Print

Flavorful Bun Cha Grilled Pork with Noodles Easy Homemade Recipe

Bun Cha grilled pork recipe - featured image

A smoky, tangy, sweet, and fresh Vietnamese street food-inspired grilled pork dish served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemongrass, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz (225 g) rice vermicelli noodles
  • Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, Thai basil, and lettuce leaves
  • 4 tbsp fish sauce (for dipping sauce)
  • 4 tbsp lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 tbsp sugar (for dipping sauce)
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for dipping sauce)
  • 1 small chili, finely sliced (optional, for dipping sauce)
  • Optional garnishes: pickled carrots and daikon, crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, honey, lemongrass, and black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
  2. Marinate the Pork: Thinly slice the pork shoulder (about 1/4 inch thick). Toss pork slices in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  4. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Add fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity. Set aside.
  5. Grill the Pork: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place pork slices on the hot surface, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Assemble the Dish: In shallow bowls, place vermicelli noodles, add fresh herbs and lettuce. Top with grilled pork slices. Serve with dipping sauce on the side.
  7. Add Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with pickled vegetables and crushed peanuts if desired.
  8. Enjoy: Wrap pork and herbs in lettuce leaves, dip in sauce, and savor.

Notes

Marinate pork at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Use medium-high heat to get a nice char without burning. Avoid overcrowding the grill or pan. Rest pork a few minutes before serving. Dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored in fridge. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for fish sauce and use gluten-free noodles. Vegetarian version can use eggplant or tofu with soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bun Cha, grilled pork, Vietnamese noodles, vermicelli, fish sauce, lemongrass, easy recipe, homemade, street food