Delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties Recipe
Vietnamese cuisine is all about fresh and vibrant flavors that come together to create a harmonious balance. One of the best examples of this is the classic Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties with Rice Noodles & Salad, also known as Bún Chả. This dish is a beloved staple in Vietnam and has recently gained popularity in many parts of the world.
The dish consists of grilled pork patties, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, all served together in one bowl. The pork patties are juicy and flavorful, made with a blend of ground pork, shallot, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce. When combined with the tangy and slightly sweet nuoc cham dipping sauce, every bite is packed with layers of deliciousness.
This recipe may look intimidating at first glance but it’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are well worth the effort. With some basic ingredients like ground pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and vegetables, you can create an impressive one-dish meal that will win over any food lover’s heart.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making this dish step by step. From preparing the pork patties to assembling the perfect bowl of noodles and salad, I’ll provide detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations that will ensure your success in making this Vietnamese classic at home.
So whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned pro looking for a new recipe to add to your collection, give this dish a try! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to experience an explosion of taste in your mouth with this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties With Rice Noodles & Salad recipe. Believe me; You’ll love it! Not only is it easy and quick to make, but the dish is also packed with flavors and textures that are sure to excite your taste buds.
Made with ground pork, a dash of pepper, baking soda, sugar, fish sauce, shallot, lime juice, hot water, garlic cloves, fresh mint leaves, fresh cilantro leaves, English cucumber, and Boston lettuce – these ingredients when combined turn into the most delectable Vietnamese grilled pork patties you have ever tasted. When served as patties on a bed of rice noodles and salad mixed with a scrumptious dressing from fish sauce called nuoc cham sauce – it takes an already tasty dish up a notch.
This one-dish meal is perfect for any occasion- be it for your family’s dinner or dinner parties. It’s versatile enough that you can substitute or add variations of ingredients and still get a satisfying meal. Not only that – you can make some extra portions and eat the leftovers the following day for lunch – delicious food without all the fuss!
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a healthy and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any family event or casual dining experience – then look no further than this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties With Rice Noodles & Salad Recipe. So wait no longer; bring this cuisine into your home now!
Ingredient List
In order to make the delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties with Rice Noodles and Salad, let’s take a look at what ingredients we will need. Remember that fresh ingredients are particularly important in this recipe.
Ground Pork Patties
- 1lb (450g) ground pork
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 shallot, peeled and minced
- ¼ cup (55g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (45ml) fish sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp (30ml) lime juice
Noodles & Vegetables
- 8 oz (225g) dried rice vermicelli noodles
- 4 cups (600ml) hot water
- 2 cups thinly sliced Boston lettuce leaves, chopped.
- 2 cups fresh mint and cilantro leaves, chopped.
- 1 English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced thinly
Nuoc Cham Sauce
- ¼ cup (60ml) sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) fish sauce
- ½ cup (120ml) hot water
- 2 tbsp. lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
It is essential to use fresh herbs in this recipe as they add an authentic and vibrant flavor to the dish. You may also use other vegetables like shredded carrots or bean sprouts to vary up the dish.
A quick tip: For best results, choose high-quality ground pork that is fresh at your local supermarket or butchery.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps to make a delicious Vietnamese grilled pork patties with rice noodles & salad recipe.
Ingredient Preparation
Pork Patties
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup cold water
Combine pork, shallot, garlic, sugar, black pepper and baking soda in a bowl. Mix well then add in the water. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes soft and sticky. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Salad
- 1 head Boston lettuce
- 2 cups thinly sliced English cucumber
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Wash and dry the lettuce, then tear it into bite-sized pieces. Put the cucumber slices on top of the lettuce.
Making the Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Take out the pork mixture from the refrigerator and form it into small balls. Then, roll each ball into flat patty shapes with about ½ inch thickness. Don’t press too hard.
Grill the patties for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Rice Noodle Preparation
Rice Noodles Salad
- 8 oz rice vermicelli
- 2 cups thinly sliced vegetables (carrot, bell pepper or cabbage)
- Fresh herbs (mint and cilantro)
Cook rice noodles according to the package instructions until tender yet firm, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Rinse them with cold water to stop cooking process then drain thoroughly.
Put noodles in a large mixing bowl and toss together with vegetables and fresh herbs.
Served with Dip Sauce
Nuoc Cham Sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 bird’s eye chili, finely sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 4 tablespoon fish sauce
- 4 tablespoons hot water
To make the nuoc cham sauce, mix sugar with hot water in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add garlic, chili, lime juice and fish sauce into the bowl of sugar-water mixture. Stir well and set aside for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Assembly
To assemble this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties With Rice Noodles & Salad Recipe, spoon some rice noodles salad in a bowl, top it with some grilled pork patties or slices of pork belly or pork chops. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and chopped peanuts.
