A salty, funky staple that gives authentic Vietnamese flavor.
Dark Soy Sauce: Adds color and a touch of molasses-like depth.
Soy Sauce: Contributes savory umami and saltiness.
Oyster Sauce: Thickens and sweetens the marinade while boosting flavor.
Honey: Balances the saltiness and adds a sticky caramelized texture.
Sugar: Helps with caramelization and balances flavors.
Lime Juice: Adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich marinade.

Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham):

Fish Sauce: The savory base of the dipping sauce.
Water: Dilutes the fish sauce to mellow the saltiness.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tang and salt.
Lime Juice: Gives a bright, citrusy tang.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a little extra acid and complexity.
Thai Chili: Brings a bit of heat to the mix.
Garlic: Gives an aromatic punch to the dipping sauce.

Customizations

Add Vegetables: Grill or air fry sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini alongside the pork chops for a full meal.
No Lemongrass?: Sub with lemon zest and a splash of lime juice for a somewhat similar citrusy note.

How to Make Vietnamese Pork Chops (Air Fryer or Grilled)

Prep the Pork
Use the back of a knife to gently pound and tenderize the pork chops. This helps break down the fibers for extra juiciness.

Cut small slits along the edges of the pork chops to prevent them from curling up when cooking.

Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix together the lemongrass, garlic, onion powder, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sugar, and lime juice. Add in the pork chops and toss to coat evenly.

Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight for the best flavor.

Make the Dipping Sauce
While the pork is marinating, stir together the fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, rice vinegar, Thai chili, and garlic. Set aside for serving.

Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 425°F. Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until nicely caramelized and cooked through.

You may need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Grill Option
If you’re grilling instead, heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the pork chops for about 3–5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Plate and Serve
Serve your Vietnamese pork chops over a bed of steamed rice. Add a fried egg on top and a side of fresh or pickled vegetables.

Drizzle with the dipping sauce or serve it on the side for dipping!

Storage

These pork chops are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips

Use thin pork chops: They cook quickly and evenly, and soak up all that delicious marinade.
Marinate longer for more flavor: Overnight is best, but even 30 minutes will give you great results.
Don’t skip the dipping sauce: It really ties the whole dish together and brings out the flavor of the pork.

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