Bún chả

Method7 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Chop the garlic (3 cloves) and shallots (1/4 cup), and mince the lemongrass (4 Tbsp).

   Uses 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, for meatballs · 1/4 cup chopped shallot · 4 Tbsp minced lemongrass

2. 2

   Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the pork (1 lb), fish sauce (1 Tbsp), salt (1 tsp), pepper, honey (2 Tbsp), lemongrass, shallots, and garlic. Set the mixture aside for 1 to 2 hours in the fridge.

   Chill pork mixture 1–2 hours · 60 minUses 1 lb ground pork · 1 Tbsp fish sauce, for meatballs · 1 tsp salt · 1/4 tsp black pepper · 2 Tbsp honey · chopped meatball aromatics

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 20 meatballs), and then gently flatten them a bit.

   Uses chilled pork mixture

4. 4

   Step 4: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil (2 Tbsp) and add the flattened meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook until golden and caramelized, around 2–3 minutes per side, and cooked through to 160°F (71°C) in the center. Set the cooked meatballs aside.

   Uses flattened meatballs · 2 Tbsp cooking oil

   
5. 5

   Step 5: For the nuoc cham, whisk together the 1/4 cup lime juice, 3/4 cup water, 3 Tbsp fish sauce, chopped Thai red chili, 1 minced garlic clove and 2 Tbsp sugar. Stir in the thinly sliced sauce carrot (1) and adjust to taste. If needed, warm the water and dissolve the sugar first, then cool before adding the remaining sauce ingredients.

   Uses 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes) · 3/4 cup water, for sauce · 3 Tbsp fish sauce, for sauce · 1 Thai red chili pepper, chopped · 1 clove garlic, minced, for sauce · 2 Tbsp sugar · 1 carrot, thinly sliced, for sauce

6. 6

   Step 6: Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles (8 oz) according to their package instructions, using water as directed; the source suggests about 2–3 minutes in boiling water, but follow the time for your noodles. Drain.

   Uses 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles · Water, for preparing noodles

   
7. 7

   Step 7: Serve the noodles with the meatballs along with a handful of lettuce, mint (1 handful), carrots (1), and cucumbers (1/2) with the nuoc cham on the side.

   Uses prepared vermicelli noodles · cooked pork meatballs · 1 head butter lettuce · 1 handful fresh mint · 1 carrot, sliced, for bowls · 1/2 cucumber, sliced · nuoc cham with sliced carrot