1/2 lb boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat & cut into 1/4 -inch strips
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 1/2 tbsps sliced mint, plus 1 1/2 tbsps shredded mint
3 c finely shredded romaine lettuce
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsps cider vinegar
2 large white turnips, peeled & shredded
3 c finely shredded cabbage
2 large carrots, shredded
2 tbsps mushroom soy sauce
1/4 tsp sugar
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/3 c water
1 1/2 tbsps fresh lime juice
2 tsps Asian fish sauce
1 tbsp peanut oil
1/3 c sliced unsalted peanuts
Directions
Step #1 Preheat the oven to 350°.
Step #2 In a medium bowl, toss the pork with half of the garlic & 1 tbsp of the soy sauce.
Step #3 Set aside to marinate at about room temp for 1 hr.
Step #4 In a medium ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tsps of the peanut oil.
Step #5 Add the onion & cook over moderately high heat, stirring every once in awhile, until evenly browned, about 5 mins.
Step #6 Transfer the skillet to the oven & cook, until the onion is dry & deep brown, stirring every once in awhile, about 25 mins.
Step #7 Remove from the skillet & set aside.
Step #8 In a medium bowl, sliced mint, lime juice, fish sauce, whisk the water with the remaining garlic & the vinegar, sugar, salt & crushed red pepper.
Step #9 In a bowl, toss the turnips with 3 tbsps of the dressing.
Step #10 In another bowl, toss the carrots with 3 tbsps of the dressing.
Step #11 In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tsp of peanut oil over high heat.
Step #12 Add the pork strips in an even layer & cook, without stirring, until browned on the bottom, about 2 mins.
Step #13 Turn & cook this until browned on the second side, about 2 mins longer.
Step #14 Add the remaining 1 tbsp of soy sauce to the skillet & stir this to coat the meat.
Step #15 Transfer the meat to a plate & let cool.
Step #16 In a bowl, toss the lettuce, cabbage, shredded mint & pork.
Step #17 Add the remaining dressing & any excess dressing from the turnips & carrots.
Step #18 Arrange the turnips & carrots on opposite sides of each plate & mound the pork salad in the center.
Step #19 Sprinkle top the browned onion & sliced peanuts over all & serve.
Enjoy the Vietnamese Salad with Chile-Mint Dressing recipe