Thit Nuong (caramelized grilled pork)

• 2 lbs. (900 grams) pork chops (or 1 ½ lbs. (680 grams) pork butt or shoulder, thinly sliced to about ¼ inch thick)

• ¼ cup (60 ml) lemongrass, minced

• ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed and minced

• 3 small shallots, minced

• 1 tablespoon nuoc mau (caramel syrup)