VIETNAMESE PORK MEATBALL AND NOODLE SALAD (BUN CHA)

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VIETNAMESE PORK MEATBALL AND NOODLE SALAD (BUN CHA) image

Categories     Pork

Number Of Ingredients 27

RECIPES
VIETNAMESE PORK MEATBALL AND NOODLE SALAD (BUN CHA)
POSTED MAY 30, 2013
896
Vietnamese Pork Meatball and Noodle Salad (Bun Cha)
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Helen Rosner
In Lauren Shockey's culinary memoir Four Kitchens(Grand Central Publishing, 2011), in which this recipe appears, the author writes: "After pho, bun cha is one of Hanoi's most famous dishes and is a delicious summertime lunch or light dinner. In Hanoi, you'll know you're at a bun cha stand by the smoke wafting from the charcoal grills. Living in New York City, I don't have the luxury of cooking pork on a charcoal grill, but my stove's broiler works just fine."
SERVES 4
For the Pork Meatballs
2 tbsp. sugar
5 tbsp. water
1 lb. ground pork
1 large shallot, minced as small as possible
3 tbsp. fish sauce
1⁄4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce and Serving
2 tbsp. fish sauce
2 tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tsp. brown sugar
1 1⁄2 cups water
1⁄2 tsp. minced or grated garlic
1 red thai chile, minced
2 tbsp. green papaya, cut into 1⁄4"-thick slices (optional)
1 lb. thin rice noodles
1⁄2 head red leaf lettuce, torn into small pieces
2 cups loosely packed selection of Asian herbs, such as cilantro, perilla, mint, sawtooth coriander, ngo herb, shiso, or Thai basil

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with 3 tablespoons water and cook over high heat until a dark brown caramel forms, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons cold water, swirling the pot. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork, shallot, fish sauce, caramel sauce, and pepper, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 1⁄2 hours. For the sauce: Combine fish sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, water, garlic, chile and green papaya in a large mixing bowl. Set aside to marry the flavors To assemble: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the directions on their package. Drain, then rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Shape marinated pork into small patties, about 15 to 20 in all. Heat a charcoal grill or a broiler to high. Grill or broil the pork patties until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 4 minutes per side. Spoon the sauce into four bowls, then place the pork patties over the sauce. Place the herbs and lettuce in one large communal bowl and the noodles into another large communal bowl. To eat, dip some of the noodles into the sauce and eat with the patties and herbs.

Darcey-may Simon
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Yum!


Chimezie Nwanna
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This dish was absolutely delicious! The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The salad was a great way to balance out the richness of the dish. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others!


Ararso Abdalla
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It was ok.


Aqsa Rani
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This recipe was a hit at my party! The meatballs were a big hit, and the noodles and salad were a great accompaniment. The sauce was flavorful and rich, and the meatballs were cooked perfectly. I would definitely make this again!


Danyal Ameer
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Not my favorite.


Dexter Dexter
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I made this dish for my family and they loved it! The meatballs were tender and moist, and the sauce was flavorful and rich. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the salad was a great addition. This dish is definitely a keeper!


Wilfred Johannes
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Could be better.


Najibeh Ranjbari
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This recipe was easy to follow and the end result was delicious! The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The salad was a great addition, adding a refreshing crunch to the dish. I would definitely recommend this


Marjan Marjan
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Disappointed.


Emmy Excoba
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The flavors in this dish were incredible! The meatballs were packed with umami, and the noodles were perfectly coated in the rich sauce. The salad added a nice freshness to the dish. I would definitely make this again!


tarek asaad
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Nice!


Umair Jan Unfair Jan
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This recipe was a bit more involved than I expected, but it was worth the effort. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The salad was a great way to balance out the richness of the dish. I'll definitely be ma


charity daniel
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Meh.


Gita Khyaju
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Oh my gosh! The meatballs in this dish were cooked to perfection. They were filled with a blend of herbs and spices that created a symphony of flavors in my mouth. The noodles were springy and slurped up the delectable sauce effortlessly. The salad w


Momcilo Krstic
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Not bad. Would give it 3.5/5 stars.


Md Razib Ahamed Gmail
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This was a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe! The meatballs were flavorful and juicy, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. The salad was a great addition, adding a refreshing crunch to the dish. I will definitely be making this again!