Bun Cha (Bún Chả - Grilled Pork with Noodles)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• For the Grilled Pork (Cha):
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 lb pork shoulder or belly, sliced thinly
  • Marinade:
    • 3 tbsp fish sauce
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tbsp minced shallots
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp black pepper
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• For the Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham):
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Thai chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • Optional: Thinly sliced carrot/green papaya pickles
• For Serving:
  • 1 lb thin rice vermicelli noodles (bun), cooked and drained
  • Assorted fresh lettuce (butter, romaine)
  • Fresh herbs: Mint, cilantro, Thai basil, perilla leaves (Tia To)
  • Bean sprouts

Instructions:

1. Marinate Pork: Divide the marinade between two bowls. Add ground pork to one and sliced pork to the other. Mix well. Form the ground pork into small patties (about 1.5 inches). Let both marinated porks rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Stir in fish sauce, lime juice/vinegar, minced garlic, and chili (if using). Add optional pickles. Set aside.
3. Grill Pork: Preheat a grill (charcoal preferred for authentic flavor, but gas or broiler works) to medium-high. Grill the pork patties and sliced pork until cooked through and slightly charred (about 3-5 minutes per side for patties, less for thin slices). Keep warm.
4. Assemble: Arrange cooked vermicelli noodles, grilled pork patties, grilled sliced pork, lettuce, herbs, and bean sprouts on plates or in bowls.
5. Serve: Serve with individual bowls of the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce. Diners typically dip the noodles, pork, and herbs into the sauce or combine elements in their own bowl.

What Makes It Special:

Bun Cha is a Hanoi specialty famous for its smoky, flavorful grilled pork served alongside fresh rice vermicelli noodles, heaps of fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce. The contrast between the hot, savory pork, cool noodles, refreshing herbs, and bright dipping sauce is central to its appeal. It's an interactive and incredibly satisfying meal, showcasing the Vietnamese love for grilling and fresh ingredients.