Delicious Vietnamese Noodles: A Mouthwatering Pork Recipe
Greetings food lovers, today I’m here to introduce you to an exquisite recipe that’ll leave your taste buds dancing with delight – Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts. As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I have prepared countless dishes throughout my career, but this one holds a special place in my heart.
This is the perfect dish for a warm summer day when you want something light, yet tasty. It’s inspired by the rich flavors of Vietnam and features succulent grilled pork combined with thin rice noodles and crunchy peanuts. The sweet and savory flavors of the pork combined with the nuttiness of peanuts make this dish simply irresistible.
It’s great for family meals or gatherings with friends, as it’s made in a big batch and served as a noodle bowl. It’s perfect for sharing and bonding over great food. And trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation.
So get ready to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s street food culture with this delicious Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a lot of reasons why you’ll love this Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe. First of all, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in just a few steps. Secondly, it’s packed with flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. And finally, it’s a healthy and balanced meal that will nourish your body.
But let me tell you more about some of the key ingredients in this recipe that make it truly special.
We start with thinly sliced pork tenderloin that’s grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and savory flavor. This juicy meat pairs perfectly with the thin rice noodles, which soak up all the flavors of the dish.
The dish is then topped with chopped fresh cilantro leaves, green onions, bean sprouts, and carrots, making for a crunchy and colorful medley of vegetables.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the sauce. Made from fish sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and rice vinegar (among other ingredients), this peanut sauce adds an explosion of flavor to the dish. The peanuts themselves give it an added crunch and nuttiness that take this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
One thing I particularly love about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served hot or cold depending on your preference, making it perfect for any time of year. It can also be customized to your liking by adding more or less spice.
Overall, this Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Its ease of preparation and depth of flavor make it irresistible – you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or even thirds).
Ingredient List
Let’s first take a look at the ingredients needed for this delicious Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
For the Grilled Pork:
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced thin or 1 pound ground pork
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Noodle Salad:
- Thin rice noodles, cooked according to package directions
- Bean sprouts, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, and grated carrots
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
Note: You can also substitute pork with shrimp or tofu depending on your preference.
The Recipe How-To
Before we start cooking, it’s important to prep all of the ingredients for our Vietnamese Noodle with Pork and Peanuts Recipe. We will need thin rice noodles, grilled pork tenderloin, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro leaves, chopped peanuts, and green onions. Set them aside in different bowls so that they’re ready to add as needed.
Make the Sauce
Next up is making the sauce. In a bowl, combine fish sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce. For those who love spice, feel free to add some chili flakes or garlic. This mixture will form a delicious, tangy dressing for our noodle salad.
Cook the Noodles
Prepare the thin rice noodles according to the package instructions. Then rinse them gently in cold water until they are cool enough to handle. Drain well and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking together. Place them into a large bowl and set aside.
Cook the Pork
On high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan and stir-fry the grilled pork for about 3-4 minutes or until browned. Transfer it onto a separate plate, let it cool down, then slice it thinly or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Combine All Ingredients
Now we can assemble our Vietnamese Noodle with Pork and Peanuts dish! In the bowl with the noodles, add ¼ cup of nuoc cham sauce (or until satisfied), mix well with tongs or chopsticks. Continue by placing bean sprouts, sliced pork, green onions, chopped peanuts on top of your noodles. Add a handful of fresh cilantro leaves on top before serving.
Garnish and Serve
For extra flavor add some lime wedges and thinly sliced chili peppers (Jalapeño or Thai chilies work perfectly!). If you don’t have these items, don’t worry – the dish will still be delicious without them! Serve this cold pork noodle salad immediately for a refreshing treat with plenty of protein and flavor.
Now that you know how to make this delicious Vietnamese Noodle with Pork and Peanuts Recipe, give it a try and share it with your friends and family!
Substitutions and Variations
I’m excited to share with you some substitutions and variations that you might want to try in this Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts Recipe.
If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can use pork chops or ground pork instead. Ground pork can make the dish more filling and hearty, while pork chops offer a thicker cut of meat that can handle the stir-fry method.
For the noodles, thin rice noodles are traditionally used in Vietnamese cuisine. However, you can switch it up and try vermicelli noodles, which are slightly thicker and chewier. Alternatively, you could use soba noodles or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
For the sauce, if you’re not a fan of fish sauce, you could replace it with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor profile. You could also add some peanut butter to your sauce mixture for an extra nutty taste.
Additionally, if you want to incorporate more veggies into your meal, consider adding bean sprouts or thinly sliced cucumber to your noodles topped with grilled pork herbs. These additions will offer a fresh balance to the meaty flavors of the dish.
Lastly, if you prefer a spicier kick to your noodles, add some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce to the mix.
These variations and substitutions will elevate this dish and add new dimensions of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts Recipe is a deliciously hearty and filling meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to spare. This dish can be served hot, warm or cold making it versatile and suitable for any season.
