Vietnamese Barbecue Pork Thit Xa Xiu Recipe

OMG, you guys have to try this epic Thit Xa Xiu recipe I’m obsessed with! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and grilling it gives it that irresistible caramelization—we’re talking gourmet vibes right at home.

Plunge into the delectable realm of Vietnamese cooking with my dish for Thịt Xá Xíu. I adore how the melting pork shoulder takes in the sweet and savory brine of honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, and hoisin sauce.

The aromatic garlic clove and five-spice powder infuse the meat with plenty of deliciousness, drenching it in flavors that everyone finds hard to resist. This dish packs in nutrition and rewards you with a taste that lingers fondly in memory.

Vietnamese Barbecue Pork Thit Xa Xiu Recipe Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Tenderloin: Rich in protein, provides a tender and juicy texture.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates a caramelized glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a savory, umami flavor; high in sodium.
• Fish Sauce: Enhances depth with pungent, fermented notes.
• Five-Spice Powder: Infuses aromatic, warm sweetness with licorice hints.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, savory aroma; contains antioxidants.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a thick, sweet-savory profile; savory umami taste.
• Hoisin Sauce: Imparts sweet, tangy flavor with a hint of spice.

Vietnamese Barbecue Pork Thit Xa Xiu Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork tenderloin
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)

How to Make this Vietnamese Barbecue Pork Thit Xa Xiu Recipe

1. Pork shoulder or tenderloin requires trimming of unnecessary fat and sinew before being cut into long strips, approximately 1 inch thick.

2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the following ingredients until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved:

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
2 tablespoons grated ginger
1/4 cup vegetable oil

3. If desired, add the optional red food coloring to the marinade so that the meat has a more vibrant color.

4. Put the pork strips in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Then pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.

5. The bag should be sealed or the dish covered and then refrigerated for no less than 4 hours, though overnight is even better, to let the flavors permeate the pork.

6. Set your grill to medium-high heat. Take the pork out of the marinade, allowing any extra to fall away, and throw away the marinade.

7. The grill grates should be lightly oiled to prevent sticking, and the pork strips should then be placed on the grill.

8. Cook the pork on the grill for roughly 15-20 minutes, turning it now and then, until the internal temperature hits 145°F and the outside has a nice caramelized finish.

9. Take the pork off the grill and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before cutting it into pieces.

10. Serve the Thit Xa Xiu cut into slices, either as an appetizer, with rice, in sandwiches, or as part of some other dish. Enjoy!

Vietnamese Barbecue Pork Thit Xa Xiu Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Mixing bowl
6. Spoon or whisk (for mixing)
7. Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
8. Grill or grill pan
9. Tongs
10. Cooking oil spray or brush (for oiling grill grates)
11. Meat thermometer
12. Serving platter

FAQ

• What cut of pork should I use?Pork shoulder can be used for a juicier texture, or pork tenderloin can be used for a leaner option.
• Is the red food coloring necessary?No, the red food dye is optional and is only used for a classic look.
• Can I substitute any of the sauces?Though substitutions may change the taste, you might experiment with tamari instead of soy sauce if you’re after a gluten-free option.
• How long should I marinate the pork?For best results, allow the pork to marinate for a minimum of 2-3 hours. However, if you can leave it overnight, the flavor will be even better.
• Can I grill this instead of baking?Grilling is a great option. Just make sure to preheat the grill and to cook the pork until it is nicely charred and cooked through.
• What sides go well with Thit Xa Xiu?Steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad make good accompaniments for this dish.
• How do I store leftovers?Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container; they will be good for 3 days. For a longer shelf life, freeze them.

Vietnamese Barbecue Pork Thit Xa Xiu Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, you can use chicken thighs or pork belly.
Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Use tamari or liquid aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
Substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an alternate umami flavor.
Replace hoisin sauce with soy sauce + peanut butter for a similarly sweet and savory flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade for Longer: For even more flavorful and tender pork, marinate the meat for a full 24 hours. This gives the marinade extra time to penetrate the meat thoroughly.