Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Pork and Fresh Herbs
Vietnamese noodle salad, known as "Bún Thịt Nướng," is a deliciously vibrant dish that combines the rich flavors of grilled pork with fresh herbs and rice noodles. This refreshing salad is perfect for warm weather and offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 12 oz pork tenderloin or pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 red chili (optional, for heat)
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Crushed peanuts, for topping
- Lime wedges, for serving
To start, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside. This will prevent the noodles from becoming mushy and helps retain their texture.
Next, prepare the pork marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and chopped red chili. Add the pork to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
While the pork is marinating, you can prepare your vegetables and herbs. Julienne the carrot, slice the cucumber, and rinse the bean sprouts. Set all these aside in a large serving bowl for easy access.
Once the pork has marinated, grill it over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it achieves a nice char and is cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook the pork in a grill pan or broil it in the oven. Once done, allow the pork to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
To assemble the Vietnamese noodle salad, place a portion of the cold rice noodles in a bowl. Top with the sliced grilled pork, julienned carrots, sliced cucumber, and a handful of bean sprouts. Add a generous amount of fresh mint and cilantro leaves. Finally, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top for added crunch.
To serve, offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the salad, enhancing its freshness and flavor. The combination of salty, sweet, and tangy elements creates a harmonious dish that is truly satisfying.
This Vietnamese noodle salad with pork and fresh herbs is not just delicious but also healthy and customizable. Feel free to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or radishes, or adapt the protein to chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Enjoy this bright and flavorful salad as a main course or a side dish during any meal!