Discover the Heart of Vietnam with Broken Rice

 

“Broken Rice,” also known as cơm tấm, is a beloved Vietnamese dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers with its humble origins and rich flavors. Originally a dish for the working class, broken rice has evolved into a popular street food staple, celebrated for its versatility and comforting taste. This dish has gained international recognition, with food enthusiasts and chefs alike praising its unique texture and flavorful accompaniments. For the Vietnamese, cơm tấm is more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of resilience and creativity, turning what was once considered a lower-grade ingredient into a cherished culinary delight.

At Viet Kitchen, we will guide you on how to prepare the perfect Broken Rice dish, combining tender, flavorful grilled pork, savory meatloaf, and fragrant rice. Experience the authentic taste of Vietnam’s beloved comfort food right in your own kitchen.

 

How to make Vietnamese broken rice

 

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Broken rice: 2 cups
• Grilled pork chops (sườn nướng): 4 pieces
• Vietnamese meatloaf (chả trứng): 4 slices
• Shredded pork skin (bì): 200g
• Pickled vegetables: 100g (carrots and daikon)
• Scallion oil (mỡ hành): 4 tablespoons
• Fried egg: 4 eggs
• Cucumber: 1, sliced
• Fish sauce: 4 tablespoons
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Chili: 1, finely chopped

Detailed Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broken Rice:
   • Rinse the broken rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • Cook it in a rice cooker with a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water (for example, 2 cups of rice to 3 cups of water).
   • Once cooked, fluff the rice and keep it warm.
2. Marinate and Grill the Pork Chops (Sườn Nướng):
   • Ingredients for marinade:
     • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
     • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
     • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
     • 2 tablespoons sugar
     • 1 tablespoon honey
     • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
     • 1 tablespoon shallots, minced
     • 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
     • 1 teaspoon black pepper
     • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
   • Marinating:
     • Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
     • Place the pork chops in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
   • Grilling:
     • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
     • Grill the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Baste with leftover marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
     • Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Vietnamese Meatloaf (Chả Trứng):
   • Ingredients:
     • 200g ground pork
     • 2 eggs
     • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
     • 1 tablespoon sugar
     • 1 teaspoon black pepper
     • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
     • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
     • 1/4 cup wood ear mushrooms, soaked and chopped
     • 1/4 cup glass noodles (miến), soaked and chopped
     • 1 shallot, minced
     • 1 additional egg yolk for topping
   • Instructions:
     • In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, eggs, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped wood ear mushrooms, glass noodles, and minced shallot until well combined.
     • Grease a baking dish or a small round pan, then pour the mixture into it, spreading evenly.
     • Steam the meatloaf for about 20-25 minutes or until it sets. Alternatively, you can bake it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
     • Remove from the steamer or oven, brush the top with an additional egg yolk, and bake or steam for another 5 minutes until the top is golden.
     • Allow to cool slightly before slicing into serving portions.
4. Prepare the Shredded Pork Skin (Bì):
   • Ingredients:
     • 200g pork skin, cleaned and boiled
     • 100g roasted rice powder (thính)
     • 1 clove garlic, minced
     • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
     • 1 tablespoon sugar
     • 1 teaspoon black pepper
   • Instructions:
     • Boil the pork skin in salted water for about 15 minutes until tender. Rinse under cold water to cool, then slice it thinly into fine strips.
     • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pork skin, roasted rice powder, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until the pork skin is evenly coated with the seasoning.
     • Let it sit for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.
5. Make the Scallion Oil (Mỡ Hành):
   • Ingredients:
     • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
     • 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
   • Instructions:
     • Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan until hot but not smoking.
     • Remove from heat and immediately pour over the chopped green onions in a heatproof bowl. Stir to combine. This can be drizzled over the rice or pork chops.
6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Nước Mắm Chấm):
   • Ingredients:
     • 4 tablespoons fish sauce
     • 2 tablespoons sugar
     • 2 tablespoons warm water
     • 1 tablespoon lime juice
     • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
     • 1 chili, finely chopped
   • Instructions:
     • In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water.
     • Add the fish sauce and lime juice, stirring well to combine.
     • Finally, mix in the chopped garlic and chili. Adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and sour to your taste.
7. Assemble the Dish:
   • On a plate, serve a generous portion of broken rice. Arrange a slice of grilled pork chop, a portion of Vietnamese meatloaf, and a serving of shredded pork skin on top. Add a fried egg if desired.
   • Garnish with pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and drizzle with scallion oil.
   • Serve with a side of the dipping sauce (nước mắm chấm) and enjoy!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Broken Rice

• Advantages: Broken rice is versatile, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s a complete meal that combines protein, vegetables, and rice, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
• Disadvantages: Finding authentic broken rice can be challenging outside of Vietnamese markets, and cooking the various components can be time-consuming.

5 Famous Broken Rice Spots in the U.S.

1. Com Tam Ninh Kieu – San Jose, CA
   • Address: 967 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
2. Com Tam Thuan Kieu – Los Angeles, CA
   • Address: 120 E Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
3. Com Tam Thanh – Houston, TX
   • Address: 11210 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072
4. Com Tam Dat Thanh – Westminster, CA
   • Address: 10032 McFadden Ave, Westminster, CA 92683
5. Com Tam Sai Gon – New York, NY
   • Address: 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013

Enjoying Broken Rice in Vietnam

If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, be sure to try broken rice at these renowned spots:

Saigon:

1. Com Tam Ba Ghien – 84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District
2. Com Tam Cali – 32 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
3. Com Tam Nguyen Van Cu – 141 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5
4. Com Tam Moc – 85 Le Van Sy, District 3
5. Com Tam Cay Tre – 135 Vo Van Tan, District 3

Hanoi:

1. Com Tam Hang Bai – 34 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem
2. Com Tam Nguyen Thai Hoc – 76 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh
3. Com Tam Gia Truyen – 22 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem
4. Com Tam Linh – 89 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh
5. Com Tam Pho Hue – 24B Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Broken Rice

1. Where does broken rice originate from?
   • Broken rice originated in Vietnam as a way to utilize rice grains that were broken during the milling process.
2. Can broken rice be substituted with regular rice?
   • While the texture is unique, regular rice can be used as a substitute if broken rice is not available.
3. Is broken rice gluten-free?
   • Yes, broken rice is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. How is broken rice traditionally served?
   • Broken rice is traditionally served with grilled pork, shredded pork skin, Vietnamese meatloaf, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg.
5. What dipping sauce pairs best with broken rice?
   • The dish is typically served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili.

Conclusion

“Broken Rice” is a quintessential Vietnamese dish that transforms a humble ingredient into a culinary masterpiece. With its tender grains, flavorful toppings, and savory dipping sauce, it offers a true taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. Whether enjoyed at home or in a local restaurant, broken rice is sure to satisfy with its unique texture and satisfying flavors. Try making it yourself to experience the authentic taste of Vietnam’s beloved comfort food.

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