Gio lua Vietnamese pork roll
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its delicate yet flavorful dishes that are influenced by a variety of factors, such as geography, history, and culture. One of the most popular and delicious dishes from Vietnam is the Gio lua – a Vietnamese pork roll that is both savory and sweet, and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course.
Gio lua is made from ground pork that is mixed with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. The mixture is then wrapped tightly in banana leaves, and steamed until it becomes firm and chewy. The banana leaves add a subtle aromatic flavor to the dish and help to keep the meat moist and tender.
The origins of Gio lua can be traced back to the Northern regions of Vietnam, where it was typically served as a street food snack. Over the years, the dish has become a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is often served during special occasions such as Lunar New Year or family gatherings.
The name Gio lua translates to “pork roll” in English, but the dish has many other names depending on the region in which it is served. For example, in Southern Vietnam, Gio lua is known as Cha lua, while in Central Vietnam, it is called Gio cha. No matter what it is called, however, Gio lua remains a popular and beloved dish in Vietnam and beyond.
Making Gio lua is a simple and rewarding process. To start, you will need a few key ingredients, such as ground pork (preferably shoulder), fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and banana leaves. You will also need some twine or kitchen string to tie the rolls together.
To make the Gio lua, you will first need to prepare the pork mixture by combining the ground pork with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to suit your own taste. Once the mixture is well combined, you can begin to shape it into rolls that are about 2 inches in diameter.
Next, you will need to wrap the rolls tightly in banana leaves. You can cut the banana leaves into 6-8 inch squares, and then place a roll in the center of each one. Fold the ends of the banana leaves over the roll, tucking them in tightly. Finally, tie each roll with kitchen string to secure the banana leaves in place.
You can then steam the Gio lua for about 2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure they are fully cooked. Once they are finished, remove them from the steamer and let them cool before cutting them into slices.
Gio lua can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is often served alongside rice or noodles, or used as a filling for sandwiches or banh mi. It can also be added to salad or stir-fries to add flavor and texture.
In conclusion, Gio lua is a delicious and versatile Vietnamese pork roll that is loved by many. Whether you are a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or simply looking for a new and interesting dish to try, Gio lua is definitely worth the effort. With its savory and sweet flavor, tender texture, and versatile uses, Gio lua is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground pork
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp shallots, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 feet of banana leaves or parchment paper
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, mix the ground pork with fish sauce, sugar, corn starch, minced garlic, minced shallots, black pepper, and an egg.
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Knead the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and firm.
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If using banana leaves, wash and cut off the edges. Place two banana leaves on top of each other, overlapping by one-half.
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Place the pork mixture at the center of the leaves, then roll tightly into a log-shaped sausage.
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Fold both ends of the leaves to seal the sausage.
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Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the pork roll into the pot and cook for 45 minutes to an hour until the pork is fully cooked.
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To serve, slice the pork roll into thin round slices and garnish with mint, cilantro, and pickled vegetables. Serve alongside rice noodles or in a sandwich. Enjoy!