Juicy Lemongrass Pork Chops

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Aug 19th 2025

Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chops – Vietnamese Recipe

If you’re craving a punch of Southeast Asian flavor in a simple weeknight dinner, these lemongrass pork chops are your answer.

Tender, juicy, and packed with aromatic herbs, they’re infused with a flavorful marinade of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy, and a touch of honey.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual family meal or prepping for a summer BBQ, these chops deliver bold, irresistible flavor every time.

This lemongrass pork chops recipe is also super versatile—you can cook them in the oven, on the grill, or even in the air fryer for a quick weeknight dinner.

Serve them over rice, add them to noodle bowls, or enjoy them on their own with a tangy dipping sauce.

Perfect for Meal Prep, Summer BBQs, or Dinner

These Vietnamese lemongrass pork chops are a dream for meal prep.

Marinate overnight, grill or bake, and you’ve got ready-to-go protein for lunches or dinners all week.

They’re also a showstopper for summer BBQs—your friends will be asking for seconds!

Want a fun twist? Slice them thin and use as a topping for bun thit nuong noodle bowls or fresh salad bowls.

Don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you served your grilled lemongrass pork chops—I love seeing your creations!

What You'll Need

• Pork Loin Chops – the juicy base of the dish, tender and perfect for absorbing the marinade.
• Lemongrass – adds a fresh, citrusy aroma that’s signature in Vietnamese cooking.
• Garlic – brings savory depth and fragrance to the marinade.
• Shallot – adds mild sweetness and layers of flavor.
• Fish Sauce – provides salty, umami richness for authentic Southeast Asian taste.
• Dark Soy Sauce – deepens the color and adds a touch of caramel-like flavor.
• Honey – balances the salty notes with natural sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Cooking Oil – heated and poured over green onions to create fragrant scallion oil.
• Scallions – sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Pork Chops Recipe 💗

• Aromatic & Flavorful: Lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce infuse every bite with classic Vietnamese flavor.
• Juicy & Tender: Scoring the pork and marinating overnight keeps the chops perfectly tender.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Oven, air fryer, or grill—take your pick!
• Easy Meal Prep: Marinate, cook, and enjoy a week’s worth of flavorful meals.

How to Make Lemongrass Marinated Pork Chops

1. Mince lemongrass, garlic, and shallot.
2. Score pork chops along the edges to prevent curling.
3. Mix marinade: fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and aromatics.
4. Coat pork chops, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
5. Grill, bake, or air fry 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Serve with scallions and tangy dipping sauce over rice or noodles.

What to Serve With Lemongrass Pork Chops

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: Pickled cucumber salad or spinach salad

🥩 Main Course: Serve alongside rice, sticky rice or vermicelli noodle bowls

🍛 Side Dish: Vietnamese-style pickled carrots and daikon, or stir-fried vegetables

🍰 Dessert: Mango sticky rice or coconut pudding

Tangy Dipping Sauce for Lemongrass Pork Chops

No Vietnamese lemongrass pork chops meal is complete without a bright, flavorful dipping sauce.

This tangy sauce balances sweet, sour, and salty notes, bringing out the best in your grilled or air-fried pork.

It’s perfect for drizzling over rice bowls, noodle bowls, or just dunking each juicy chop for maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Tangy Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/3 cup fish sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small bird’s eye chili, minced (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup (30 g) very thinly julienned or grated carrot (optional, for crunch & color)
• 1/4 cup (30 g) very thinly julienned or grated daikon radish (optional)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (preferably Thai or Vietnamese; optional)

How to Make Tangy Dipping Sauce for Lemongrass Pork Chops:

1. Dissolve the sugar in hot water in a small bowl.
2. Stir in lime juice and fish sauce until well combined.
3. Mix in minced garlic and chili for a fragrant kick.
4. Fold in julienned carrot and daikon radish to add color and texture.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or acidity to suit your preference.

This lemongrass pork chop dipping sauce is quick to make, full of flavor, and the perfect companion to your aromatic pork.

Drizzle it over rice bowls, noodle bowls, or use it as a zesty dip—it’s irresistible every time!

Lemongrass Marinated Pork Chops for Summer BBQs & Weeknight Dinners This Vietnamese lemongrass pork chops recipe is an easy, flavorful, and aromatic way to bring a taste of Vietnam to your table.

Marinate overnight, cook in your preferred method, and enjoy the savory, juicy results!

Don’t forget to share how you like your lemongrass marinated pork chops and your favorite dipping sauce in the comments—your feedback always makes my day!