Vietnamese Bun Cha (Grilled Pork Patties with Noodles)

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)

Difficulty

medium

Time

55m

Price Category

average

Calories

Medium

Bun Cha is a classic Vietnamese dish originating from the streets of Hanoi, offering a perfect harmony of fresh flavors, grilled meat, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce. This dish consists of grilled pork patties and slices, vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a distinctive Nuoc Cham dipping sauce. It's light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a special lunch or dinner. Recreate this authentic taste at home and take a culinary journey to Vietnam!

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.

	Per 100g	Per Serving 350g
Calories	280 kcal	980 kcal
Protein	18g	63g
Fat	15g	53g
Carbohydrate	18g	63g
Fiber	1g	4g
Sugar	5g	18g

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pork

grilled

everyday

main course

juicy

Vietnamese

all seasons

Room Temperature

Vietnamese Bun Cha (Grilled Pork Patties with Noodles)

Difficulty

Time

Price Category

Calories

ingredients

Steps

Prepare Pork Patties

Make Nuoc Cham Sauce

Prepare Noodles & Veggies

Grill & Serve

Extra Tips

► You can prepare the pork patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator before grilling, making dinner quicker.

► Adjust the flavor of the Nuoc Cham sauce to your liking: add more chili for a spicier kick or more sugar for a sweeter version.

► Serve with extra fresh herbs like perilla leaves or Thai basil for an even more authentic experience.

Nutrition