Cơm Sườn – The Ultimate Vietnamese Pork Chop Rice

What is Cơm Sườn?
At its core, Cơm Sườn consists of pork chops served over a bed of fragrant broken rice (cơm tấm), often accompanied by pickled vegetables, a crispy fried egg, shredded pork skin (bì), and a side of nước chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce). The pork chops are marinated in a delicious mix of fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and lemongrass, giving them a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. When grilled over an open flame or pan-seared, they develop a smoky, caramelized crust that makes every bite irresistible.

The Magic of Broken Rice
One thing that sets Cơm Sườn apart from other rice dishes is its use of cơm tấm, or broken rice. Originally a byproduct of rice milling, broken rice grains have a unique texture—softer and slightly chewy, making them ideal for soaking up all the delicious flavors from the grilled pork and fish sauce.

How to Enjoy Cơm Sườn
The beauty of this dish lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The best way to eat Cơm Sườn is to mix everything together—break the yolk of the fried egg, drizzle on some nước chấm, and take a bite with a little bit of everything on your spoon. The contrast between the smoky pork, fragrant rice, tangy pickles, and rich egg yolk creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

Why You’ll Love It
Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, Cơm Sườn is a dish that never disappoints. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with bold flavors that define Vietnamese cuisine. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize—add extra pickles for more tang, a side of chả trứng (Vietnamese steamed egg cake) for variety, or a touch of chili for some heat.