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Introduction
Bun Cha, a beloved street food staple from Hanoi, has captivated taste buds for generations. Originating in the bustling streets of Vietnam's capital, this dish rose to international fame when Anthony Bourdain shared a humble meal of Bun Cha with President Obama in 2016. Traditionally, the dish features chargrilled pork patties and pork belly served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce. Our healthier rendition pays homage to these authentic flavors while incorporating leaner cuts of meat and an abundance of fresh vegetables, making it a perfect option for those seeking a lighter yet equally satisfying meal.
Ingredients
• 1 pound lean ground pork (90% lean)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 8 ounces rice vermicelli noodles
• 2 cups mixed salad greens, washed and dried
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for grilling
• For the dipping sauce:
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 red Thai chili, finely chopped (optional)
Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well and form into 8 small patties. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Step 2:
While the patties chill, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fish sauce, water, rice vinegar, lime juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili (if using). Set aside.
Step 3:
Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Step 4:
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the pork patties with vegetable oil and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
Step 5:
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked noodles among 4 bowls. Top with mixed salad greens, cucumber slices, julienned carrots, mint leaves, and cilantro.
Step 6:
Place 2 grilled pork patties on top of each bowl. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. The pork patties can be grilled in advance and reheated.
Q: Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
A: Light soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but use half the amount specified for fish sauce.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spice level is adjustable. Omit the Thai chili in the dipping sauce for a mild version, or increase for more heat.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with firm tofu or tempeh.
• If fish sauce is unavailable, use light soy sauce as a substitute, but reduce the amount by half.
• Adjust the chili in the dipping sauce according to your spice preference.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure your fish sauce is gluten-free.
• Fresh herbs are crucial for authentic flavor; if unavailable, use dried herbs at a 1:3 ratio (1 part dried to 3 parts fresh).
• Look for lean ground pork to keep the dish lighter; turkey can be used as an alternative.
Serve the bowls immediately, encouraging diners to pour the dipping sauce over the noodles and meat as desired.
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat pork patties before serving.
Prepare the dipping sauce and vegetables while the pork patties are chilling. Cook the noodles while grilling the pork to save time.
- Don't overmix the pork to keep the patties tender.
- Ensure the grill is hot before adding the patties to achieve a nice char.
- Adjust the fish sauce and sugar in the dipping sauce to your taste preference.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same seasonings.
Serve with a cold Vietnamese beer or a crisp white wine like Riesling.
Spring and Summer
Contains peanuts, fish (in fish sauce). May contain gluten depending on the brand of fish sauce used.
