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Savory Bun Cha

Savory Bun Cha: Your New Favorite Vietnamese Delight

Savory Bun Cha blends juicy caramelized pork meatballs with soft vermicelli noodles for a quick and healthy meal that embodies Vietnamese street food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 500 grams Pork Mince Choose 20% fat content for juiciness.
  • 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon White Sugar Balances flavors.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 teaspoon White Pepper Adds mild heat.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemongrass Paste Optional for traditional flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil (For Cooking) For browning meatballs.
For the Noodles
  • 200 grams Vermicelli Noodles Base of the dish.
For the Nuoc Cham Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce Essential umami flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons White Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar Adds acidity.
  • 1 each Lime Juice Juice of one lime.
  • 1 each Bird's Eye Chili Optional for heat.
  • 3 tablespoons Water To dilute the sauce.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Nuoc Cham Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together fish sauce, white sugar, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili. Dilute with water and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Soak the Vermicelli Noodles: Boil water, soak vermicelli noodles for 5-7 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. Make the Pork Meatballs: Combine pork mince, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, white pepper, and optional lemongrass in a bowl. Shape into 10-12 meatballs.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat oil in a skillet, cook meatballs for 2-2.5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Assemble Your Bun Cha Bowls: Place vermicelli noodles in bowls, top with meatballs, fresh vegetables, and drizzle with Nuoc Cham sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Marinate meatballs for deeper flavor if time allows. Serve with fresh vegetables for added nutrition.

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