Join PasGo in the kitchen to learn how to marinate five-spice grilled meat with an aromatic blend, achieving a tender texture without dryness or charring. The whole family will be enthralled by your culinary skills!
To create a delicious grilled meat dish for family and friends, the marination process is crucial. Insufficient marination results in a lack of aroma and flavor. Today, PasGo will introduce a new and delightful marination technique that is both unique and easy. Check it out now!

Ingredients:
(serving for 4)
- Pork: 500g
- 1 tablespoon honey or condensed milk
- Five-spice blend: 1 packet
- 1 garlic bulb
- 3 lemongrass stalks
- 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce.
Note:
+ To create a delicious and straightforward five-spice grilled meat at home, pay attention to ingredient selection: Choose pork belly or shoulder, ensuring a balance of fat and lean meat for a tender and moist result. Too much lean meat can lead to dryness.
+ When grilling, alternate layers of lean and fatty meat for a more delightful taste. Especially, skewer the meat while grilling to prevent shrinkage and maintain optimal tenderness. Keep in mind that excessive trimming of fat can result in dry and less flavorful meat.

Marinating process for five-spice grilled meat:
Step 1: Preparation
- Peel the lemongrass and garlic, then finely chop.
- Slice the pork into thin, long strips and marinate thoroughly with the prepared spices: garlic, five-spice blend, lemongrass, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt for rich flavor. To tenderize the pork, add the prepared honey before grilling. (If honey is unavailable, condensed milk works as well).

- After marinating the five-spice grilled meat, transfer it to a container, seal the lid, or place it in a plastic bag. Refrigerate for approximately 4-5 hours. This step is crucial for the meat to absorb the flavors evenly and enhance the taste during grilling.

Step 2: Execution
Afterward, take the meat out and place it in a tray. Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake for about 30 minutes, flipping the meat to ensure even cooking. When the meat turns a rich golden color, it's ready. Alternatively, you can use skewers to thread the meat and grill it. If using a charcoal grill, the meat will be even more flavorful.
Pro tip: If you don't have an oven or charcoal grill, you can pan-fry the marinated meat. Pan-frying adds a delightful aroma, and the meat won't burn thanks to the well-soaked five-spice marinade.

Enjoy this pork dish paired with steamed rice or noodles. The well-cooked, tender meat carries the distinct aroma of five-spice, avoiding any charred or dry texture. Add some fresh herbs, and dip it in chili sauce for an extra delicious experience. Undoubtedly, this five-spice grilled pork will be a delightful treat for everyone in your family. Learn the art of marinating and grilling with five-spice to impress your loved ones occasionally.
If you're looking to savor the authentic five-spice grilled pork and countless traditional dishes from all regions of Vietnam in Saigon, PasGo recommends Nón Lá restaurant. With a commitment to promoting Vietnamese culinary heritage and showcasing the passion of Vietnamese enterprises in preserving and promoting our cultural values, the restaurant has crafted a menu featuring over 300 traditional dishes: Two-way pigeon, Pigeon fried rice, Banana flower soup with tofu, Countryside clam hotpot, Smoked duck breast... Each dish boasts unique and creative touches, intricately blending on traditional materials and ethnic flavors.


Crafted by Ngọc Anh - PasGo.vn
