Vietnamese Grilled Pork and Noodle Salad Recipe

Vietnamese grilled pork and noodle salad, known as "Bún Thịt Nướng," is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures. It’s a perfect meal for warm days, bringing together fresh herbs, grilled marinated pork, and rice noodles. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the senses.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Vietnamese grilled pork and noodle salad, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Grilled Pork:

500g pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Salad:

200g rice vermicelli noodles
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)
2 tablespoons pickled carrots and daikon (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small chili, sliced (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

In a large bowl, combine sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced pork and mix thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for better flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

While the pork is marinating, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent them from sticking. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Pork

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork onto skewers, if desired, or place the slices directly on the grill. Grill the pork for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and caramelized. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Adjust the taste according to your preference, balancing the sour, salty, and sweet flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or serving platter, layer the shredded lettuce, cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. Top with the grilled pork slices and drizzle the dressing over the salad. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and pickled carrots and daikon for an added crunch and flavor.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Vietnamese grilled pork and noodle salad is best served fresh, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine. This dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or dinner. Enjoy every bite of this delightful Asian delicacy!

Tips for the Perfect Bún Thịt Nướng

For extra flavor, consider adding a little bit of sesame oil to the pork marinade.
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables, such as cucumber or bell peppers.
You can prepare the pork and dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Try this Vietnamese grilled pork and noodle salad recipe and savor the irresistible combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors!