Name: Vietnamese Bun Cha (Grilled Pork Patties with Noodles)
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 700 g ground pork (shoulder or thigh); 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small shallot, minced; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 400 g vermicelli rice noodles; 1 head lettuce (e.g., butter or green leaf); 1 bunch fresh mint; 1 bunch fresh cilantro; 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 4 tbsp fish sauce (for dipping sauce); 4 tbsp water (for dipping sauce); 3 tbsp sugar (for dipping sauce); 3 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced (for dipping sauce); 1 small bird's eye chili, minced (optional)

Steps

Prepare Pork Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 minced shallot, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly, then form into patties about 2-3 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Set aside.

Make Nuoc Cham Sauce

Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp fish sauce, 4 tbsp water, 3 tbsp sugar, and 3 tbsp lime juice. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and the minced chili (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Prepare Noodles & Veggies

Cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Prepare the vegetables: wash and tear lettuce leaves, pick mint and cilantro leaves, thinly slice the cucumber, and julienne the carrot.

Grill & Serve

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the pork patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through. To serve, place rice noodles in a bowl, alongside fresh vegetables and the grilled pork patties. Drizzle generously with Nuoc Cham sauce, or serve it separately for individual dipping.

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