Vietnamese Caramelized Pork and Shrimp Belly Skewers
Tender pieces of pork belly and succulent shrimp are marinated in a savory-sweet caramel sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers. This dish offers a delightful balance of rich umami, subtle sweetness, and a hint of saltiness, making it an irresistible dinner centerpiece.
Prep Time
90 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
4
Calories
550 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: Mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and grate the ginger. In a large bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, chopped shallot, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and water.
~10 min - 2
Prepare the pork and shrimp: Cut the pork belly into bite-sized cubes (approximately 1-inch). Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired for presentation.
~15 min - 3
Marinate the ingredients: Add the pork belly cubes and shrimp to the marinade. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
~30 min - 4
Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated pork belly and shrimp onto the skewers, alternating between the two. You can add pieces of bell pepper or onion if desired.
~10 min - 5
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
~5 min - 6
Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and the shrimp are pink and opaque. Baste with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
~15 min - 7
Rest and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.
~5 min
Tips
- For an extra caramelization effect, you can briefly broil the skewers under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve these skewers with steamed jasmine rice, fresh cucumber slices, and a side of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) for a complete meal.
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