Ingredients
Before we dive into the preparation, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. The following list includes everything you will need for both the grilled pork vermicelli and the grilled pork stick:
For the Grilled Pork (Thịt Nướng)
- 1.5 pounds of pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
- Three tablespoons of fish sauce
- Two tablespoons of soy sauce
- Three tablespoons of sugar
- One tablespoon of honey
- Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
- One tablespoon of minced garlic
- One tablespoon of minced shallots
- One tablespoon of lemongrass, finely chopped
- One teaspoon of black pepper
For the Grilled Pork Stick (Nem Nướng)
- 1.5 pounds of ground pork
- Two tablespoons of fish sauce
- Two tablespoons of sugar
- One tablespoon of minced garlic
- One tablespoon of minced shallots
- One tablespoon of lemongrass, finely chopped
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil
- One teaspoon of black pepper
- One teaspoon of baking powder
- Skewers (bamboo or metal)
For the Vermicelli and Vegetables
- 1 pound of vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup of shredded lettuce
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 1 cup of cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup of pickled carrots and daikon (Đồ Chua)
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
For the Nuoc Cham Sauce
- 1/2 cup of fish sauce
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 bird's eye chillies, thinly sliced (optional)
Garnishes
- Crushed peanuts
- Fried shallots
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Marinating the Pork
The first step in preparing Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng is marinating the pork. This process infuses the meat with flavours and ensures it remains tender and juicy when grilled.
For the Grilled Pork (Thịt Nướng)
- Combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, honey, vegetable oil, garlic, shallots, finely chopped lemongrass, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder or pork belly to the marinade. Mix well to ensure each piece of pork is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to develop.
For the Grilled Pork Stick (Nem Nướng)
- Combine the ground pork, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, minced shallots, finely chopped lemongrass, vegetable oil, black pepper, and baking powder in another mixing bowl.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the ground pork mixture becomes sticky and well-blended.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Preparing the Vermicelli and Vegetables
While the pork is marinating, you can prepare the vermicelli noodles and vegetables.
- Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- Wash and shred the lettuce.
- Wash and julienne the cucumber.
- Prepare the pickled carrots and daikon in a bowl by combining equal parts of rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Add a pinch of salt and mix until the sugar dissolves. Add the julienned carrots and daikon to the pickling solution and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash the fresh herbs and set them aside.
Step 3: Making the Nuoc Cham Sauce
Nuoc Cham is a versatile Vietnamese dipping sauce that adds flavour. Here's how to make it:
- Combine the fish sauce, water, sugar, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced bird's eye chillies (if using) to the sauce. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Grilling the Pork
Now that the pork has marinated and the other components are ready, it's time to grill it.
For the Grilled Pork (Thịt Nướng)
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can use a grill pan or a broiler if you need a grill.
- Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and thread the slices onto skewers (if using a grill). Using a grill pan or broiler, you can place the pork slices directly on the surface.
- Grill the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the meat is cooked with a nice char. Be careful not to overcook the pork, as it can become dry.
For the Grilled Pork Stick (Nem Nướng)
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the ground pork mixture from the refrigerator. Shape a small portion of the mixture around a skewer to form a sausage-like shape.
- Repeat this process with the remaining pork mixture.
- Grill the pork sticks on each side for 5-6 minutes until they are cooked and have a nice char.
Step 5: Assembling the Dish
With all the components ready, it's time to assemble the Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng.
- In a large bowl, place a generous portion of cooked vermicelli noodles.
- Arrange the shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, julienned cucumber, pickled carrots, and daikon around the noodles.
- Add the grilled pork slices and pork sticks to the vegetables and noodles.
- Drizzle the Nuoc Cham sauce over the dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng is best enjoyed fresh. The combination of grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and vermicelli noodles, all brought together by the flavorful Nuoc Cham sauce, creates a delightful and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
- Marination Time: Marinate the pork for at least 2 hours for the best flavour. Overnight marination is even better.
- Grilling: Keep an eye on the pork while grilling to prevent it from overcooking. The goal is to achieve a nice char while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Vermicelli Noodles: After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add freshness and are essential for an authentic flavour.
- Nuoc Cham Sauce: Adjust the sweetness, sourness, and spiciness level in the Nuoc Cham sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Variations and Adaptations
Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken or Beef: You can use chicken or beef instead of pork for the grilled meat. Follow the same marination and grilling process.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, use tofu or seitan as a substitute for the pork. Marinate and grill the tofu or seitan as you would the pork.
- Spicy Version: Add more bird's eye chillies to the Nuoc Cham sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Noodle Bowl: If you prefer a noodle bowl, you can serve the grilled pork and vegetables over rice noodles instead of vermicelli.
Nutritional Benefits
Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng is not only delicious but also offers a range of nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Grilled pork provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Fresh Vegetables: The dish is packed with fresh vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add flavour, antioxidants, and other health benefits.
- Nuoc Cham Sauce: Made with fish sauce, lime juice, and garlic, Nuoc Cham is a flavorful and low-calorie dressing.
Cultural Significance
Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine. It is often enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal. It is commonly served at street food stalls, family gatherings, and special occasions. The dish exemplifies the Vietnamese culinary philosophy of balancing flavours and incorporating fresh ingredients.
In Vietnam, meals are often shared communally, with dishes placed in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy. This practice fosters a sense of togetherness and community. Preparing and sharing Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng with family and friends is a beautiful way to experience Vietnamese culture and hospitality.
To Sum Up
Preparing Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that allows you to experience the vibrant flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. With time and effort, you can create a delicious and authentic dish that will impress your family and friends.
Every step contributes to the final masterpiece, from marinating the pork to grilling it to perfection, assembling the fresh vegetables, and drizzling the flavorful Nuoc Cham sauce. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and embark on a culinary journey to create the perfect Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng. Enjoy the process, savour the flavours, and share the experience with those you love. Vietnamese cuisine is about balance, freshness, and community, and this dish beautifully encapsulates these values. Happy cooking!
Here are some delicious food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:
Grilled Chicken Vermicelli (Bún Gà Nướng)
Spring Roll Vermicelli (Bún Chả Giò)
Grilled Beef and Shrimp on Sugar Cane Vermicelli (Bún Bò Nướng Chạo Tôm)
Grilled Pork and Spring Roll Vermicelli (Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò)
Grilled Pork on Rice (Cơm Thịt Nướng)
Stir Fried Vegetable with Assorted Meat and Seafood (Cơm Rau cải Xào Thập Cẩm)
Stir Fride Beef on Sizzling Plate
Grilled Pork and Grilled Pork Stick Vermicelli (Bún Thịt Nướng Nem Nướng)
Thai Red Milk Tea with Grass Jelly
