07/08/2025
Found my new favorite Vietnamese dish in Paris. Will try to use tofu instead of pork when I get back.
Bún Thịt Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
A vibrant Vietnamese noodle bowl packed with smoky grilled pork, fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and a tangy-sweet nước chấm dressing.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Pork:
500g pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced
3 tbsp lemongrass, finely minced
2 tbsp shallots, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground black pepper
For the Bowl:
300g dried rice vermicelli noodles (bún)
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 cup cucumber, julienned
1 cup bean sprouts
1 medium carrot, julienned or pickled (đồ chua)
Fresh herbs: mint, Thai basil, cilantro
Crushed roasted peanuts
Fried shallots (optional)
For Nước Chấm (Dipping Sauce/Dressing):
4 tbsp fish sauce
4 tbsp sugar
6 tbsp warm water
3 tbsp lime juice
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Pork
In a bowl, mix lemongrass, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and pepper.
Add pork slices, coat well, cover, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Nước Chấm
Dissolve sugar in warm water, then stir in fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili. Adjust to taste — it should be sweet, salty, and tangy all at once.
3. Cook the Pork
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Grill pork slices for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred.
4. Prepare the Noodles
Cook vermicelli according to package instructions, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
5. Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl: layer lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, carrots, and herbs.
Top with vermicelli, grilled pork, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots.
Drizzle generously with nước chấm before serving.
Look for the chicken fried rice recipe