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Grilled Pork with Noodles: A Perfect Harmony of Taste and Texture

Grilled Pork with Noodles, also known as bún thịt nướng, is a quintessential Vietnamese dish that has won the hearts of food enthusiasts around the world. This dish features tender, flavorful grilled pork served over a bed of fresh vermicelli noodles, accompanied by crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs. The balance of flavors and textures, topped with a drizzle of tangy fish sauce dressing, makes it a beloved comfort food in Vietnam and beyond. For the Vietnamese, bún thịt nướng is not just a meal; it’s a symbol of the country’s culinary artistry and the importance of fresh, simple ingredients.

At Viet Kitchen, we will guide you on how to prepare the perfect Grilled Pork with Noodles, combining tender, flavorful grilled pork with fresh vermicelli noodles and crisp vegetables. Experience the authentic taste of Vietnam’s beloved street food right in your own kitchen.

How to Make Grilled Pork with Noodles

Ingredients (serves 4):

Vermicelli noodles: 400g
Grilled pork (thịt nướng): 500g
Lettuce: 200g, shredded
Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro): 100g
Cucumber: 1, julienned
Pickled carrots and daikon: 100g
Roasted peanuts: 50g, crushed
Fried shallots: 2 tablespoons
Fish sauce: 4 tablespoons
Sugar: 2 tablespoons
Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Chili: 1, finely chopped

Detailed Instructions:

Marinate and Grill the Pork:
- Ingredients for marinade:
  - 500g pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  - 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
- Marinating:
  - In a bowl, thoroughly combine all the marinade ingredients.
  - Add the pork slices, making sure they are evenly coated. Let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Grilling:
  - Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  - Grill the pork slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Set aside.
Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles:
- Prepare the vermicelli noodles following the directions on the package. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce :
- Ingredients:
  - 4 tablespoons fish sauce
  - 2 tablespoons sugar
  - 2 tablespoons water
  - 1 tablespoon lime juice
  - 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  - 1 chili, finely chopped
- Instructions:
  - In a small bowl, mix the sugar with water until it fully dissolves.
  - Add the fish sauce and lime juice, stirring well to combine.
  - Mix in the chopped garlic and chili. Adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and sour to your taste.
Assemble the Dish:
- In a large bowl, place a portion of cooked vermicelli noodles. Top with grilled pork, shredded lettuce, fresh herbs, cucumber, and pickled carrots and daikon.
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and fried shallots for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with the prepared dipping sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Grilled Pork with Noodles

Advantages: Grilled Pork with Noodles is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and herbs makes it both nutritious and satisfying.
Disadvantages: The preparation, especially grilling the pork and making the dipping sauce, can be time-consuming.

5 Famous Grilled Pork with Noodles Spots in the U.S.

Bun Thit Nuong Khanh – Houston, TX
- Address: 11210 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072
Bun Thit Nuong Le Loi – San Jose, CA
- Address: 3005 Silver Creek Rd, San Jose, CA 95121
Pho Bac – Seattle, WA
- Address: 1314 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144
Little Sister – Los Angeles, CA
- Address: 523 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Bun Thit Nuong Saigon – New York, NY
- Address: 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013

Enjoying Grilled Pork with Noodles in Vietnam

If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, be sure to try bún thịt nướng at these renowned spots:

Saigon:

Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Tuyền – 195 Cô Giang, District 1
Bún Thịt Nướng Văn Hiến – 339 Lê Văn Sỹ, District 3
Bún Thịt Nướng Hải Đăng – 145 Bùi Viện, District 1
Bún Thịt Nướng Ngọc Nga – 89 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Bình Thạnh District
Bún Thịt Nướng Ba Tàu – 32 Cao Thắng, District 3

Hanoi:

Bún Thịt Nướng Ngọc Khánh – 69 Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình
Bún Thịt Nướng Hoàn Kiếm – 34 Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm
Bún Thịt Nướng 3 Láng Hạ – 3 Láng Hạ, Đống Đa
Bún Thịt Nướng Thành Công – 20 Thành Công, Ba Đình
Bún Thịt Nướng Thái Hà – 55 Thái Hà, Đống Đa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Grilled Pork with Noodles

Where does Grilled Pork with Noodles originate from?
- Grilled Pork with Noodles is a popular dish throughout Vietnam, with variations found in different regions.
Can Grilled Pork with Noodles be made vegetarian?
- Yes, Grilled Pork with Noodles can be made vegetarian by substituting the pork with grilled tofu or mushrooms.
How do I keep the grilled pork tender?
- Marinating the pork for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, helps keep it tender during grilling.
Can I prepare Grilled Pork with Noodles in advance?
- The components can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to keep the noodles and vegetables fresh.
What dipping sauce pairs best with Grilled Pork with Noodles?
- The dish is typically served with a tangy fish sauce-based dipping sauce, known as nước mắm chấm.

Conclusion

Grilled Pork with Noodles is a beloved Vietnamese dish that brings together the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine. With its tender grilled pork, fragrant herbs, and refreshing noodles, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both light and full of flavor. Try making it at home to experience the authentic taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.