Grilled Vietnamese Pork Meatballs with Rice Noodles and Fresh Herbs
Experience the vibrant flavors of Hanoi with this delightful dish featuring succulent grilled pork meatballs served over delicate rice noodles. Adapted from a traditional recipe by Lauren Shockey, this meal is perfect for a relaxing weekend breakfast or brunch. The combination of savory pork, sweet and tangy dipping sauce, and fresh herbs creates a refreshing balance that captures the spirit of Vietnamese street food. Share this dish family-style for a fun and communal dining experience, transporting you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 tablespoons (For caramel sauce)
Water
5 tablespoons (3 tablespoons for caramel, 1 cup for sauce)
Ground Pork
1 lb (For meatballs)
Shallot
1 large (Minced as small as possible)
Fish Sauce
5 tablespoons (Mixed with pork and sauce)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To season meatballs)
Rice Vinegar
2 tablespoons (For dipping sauce)
Brown Sugar
1-2 teaspoons (For dipping sauce)
Minced Garlic
1/2 teaspoon (For dipping sauce)
Red Thai Chile
1 (Minced for dipping sauce)
Thin Rice Noodles
1 lb (Cooked and rinsed)
Lettuce
1/2 head (Torn into small pieces)
Asian Herbs
2 cups (A mixture of cilantro, mint, shiso, Thai basil, etc.)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of sugar with 3 tablespoons of water. Heat over high heat until the mixture turns into a dark brown caramel, about 8 minutes. Once achieved, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add 2 tablespoons of cold water, swirling the pot gently to combine.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced shallot, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, the caramel sauce you just made, and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper. Mix well and cover the bowl. Marinate the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 90 minutes, or up to six hours for deeper flavor.
3
As the pork marinates, prepare the sauce by combining 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar, 1 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, and the minced red Thai chile in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is well mixed. Set aside.
4
Once the pork mixture is marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and shape it into small patties, aiming for about 15 to 20 patties in total.
5
Preheat a charcoal grill or broiler to high heat. While waiting for the grill to heat up, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process.
6
Grill or broil the pork patties for about 4 minutes per side, ensuring they are fully cooked and slightly charred.
7
To assemble, spoon the prepared sauce into four serving bowls. Place the grilled pork patties over the sauce. Arrange the torn lettuce leaves and a mixture of fresh herbs in a communal bowl, and the cooked rice noodles in another bowl.
8
To serve, encourage guests to dip the rice noodles into the sauce, pairing them with the pork patties and fresh herbs for an explosion of flavors in each bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this Vietnamese dish?
The dish is Grilled Vietnamese Pork Meatballs with Rice Noodles and Fresh Herbs, often known as Bun Cha.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the vibrant street food flavors of Hanoi and adapted from a traditional version by Lauren Shockey.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long should the pork be marinated?
The pork mixture should marinate for at least 90 minutes, or up to six hours for a deeper flavor.
How do I make the caramel sauce for the meatballs?
Heat 2 tablespoons of sugar with 3 tablespoons of water until it turns dark brown, then carefully stir in 2 tablespoons of cold water.
What ingredients are needed for the pork meatballs?
You will need ground pork, minced shallot, fish sauce, homemade caramel sauce, and fresh ground black pepper.
How many pork patties should be formed?
The recipe makes approximately 15 to 20 small pork patties.
What are the ingredients for the dipping sauce?
The sauce contains fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, and a minced red Thai chile.
What type of noodles are served with the grilled pork?
One pound of thin rice noodles is used for this dish.
How long should the pork patties be cooked?
Grill or broil the patties for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
What fresh herbs are recommended for this dish?
A mixture of cilantro, mint, shiso, and Thai basil is recommended.
How should the rice noodles be prepared?
Cook the noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
The recipe calls for half a head of lettuce, torn into small pieces.
How is the dish traditionally served?
It is served family-style with the pork, sauce, noodles, and herbs in separate bowls for a communal experience.
What is the best way to eat this meal?
Guests should dip the rice noodles into the sauce and eat them along with the pork patties and fresh herbs.
Can I cook the pork meatballs in the oven?
Yes, if you do not have a grill, you can use a broiler set to high heat.
Is this dish suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for a relaxing weekend breakfast or brunch.
How much ground pork is required?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground pork.
How much fish sauce is used in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of fish sauce is used: 3 tablespoons for the pork and 2 tablespoons for the sauce.
What role does the caramel sauce play in the recipe?
The caramel sauce is mixed with the pork to add depth, color, and a hint of sweetness to the meatballs.
How should the shallot be prepared?
One large shallot should be minced as small as possible before being added to the meat.
Is the dipping sauce spicy?
The sauce includes one minced red Thai chile, which adds a bit of heat.
How much water is used in the dipping sauce?
One cup of water is used to dilute the dipping sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Why are the rice noodles rinsed in cold water?
Rinsing in cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from becoming too soft or sticky.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include vietnamese, bun cha, pork meatballs, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and street food.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
How much garlic is in the dipping sauce?
The sauce contains 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What is the texture of the pork meatballs?
The meatballs are succulent and should be grilled until they have a slight char on the outside.
Can I use different types of herbs?
Yes, while cilantro, mint, shiso, and Thai basil are suggested, you can use any variety of fresh Asian herbs.