How to cook Bun Thit Nuong

Bun Thit Nuong is a delicious Vietnamese dish consisting of vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork and various fresh herbs and vegetables. Here's a recipe to make this flavorful meal at home:

Bun Thit Nuong in the photo.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Pork (Thit Nuong)

• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vermicelli Noodles

• 8 oz (225g) rice vermicelli noodles

For the Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned

For the Nuoc Cham (Dipping Sauce)

• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai chili peppers, chopped (adjust for spice level)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. In a large bowl, combine fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, garlic, green onions, and black pepper.
2. Add the pork slices to the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
2. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Nuoc Cham

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and Thai chili peppers until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.

Step 4: Grill the Pork

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Grill the marinated pork slices for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and caramelized.
3. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Assemble the Bun Thit Nuong

1. In a serving bowl, place a bed of vermicelli noodles.
2. Top with a generous amount of grilled pork, followed by shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, cilantro, and cucumber.
3. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
4. Drizzle with the nuoc cham sauce or serve it on the side.

Enjoy!

Serve the Bun Thit Nuong with extra herbs and dipping sauce on the side. This dish balances the savory flavors of the grilled pork, the freshness of the herbs and vegetables, and the tanginess of the sauce beautifully. Enjoy your homemade Bun Thit Nuong!