The menu at Vietnamese restaurants in the United States often includes an inexpensive, homey rice plate with grilled pork chops flavored with Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, and onion. Unfortunately, I have often found the dish disappointing, with the rib chops dry and thin. Even with a knife and fork, the meat—typically broiled, rather than the advertised grilled—is hard to cut. After a number of dissatisfying rice plates, I decided to make the pork at home. To avoid dry meat, I opted for pork shoulder steaks. The slightly fatty, flavorful steaks turned out to be perfect for absorbing the bold marinade and remained moist after grilling. Sliced up before serving, the meat is easily managed with chopsticks, too, and I include a dipping sauce for extra flavor. Serve the pork with rice and a salad or a stir-fried or sautéed vegetable for a light meal. Add a soup such as Opo Squash Soup (page 60) and you have a traditional Vietnamese menu. Use any left overs for baguette sandwiches (page 34) or Mixed Rice (page 245).
This classic carbonara traps crispy pancetta and all that silky sauce in big tubes of rigatoni.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.
Your new house dressing: creamy, herby, and dangerously dippable.
All the cozy vibes of the classic gooey-cheesy dish, made into a 20-minute meal.
This flavorful fish stock is your secret weapon for bouillabaisse, shrimp risotto, clam chowder, and more.
This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.
This piquant French sauce comes together in the blender in just five minutes.