Serve with a side of nuoc cham sauce and let everyone dig in!
Substitutions and Variations
Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance and harmony, so it’s important to maintain that balance even when substituting or varying ingredients. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations that can create different flavors and textures while staying true to the spirit of this recipe.
Ground Pork Substitution:
If you don’t have ground pork, you can substitute with ground chicken or beef. However, it will bring a different taste to the dish. So, try to opt for lean meat choices. You could also make it vegetarian by using textured vegetable protein (TVP), mushrooms or tofu.
Rice Vermicelli Substitution:
Rice vermicelli noodles are the most commonly used noodles in this dish. But you could substitute them with brown rice noodle or whole wheat pasta if you are looking for a healthier option. If you want something with similar texture but different taste, go for dried rice sticks instead.
Fish Sauce Substitution:
Fish sauce is an integral part of the Vietnamese cuisine as it brings saltiness & umami flavors to the dish. If you want to avoid fish sauce, you could use soy sauce, tamari sauce or Worcestershire sauce instead. Keep in mind that each alternative may change the flavor profile of your dish.
Grilled Pork Patties Variation:
While ground pork is used in this recipe, other pork cuts such as pork chops or pork belly can be used in place of ground pork patties for a different twist on the dish. You could also opt for pork meatballs that work really well too.
Noodles Salad Variation:
For variation in the noodle salad, try using lettuce leaves as a base instead of rice noodles. Boston lettuce or butter lettuce are good options and adds crispiness to the salad. You could also add additional vegetables like carrots, bean sprouts, red cabbage & bell peppers to increase its nutritional value.
Nuoc Cham Variation:
The nuoc cham dipping sauce is simple but incredibly delicious. If you want to switch things up, try making it with lime juice instead of vinegar, or add a dash of honey or maple syrup to balance out the saltiness. You could also make it spicier by adding diced chilies.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create your own version of this dish that suits your taste preferences while still maintaining the authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Serving and Pairing
This Vietnamese grilled pork patties with rice noodles and salad dish is a perfect example of how these seemingly disparate elements can come together in one harmonious dish. The sweetness of the grilled pork patties pairs wonderfully with the cool, refreshing crunch of the salad, while the soft rice noodles provide a satisfying texture that complements it all.
For serving, I recommend plating your pork patties on top of a mound of rice noodles and arranging your salad around it. Add some fresh mint leaves and cilantro leaves to give your dish an extra pop of herbaceous flavor.
When it comes to pairing, the best options are simple white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light-bodied wines have a crisp acidity that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the pork patties while enhancing the flavors of the salad.
Alternatively, you could try this dish with a light lager or pilsner-style beer. The subtle malt sweetness in these beers is an ideal match for the savory grilled pork, making for an excellent food and drink pairing experience.
Finally, don’t forget about sides. Some great options include steamed vegetables or sautéed green beans. You can also serve this dish alongside some simple steamed rice to create a more filling meal.
In summary, this Vietnamese grilled pork patties with rice noodles and salad recipe is a phenomenal choice for those who love bold and savory flavors. And with its wide variety of pairing options, you’re sure to find something that will make this dish taste even better.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe is great for meal prepping as it can easily be made and stored ahead of time. The pork patties can be grilled up to a day in advance and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also prepare the marinade ahead of time, and let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
For the salad, you can prepare and store the fresh vegetables separately from the noodles and dressings. Simply chop up the lettuce, cucumber, and herbs in advance and store them in separate containers in your fridge. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and rinse them under cold water before refrigerating them separately from the vegetables.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pork patties on a grill or stovetop griddle until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them by placing them in a microwave-safe dish with a lid and reheating for 30-60 seconds.
To assemble your noodle salad, divide the cooked noodles among several bowls, then add your prepared vegetables on top. Lastly, add grilled pork patties on top of each bowl. Drizzle some nuoc cham sauce over each salad for that signature Vietnamese flavor.
Overall, this recipe is flexible when it comes to storage and reheating. So feel free to make extra portions so you can savor this delicious dish throughout the week with minimal effort!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results in making this dish, below are some helpful tips that can make your Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties with Rice Noodles & Salad Recipe extra special:
Marinate your pork patties
Good things come to those who wait, and marinating your pork patties shouldn’t be an exception. Allow time for the mixture to soak up all those savory spices and flavors. For best results, leave it overnight in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Don’t overcook your patties
Overcooking your patties will result in a dry and tough texture. Aim for a juicy and tender outcome by cooking them just the right amount of time. As a general rule of thumb, grill each patty for four minutes on each side.
