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Vietnamese Meatballs and Noodles (Bún Chả)

Vietnamese Meatballs and Noodles (Bún Chả)
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A vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese dish featuring tender grilled pork meatballs, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce. This dish balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect comfort food.

Ingredients

  • Ground pork (or ground beef) – 1 lb (450g)
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Shallots – 2, finely chopped
  • Lemongrass – 2 stalks, minced (or 1 tsp lemongrass paste)
  • Fish sauce – 3 tbsp
  • Soy sauce – 1 tbsp
  • Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
  • Rice noodles – 8 oz (225g)
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil) – 1 cup of each, roughly chopped
  • Cucumber – 1, thinly sliced
  • Carrots – 2, shredded or julienned
  • Lettuce – 2 cups, shredded (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
  • Lime – 1, juiced
  • Chili – 1, finely minced (or adjust to taste)
  • For the dipping sauce:
  • Fish sauce – 3 tbsp
  • Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
  • Lime juice – 2 tbsp
  • Water – 4 tbsp
  • Chili – 1-2, minced (adjust for heat preference)

Instructions

  1. Make the Meatballs: Combine ground pork, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Shape into 1-2 inch meatballs.
  2. Grill the Meatballs: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  3. Cook the Rice Noodles: Boil water, cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Mix fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, water, and minced chili. Adjust seasoning with more sugar or lime if needed.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Place noodles in a bowl, top with grilled meatballs, fresh herbs, shredded lettuce, cucumber, and carrots. Drizzle with dipping sauce and mix well before serving.

Notes

  • Make the meatballs ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Customize the dipping sauce by adding more chili for heat or sriracha for extra spice.
  • Use a non-stick pan for indoor grilling to avoid sticking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbyandy.com/vietnamese-meatballs-and-noodles-bun-cha/