VIETNAMESE PORK SALAD

Vietnamese Pork Salad image

Provided by Laurie Woolever

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 stalk lemon grass, very finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 Thai chili, finely chopped
Four 1/2-inch-thick center-cut pork chops
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
Half a small Thai chili, finely chopped
1 8-ounce package thin Vietnamese rice noodles
2 romaine hearts, thinly sliced
Half a pomelo, or a small pink grapefruit, skin and membranes removed, shredded into small pieces
2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and julienned
1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Steps:

For the pork: In a large bowl, combine the lemon grass, garlic, brown sugar, fish sauce, chili and 1 tablespoon water. Add pork chops, turn to coat well, and let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to three hours.
For the dressing: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, chili and 1/2 cup water. Mix well. Dressing should be strong but not overwhelming; if desired, add up to 1/4 cup more water.
Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Remove pork chops from marinade, brush off lemon grass and pat dry with paper towels. Place pork chops on grill or in pan and brown well, turning once, 2 to 3 minutes a side. Remove from heat and let rest about 5 minutes. Cut into thin slices and set aside.
For serving: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and rinse under cold water. Drain, and mix in bowl with romaine, pomelo or grapefruit, carrots, cucumbers, mint and cilantro. Toss to mix. Add dressing and toss again. Top with pork and garnish with peanuts. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 959, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 117 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 57 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 1775 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams