Bún thịt nướng, or Vietnamese Grilled Pork and Noodle Salad, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. This beloved street food staple boasts a delightful harmony of textures and tastes: the sweet and savory char of the grilled pork, the fresh crunch of herbs and vegetables, the subtle earthiness of vermicelli noodles, and the tangy-sweet kick of the accompanying dipping sauce. It's a complete culinary experience in a single bowl, effortlessly balancing sweet, savory, sour, and spicy notes. Each element contributes to a symphony of flavors, making it an incredibly satisfying and refreshing meal.
The beauty of Bún thịt nướng lies in its customizable nature; you can adjust the ingredients to your liking, creating a personalized bowl of deliciousness every time. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and create your own perfect Bún thịt nướng? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below to guide you through the process of making this iconic Vietnamese dish.
Tools Needed
- mixing bowl
- grill
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Cook the Pork
- Combine hoisin sauce, honey, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, garlic, pepper, and five-spice powder in a bowl. Mix well.
- Add the pork shoulder to the marinade, ensuring it's fully coated. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Grill the marinated pork until cooked through.
Step 2. Prepare the Salad Components
- Cut the lettuce into ribbons, cucumbers in half lengthwise, and chop the mint, Vietnamese coriander, pickled radish and daikon.
- If using fresh noodles, they are usually ready to use. If using dried noodles, cook according to package directions.
- Whisk together fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, and chilies in a bowl.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Place noodles in a large bowl. Add grilled pork (sliced), lettuce, cucumbers, herbs, pickled radish and daikon, and crushed peanuts.
- Drizzle the chili lime fish sauce vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately with egg rolls, if desired.
Read more: Authentic Vietnamese Fish Noodle Soup (Bun Ca Nuc) Recipe
Tips
- Using pork shoulder with some fat ensures the meat remains moist when grilled.
- Freshly made rice noodles are ideal, but dried vermicelli noodles can be used as an alternative.
- The vinaigrette ties all the flavors together, making the dish more flavorful and balanced.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 70g
- Protein: 30g
FAQs
1. Can I make the grilled pork ahead of time?
Yes! Grilled pork tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
2. What kind of noodles should I use for Bún thịt nướng?
Traditional Bún are thin, white rice vermicelli noodles. These are readily available at most Asian grocery stores.
3. What can I substitute if I don't have all the fresh herbs?
Don't worry if you're missing a few herbs! Cilantro and mint are essential, but you can omit others or substitute with similar herbs like basil.
With its vibrant flavors and refreshing textures, Bún thịt nướng is a truly satisfying and rewarding dish to make. This recipe allows for personalization, encouraging you to experiment with different ingredients and create your own unique version. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!