Fragrant Lemongrass Pork Stew with Lime Leaves – A Simple Yet Irresistible Recipe

One of the simplest yet surprisingly effective cooking techniques is using lime leaves – a fragrant ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and a special touch to your dishes. When combined with pork, lime leaves create a mouthwatering flavor balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that elevate even the most ordinary meal.

1. Ingredients

• 500g (about 1 lb) pork belly or pork leg

• 5–6 fresh lime leaves

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon minced shallots

• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey

• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

• ½ teaspoon five-spice powder

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

When cooked with lime leaves, the pork turns beautifully golden, tender, and aromatic – no need to spend time making caramel sauce for color!

2. Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Rinse the pork with diluted salt water to remove any odor, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Clean the lime leaves and either keep them whole or slice them thinly, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Marinate the pork
Place the pork in a large bowl and add fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, minced shallots, sugar (or honey), five-spice powder, and pepper.
Mix well to ensure the meat absorbs all the seasonings evenly. Let it marinate for 20–30 minutes.

Step 3: Braise the pork with lime leaves
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, sauté until fragrant.
Add the marinated pork, stir until the meat firms up and starts to brown slightly.
Add the lime leaves and continue to stir for a few minutes — their essential oils will infuse the meat with a refreshing aroma and give it a natural golden color.
Pour in enough water to just cover the meat. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Finish the dish
Once the sauce has reduced to a rich, glossy consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Remove the lime leaves for a milder flavor, or leave them in for a stronger aroma when serving.

3. Tips for Success

• Lime leaves not only provide a light, pleasant fragrance but also naturally tint the pork a lovely golden hue — eliminating the need for caramelized sugar.

• Using honey instead of sugar during marination adds a delicate sweetness and helps keep the pork juicy and tender.

• For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a few slices of ginger or a stalk of lemongrass while simmering.

4. Serving Suggestions

This braised pork with lime leaves boasts a gentle citrus aroma, a balanced sweet-savory taste, and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It pairs perfectly with steaming white rice or sticky rice, making it an ideal comfort dish for family gatherings or cozy weekend meals.

Add a side of pickled vegetables or fresh cucumber slices to balance the richness. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this dish promises a satisfying, homestyle flavor that everyone will love.