Pork with Five Spice Vietnamese Style

This flavorful dish brings together tender pork infused with the aromatic blend of five spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a taste of Vietnamese cuisine at home.

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TIME2 hr 20 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into cubes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by seasoning the pork with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the pork and garlic. Let them cook together until the pork is nicely browned all over, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Next, stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and five-spice powder. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let everything simmer gently. Give it a stir now and then, cooking until the pork is so tender it easily falls apart when you poke it with a fork—this usually takes around 2 hours.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Marinate the pork for at least an hour to let the spices fully penetrate the meat.
- Use fresh five-spice powder for the best flavor; pre-ground spices can lose potency over time.
- Cook the pork over medium heat to avoid burning the spices and to keep the meat juicy.

Why you’ll love it

This dish offers a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors thanks to the five-spice blend. It’s a perfect way to enjoy tender pork with a unique Vietnamese twist that’s both comforting and exciting.

Serving ideas

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, along with pickled vegetables, for a bright and refreshing contrast.

Storage & leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep the pork tender and avoid drying it out. This dish also freezes well for up to one month.