Go Back
+ servings
Bun Cha Vietnamese Noodle Bowl

Delicious Bun Cha Vietnamese Noodle Bowl for a Fresh Twist

Experience a culinary journey to Vietnam with this Bun Cha Vietnamese Noodle Bowl, featuring grilled pork meatballs and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound minced pork substitute with chicken, turkey, shrimp, or plant-based options
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce essential for authentic umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sugar coconut sugar as a healthier alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh and minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass finely chopped
  • 2 pieces green onions chives or scallions as substitutes
For the Noodles and Vegetables
  • 8 ounces rice noodles (vermicelli) soak until just al dente
  • 1 cup bean sprouts shredded cabbage can be used as a substitute
  • 1 medium carrot julienned
  • 1 medium daikon can be swapped with jicama or omitted
  • 1/4 cup cilantro/mint fresh herbs for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Nuoc Cham Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, juice of 1 lime, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sliced chilies, then stir in 4 tablespoons of water. Set aside.
  2. Soak Rice Noodles: Bring water to a rolling boil, then remove from heat. Add 8 ounces of rice noodles and soak for 3-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  3. Make Meatballs: In a bowl, combine 1 pound minced pork, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemongrass, and 2 chopped green onions. Mix well and form into 1-inch thick patties.
  4. Cook Pork Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Cook patties for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check 160°F.
  5. Assemble Bowls: Place soaked rice noodles at the bottom of serving bowls. Top with bean sprouts, julienned carrots, and daikon slices. Add cooked pork patties on top.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and mint over each bowl. Drizzle with Nuoc Cham sauce and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure meatballs are compact to avoid falling apart. Rinse noodles under cold water to maintain texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!