Dive into the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with our irresistible Bun Cha, a delightful dish featuring succulent grilled pork served over a bed of silky rice noodles. This culinary masterpiece is not just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and transports you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh ingredients, Bun Cha is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to unleash your inner chef and create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced shallots
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
- Sliced cucumber
- Pickled carrots and daikon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and minced shallots. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cover the pork mixture and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Prepare the pickled carrots and daikon by julienning vegetables and pickling them in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Shape the marinated pork into small patties or meatballs approximately 2 inches in diameter.
- Grill the pork patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring they are cooked through with a nice char and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, typically by boiling in water for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare a serving platter with cooked rice noodles as the base. Arrange grilled pork patties on top of noodles.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, sliced cucumber, and prepared pickled carrots and daikon.
- Create a dipping sauce by mixing fish sauce, water, sugar, minced garlic, and chili (optional) for added flavor.
- Serve immediately, allowing diners to mix components and drizzle sauce as desired.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the marination process! Allowing the pork to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) will enhance the flavors and make the meat incredibly tender.
- Grill with Care: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the pork patties. This helps achieve that perfect char while keeping the inside juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs! A generous handful of mint and cilantro not only adds freshness but also elevates the dish’s aromatic profile.
- Customize Your Dipping Sauce: Feel free to adjust the dipping sauce to suit your taste. Add more chili for heat or a touch more sugar for sweetness—make it your own!
- Presentation is Key: When serving, layer the rice noodles, grilled pork, and vibrant pickled vegetables artfully on a platter. A beautiful presentation will entice your guests even before they take a bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
