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Bun Cha

Bun Cha
Vietnam
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ingredients

  • For the Pork Marinade:
  • 1 lb (450 g) pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • For the Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce):
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili, thinly sliced
  • For Serving:
  • 12 oz (340 g) rice vermicelli noodles
  • Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and basil)
  • Lettuce leaves, chopped
  • Pickled vegetables (such as carrots and daikon radish)

Instructions

Marinate the Pork

In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, vegetable oil, and ground black pepper.

Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder or pork belly to the marinade and mix well.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Prepare the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, vegetable oil, and ground black pepper.

Mix until well combined.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Prepare the Nuoc Cham

In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced red chili.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

Cook the Pork and Meatballs

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Grill the marinated pork slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Grill the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and browned.

Prepare the Noodles

Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Assemble the Bun Cha

Divide the cooked rice vermicelli noodles among serving bowls.

Top with grilled pork slices and meatballs.

Add fresh herbs, chopped lettuce leaves, and pickled vegetables.

Serve

Enjoy your meal!