One way to serve this dish is to create a beautiful noodle bowl presentation. Start by arranging a bed of fresh bean sprouts on the bottom of a large bowl. Next, layer cooked rice noodles on top of the bean sprouts. Add in your choice of grilled pork or ground pork, then pile on some crunchy grated carrots and sliced green onions, and top with fresh cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts.
Pair this dish with a spicy nuoc cham sauce or peanut sauce on the side for an added depth of flavor. The sweet and savory combination of fish sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a complex flavor profile that complements the pork and noodles perfectly.
This Vietnamese noodle recipe goes well with light-bodied white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc or Riesling since they cut through the richness in the peanut butter and provide balance to the bold flavors. A crisp and refreshing beer like Vietnamese-style lagers also pairs beautifully.
In conclusion, feel free to experiment with different pairings to find what works best for you. This versatile culinary creation gives you so many serving options whether you prefer hot, cold or in between; this dish will be sure to satisfy your appetite any time of day.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of my favorite aspects of this Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe is how easily it can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or hosting a dinner party, this dish can be cooked up to 24 hours in advance, making it the perfect solution for those who love to plan ahead.
To make this dish ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions as written and allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The noodles will absorb more flavor as they sit in the sauce, so you can expect the flavors to intensify even further as it sits.
When it comes to reheating, there are a few options depending on your preference. You can choose to reheat the entire dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small amount of water or broth if necessary to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can heat up individual portions in the microwave. To do this, simply transfer the desired amount into a microwavable bowl and heat on high for 60-90 seconds or until heated through.
If you plan on storing this Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe for an extended period, I recommend storing the noodles and pork separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. The pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. The noodles can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Finally, if you have any leftovers that you don’t want to go to waste, there are plenty of ways to repurpose them. You can add some fresh vegetables like bean sprouts or julienned carrots and turn it into a cold noodle salad or stir-fry with some additional protein like shrimp or chicken. You can even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps!
Tips for Perfect Results
One important factor in achieving the perfect Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe is the proper cooking of the pork. You want your grilled pork to be caramelized on the outside while still being tender and juicy on the inside. Here are some additional tips to help you get perfect results every time:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan: Make sure your grill or grill pan is at the right temperature before adding your pork. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Choose the right cut of pork: While pork tenderloin is most commonly used for this recipe, you can also use pork chops, ground pork or even shrimp as a protein alternative.
3. Slice the pork properly: Slice the pork thinly and evenly so that it cooks evenly and allows for maximum surface area to caramelize.
4. Marinade your pork overnight: Marinating your pork overnight will not only add extra flavor, but also help to tenderize it.
5. Use fresh ingredients: Make sure all of your herbs, vegetables and sauces are fresh so that they contribute to the dish’s overall flavor.
6. Be careful with fish sauce: Fish sauce can add a distinct umami flavor to dishes, but be cautious about adding too much as it can quickly overpower other flavors.
7. Customize to your liking: If you prefer a spicier dish, try adding some chili flakes or hot sauce. If you like it sweeter, increase the amount of honey in the recipe.
By following these tips and making some adjustments depending on personal preference, you’ll be able to create an authentic and delicious Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vietnamese Noodles with Pork and Peanuts recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and flavorful dishes. From the tender grilled pork to the savory peanut sauce and the refreshing crunch of fresh herbs and vegetables, every bite is a delight for the senses. With its versatility and adaptability to substitutes and variations, this recipe has endless possibilities to suit everyone’s taste buds. Not to mention, it is easy to make-ahead, store, and reheat – perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. So go ahead and give it a try; you won’t be disappointed. I guarantee that once you taste it, you’ll be hooked and crave it again and again!
Vietnamese Noodles With Pork and Peanuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 12 ounces boneless pork tenderloin, sliced 1/4-inch thick and cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 -3 teaspoons hot chili oil
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (nuoc nam)
- 1 egg yolk
- 9 small carrots, peeled and cut into feed tube lengths (12 oz. total)
- 6 large green onions, cut into feed tube lengths (6 oz. total)
- 4 ounces dried egg noodles
- 1 1/4 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 3/4 cup dry-roasted unsalted peanuts
Instructions
- Heat oil in wok or heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add pork and stir until well browned, about 5 minutes; transfer to large bowl.
- Steel knife:.
- Blend oyster sauce, vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, 2 teaspoons chili oil,fish sauce and yolk for about 5 seconds; add mixture to pork.
- Medium slicer:
- Stand carrots in feed tube and slice using firm pressure; remove from work bowl and set aside.
- Stand green onions in feed tube and slice using light pressure; add green onions to pork mixture.
- Cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Add carrots and continue cooking until both are just tender, about 2 minutes.
- Drain well; add to pork mixture.
- Steel knife:
- Mince cilantro and nuts.
- Add cilantro and peanuts to pork mixture, tossing gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding remaining 1 teaspoon chili oil if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.