Craving a quick, flavorful, and authentic Vietnamese dish? Look no further than stir-fried pork vermicelli, a culinary delight that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This vibrant noodle dish combines tender pork, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a savory sauce, all tossed with delicate vermicelli rice noodles. It's the perfect weeknight meal, satisfying enough for a hearty dinner yet light enough to enjoy any time of day. The beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam.
This recipe offers a simplified approach to this classic dish, making it accessible to even novice cooks. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- wok or frying pan
- pot
- bowl
Ingredients
- Pork: 500g (2 types: lean and fatty)
- Minced garlic: 2 tablespoons
- Shallots: 2 tablespoons
- Minced lemongrass: 2 tablespoons (from 2 stalks)
- Herbs and lettuce
- Cucumber
- Sugar: 14 cups
- Seasoning powder: ½ tablespoon
- MSG: 1 teaspoon
- Oyster sauce or fish sauce: 1 tablespoon (or ½ tablespoon fish sauce)
- Vermicelli noodles: 1kg
- Cooking oil
- Green onions
- Fish sauce for vermicelli: 3 tablespoons
- Sugar for fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 1 spoon
- Pickles
- Roasted peanuts
- Chili
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Marinate the Pork
- Thinly slice the pork. Use a mix of lean and fatty pork for best results.
- Marinate the pork with half of the minced garlic, shallots, sugar (14 cups), seasoning powder (½ tablespoon), MSG (1 teaspoon), and oyster sauce (1 tablespoon or ½ tablespoon fish sauce). Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Mix fish sauce (3 tablespoons), sugar (3 tablespoons), and vinegar (1 spoon).
- Heat cooking oil (3 tablespoons), add green onions, and stir-fry until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 2. Cook the Noodles and Stir-fry the Pork
- Cook the vermicelli noodles in boiling water until soft, then drain.
- Heat a wok or frying pan with a little cooking oil. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the marinated pork to the wok and stir-fry until golden brown.
- Add the lemongrass and stir-fry until fragrant. Add a ladle of water to help cook the meat.
- Add the cooked vermicelli noodles to the wok and stir-fry lightly until well combined.
Step 3. Assemble and Serve
- Serve immediately with the prepared fish sauce, herbs, lettuce, cucumber, pickles, roasted peanuts, and chili (optional).
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Use a mix of lean and fatty pork for a better flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar, seasoning powder, MSG, and fish sauce to your liking.
- If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with fish sauce.
- Use hot water to cook the vermicelli noodles faster.
- Add more shallots or green onions for a stronger aroma.
- Garnish with roasted peanuts and pickles for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of meat?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great substitutes for pork. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have all the listed vegetables?
No problem! Feel free to adapt the recipe to what you have on hand. Carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts are all excellent additions.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
This simple yet flavorful stir-fried pork vermicelli recipe is a testament to the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy the satisfying combination of textures and tastes, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and proteins to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!