Bun Cha (Vietnamese Pork Meatball And Noodle Salad)

Name: Bun Cha (Vietnamese Pork Meatball And Noodle Salad)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: PORK MEATBALLS; 2 tablespoons sugar; 5 tablespoons water; 1 lb ground pork; 1 large shallot, minced as small as possible; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; SAUCE; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 -2 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (or grated); 1 red Thai chile, minced; FOR SERVING; 1 lb thin rice noodles; 1/2 head lettuce, torn into small pieces (use soft leaf lettuce, red adds more color, but green is fine); 2 cups loosely packed of a mixture of asian herbs (such as cilantro, mint, shiso, Thai basil, etc.)

Servings: persons

PORK MEATBALLS
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons water
1 lb ground pork
1 large shallot, minced as small as possible
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
SAUCE
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 -2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (or grated)
1 red Thai chile, minced
FOR SERVING
1 lb thin rice noodles
1/2 head lettuce, torn into small pieces (use soft leaf lettuce, red adds more color, but green is fine)
2 cups loosely packed of a mixture of asian herbs (such as cilantro, mint, shiso, Thai basil, etc.)

1
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with 3 tablespoons water and cook over high heat until a dark brown caramel forms, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons cold water, swirling the pot.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork, shallot, fish sauce, caramel sauce, and pepper, and marinate in the refrigerator for 90 minutes to six hours.
3
Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the sauce in a large mixing bowl.
4
When the pork is through marinating, remove from the refrigerator and shape into small patties, about 15 to 20 in all. Heat a charcoal grill or a broiler to high. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the directions on their package. Drain, then rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
5
Meanwhile, grill or broil the pork patties until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 4 minutes per side.
6
Spoon the sauce into four bowls, then place the pork patties over the sauce. Place the herbs and lettuce in one large communal bowl and the noodles into another large communal bowl. To eat, dip some of the noodles into the sauce and eat with the patties and herbs.

860

kcal

Calories

Fat

119

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: PORK MEATBALLS, 2 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons water, 1 lb ground pork, and more.

Yes, Bun Cha (Vietnamese Pork Meatball And Noodle Salad) falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!