Use proper heat source
A hot fire will give you a beautifully browned exterior while maintaining moisture inside. So before grilling, make sure you preheat your grill for at least 15-20 minutes to get even heat distribution.
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions
Although cooking rice noodles is easy to do, it is essential not to overcook them as they tend to get mushy fast. Follow the package instructions for precise cooking time, then soak the cooked noodles in cold water immediately after draining to prevent them from sticking together.
Make extra dipping sauce
The dipping sauce is one of the essential elements that bring out the flavors of this recipe. Don’t be afraid to make extra nuoc cham or cham sauce as it can also be used as marinade or salad dressing.
Garnish with fresh herbs
Garnishing with fresh mint leaves or cilantro adds color, aroma, and flavor to your dish. Make sure you have these herbs on hand when serving this meal.
With these tips, you’ll be able to create an exceptional Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties with Rice Noodles & Salad Recipe that everyone will enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make this delicious Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties with Rice Noodles & Salad Recipe, you might have some questions about handling or replacing certain ingredients. Don’t worry, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions and provided answers to help ensure your success in making this dish. Read on to learn more.
What is the English name for bun thit nuong?
One of the go-to dishes in many Vietnamese restaurants is bún thịt nướng, which is grilled pork vermicelli. This dish stands out because of its delicious marinated lemongrass pork, vermicelli noodles, and the accompanying fish sauce that provides the dish with a delightful blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spiciness.
What is Vietnamese vermicelli called?
The main ingredient for this dish is known as ‘bún’, which literally translates to ‘noodles’ in Vietnamese. These thin, delicate noodles are made from rice flour and are commonly found in small, dried packages known as rice sticks.
What is Vietnamese bun made of?
Rice vermicelli, commonly known as Bun, is a well-liked Vietnamese dish made of rice flour. The thin, circular, and pale threads are rolled tightly into little coils or Con Bun. The quality of the vermicelli depends on the ingredients, with the finest ones having only two: rice (or rice flour) and water.
How many calories are in rice vermicelli with grilled pork?
This recipe for Pandaroo Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Pork yields a single serving and has a total of 78 grams of carbohydrates, 78 grams of net carbs, 4 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, and 370 calories.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties With Rice Noodles & Salad is an excellent way to get a taste of the Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe’s combination of flavors will surely leave you wanting more. With just a little bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can make a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.
Remember, this dish can be customized to suit your taste and preferences by adding or substituting different vegetables and proteins. Get creative with your substitutions, but don’t forget about the key ingredients that give this recipe its unique flavor.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties With Rice Noodles & Salad recipe is one that you will want to try. Impress your guests at your next dinner party or enjoy it as a weeknight meal with your family. Give it a try, and you may just discover your new favorite dish!
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patties With Rice Noodles & Salad Recipe
Ingredients
NOODLES AND SALAD
- 8 ounces rice vermicelli
- 1 head boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (8 ounces)
- 1 English cucumber, peeled, quartered lengthwise, seeded and sliced thin on bias
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, torn if large (can add or sub Thai basil)
SAUCE
- 1 small Thai chile, stemmed and minced
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2/3 cup hot water
- 5 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice (2 limes)
PORK PATTIES
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 lb ground pork
Instructions
- FOR THE NOODLES AND SALAD: Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Stir in noodles and cook until tender but not mushy, 4 to 12 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse under cold running water until cool. Drain noodles very well, spread on large plate, and let stand at room temperature to dry. Arrange lettuce, cucumber, cilantro, and mint (and/or basil) separately on large platter and refrigerate until needed.
- FOR THE SAUCE: Using mortar and pestle (or on cutting board using flat side of chef's knife), mash Thai chile, 1 tablespoon sugar, and garlic to fine paste. Transfer to medium bowl and add hot water and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in fish sauce and lime juice. Set aside.
- FOR THE PORK PATTIES: Combine shallot, fish sauce, sugar, baking soda, and pepper in medium bowl. Add pork and mix until well combined. Shape pork mixture into 12 patties, each about 2 1/2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
- FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over half of grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.
- FOR A GAS GRILL: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high.
- Clean and oil cooking grate. Cook patties (directly over coals if using charcoal; covered if using gas) until well charred, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer grilled patties to bowl with sauce and gently toss to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Transfer patties to serving plate, reserving sauce. Serve noodles, salad, sauce, and pork patties separately.