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Bun Cha Vietnamese Noodle Bowl

Savory Bun Cha Vietnamese Noodle Bowl: Easy Healthy Recipe

Experience the delightful Bun Cha Vietnamese Noodle Bowl, a healthy and flavorful dish featuring grilled pork meatballs, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 500 grams minced pork can substitute with chicken, turkey, beef, shrimp, or plant-based options
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce essential for authentic flavor
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar consider coconut sugar as an alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh, minced
  • 2 stalks lemongrass finely chopped
  • 2 stalks green onions chives or scallions work as substitutes
For the Noodles and Toppings
  • 200 grams rice noodles (vermicelli) soak in boiling water until just al dente
  • 1 cup bean sprouts provides crunch; can substitute with shredded cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot julienned
  • 1 small daikon can substitute with jicama or omit
  • 1/4 cup cilantro for garnish
  • 1/4 cup mint for garnish
For the Nuoc Cham Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar balances flavor
  • 1 lime lime juice adds brightness
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 small chili adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for acidity
  • 2 tablespoons water to adjust thickness

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Nuoc Cham Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sliced chilies. Add water to adjust flavor balance. Set aside.
  2. Soak Rice Noodles: Bring water to a rolling boil, pour over rice noodles in a heatproof bowl, and let soak for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine minced pork, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, and chopped green onions. Mix well and shape into patties.
  4. Cook Pork Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  5. Assemble Bowls: Layer rice noodles, then add bean sprouts, julienned carrots, and daikon. Top with hot pork patties.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle minced mint and cilantro over each bowl. Drizzle Nuoc Cham sauce on top. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize your Bun Cha with different proteins or vegetables to suit your taste. Fresh ingredients are key to maximizing flavor.

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