Bun Cha Hanoi with Grilled Pork (Printable version)
Tender grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and tangy dipping sauce.
# Ingredient list:
→ Pork & Marinade
01 - 10.5 oz pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
02 - 10.5 oz ground pork
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 small shallots, minced
05 - 2 tbsp fish sauce
06 - 2 tbsp sugar
07 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce
08 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
→ Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)
11 - 3/4 cup warm water
12 - 3 tbsp fish sauce
13 - 2 tbsp sugar
14 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1 red chili, thinly sliced
17 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
→ Noodles & Garnishes
18 - 10.5 oz dried rice vermicelli noodles
19 - 1 head lettuce, torn
20 - 1 handful cilantro leaves
21 - 1 handful mint leaves
22 - 1 handful Thai basil leaves
23 - 3.5 oz bean sprouts
24 - 1 cucumber, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Combine ground pork with half the minced garlic and shallots, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and a splash of oil. Mix thoroughly and shape into small patties approximately 1 inch thick.
02 - Place pork slices in a separate bowl with remaining garlic, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, and oil. Let both pork preparations marinate for at least 15 minutes to develop flavors.
03 - Dissolve sugar in warm water, then stir in fish sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, garlic, chili, and carrot if using. Adjust seasoning to achieve a balanced sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavor profile.
04 - Prepare rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
05 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill pork patties and pork slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side until fully cooked and developing caramelized exterior.
06 - Distribute cooked noodles, fresh herbs, lettuce, bean sprouts, and cucumber slices across serving plates for easy assembly.
07 - Present grilled pork hot alongside noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. Diners combine all components in their bowls and dip into sauce according to preference.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy hits every craving at once
- The DIY assembly makes every bite feel personal and satisfying
02 -
- The dipping sauce tastes intensely salty on its own but balances perfectly when combined with noodles and pork.
- Don't rush the marinating time, even 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference in flavor penetration.
03 -
- A cast iron pan is your best friend if you do not have access to an outdoor grill.
- Let the grilled pork rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.