How to Make: Traditional Bun Cha Hanoi / Northern Vietnamese Grilled Pork Meatballs with Vermicelli

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt + vinegar

Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor.

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken breast is leaner and more affordable.

rice vermicelli

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: spaghetti

Quinoa offers a healthier grain alternative.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: frozen herbs

Dried or frozen herbs can be more accessible.

Peel a small green papaya and a large carrot, then cut them into bite-sized slices.

Toss the cut veggies with kosher salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.

Rinse the excess salt off the veggies and let them drain.

Combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 1/4 cup filtered water to make the pickling liquid, then mix until the sugar is dissolved.

Move the veggies into a container and pour the pickling liquid over them, then refrigerate.

In a food processor, blend 1 lb of partially frozen ground pork to break down muscle fibers.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with 2 tbsp minced garlic, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp honey, a pinch of MSG, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix well with gloves.

Refrigerate the meatball mixture.

Cook rice vermicelli noodles in boiling salted water for 6 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit covered for another 6 minutes.

Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water, then toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Slice an English cucumber on a bias and rinse the lettuce, cilantro, and mint.

Make the fish sauce dipping sauce by combining 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup fish sauce, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp minced garlic, and a couple of chopped Thai chilies in a bowl. Add 2 cups of boiling water and mix until the sugar dissolves.

Form the meatball mixture into small patties, about 16 to 18, and flatten them slightly.

Grill the patties for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until caramelized and cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.

Plate the dish by arranging lettuce, sliced cucumbers, cilantro, mint, and noodles on a serving platter. Serve with fish sauce dipping sauce and pickled veggies.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens