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.

Soikot Ahamed
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This recipe was a bit too bland for my taste, but I'm sure it would be perfect for someone who doesn't like spicy food. The meatballs were cooked perfectly and the noodle salad was refreshing.


TOusef Ahmad
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I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes to try, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. The meatballs were tender and juicy, and the noodle salad was the perfect compliment. I will definitely be making this again.


Judith Teque
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This recipe was delicious! The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the noodle salad was the perfect compliment. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


Aklima Akhtet
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I'm not a big fan of Vietnamese food, but I thought I would give this recipe a try. I was pleasantly surprised! The meatballs were flavorful and the noodle salad was refreshing. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


Kebadsew Birhanu
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This recipe was a bit too spicy for my taste, but I'm sure it would be perfect for someone who enjoys spicy food. The meatballs were cooked perfectly and the noodle salad was refreshing.


Okouzi Micheal
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious. The meatballs were especially flavorful. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


Ali khan Ali khan
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I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes to try, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the noodle salad was the perfect compliment. I will definitely be making this again.


Uttam Roy
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This recipe was a bit more work than I expected, but it was worth it. The meatballs were delicious and the noodle salad was refreshing. I would recommend this recipe to others.


Makaium 1f75
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I made this recipe for a party and it was a huge success. Everyone loved the meatballs and the noodle salad. I will definitely be making this again.


Gori Pun
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious. The meatballs were especially flavorful. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


Sagir Rain
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I'm not usually a fan of Vietnamese food, but this recipe changed my mind. The meatballs were so tender and flavorful, and the noodle salad was the perfect accompaniment. I will definitely be making this again.


Chiamaka Divine
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This recipe was a total hit with my family! The meatballs were flavorful and juicy, and the noodle salad was perfectly refreshing. I especially loved the addition of the pickled vegetables, which added a nice tangy flavor to the dish. Overall, this i