Vietnamese Grilled Pork (bun-thit-nuong)
PorkCuisine Vietnamese
Ingredients 13
Story behind the dish
Travel to the bustling streets of Vietnam through the vibrant flavors of this grilled pork dish, known locally as bun-thit-nuong. Perfectly marinated and grilled pork brings a smoky sweetness that dances on your palate, complemented by crisp vegetables and fresh herbs. This dish captures the essence of street-side dining—simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying—whispering tales of lively markets and warm summer evenings.
Cooking this dish is like creating a mini culinary journey at home. The aroma of garlic, shallots, and grilled pork melds with the fresh crunch of mint and cucumbers, resulting in a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s a delightful way to celebrate bold flavors and bring a little piece of Vietnam to your table.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sliced pork (about 24 oz / 680 g)
- 1 package thin rice vermicelli
- 4-6 egg rolls, sliced
- 3 tbsp minced shallots (about 0.75 oz / 21 g)
- 1.5 tbsp minced garlic (about 0.75 oz / 21 g)
- ¼ cup sugar (about 2 oz / 57 g)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- ½ tbsp thick soy sauce (about 0.75 oz / 21 g)
- ½ tbsp pepper (about 1.5 tsp)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (about 1 oz / 28 g)
- Sliced cucumber
- Leaves of fresh mint
- Crushed peanuts
Step-by-step
- Slice the pork thinly, about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. If desired, slightly freeze the pork beforehand for easier slicing.
- Mince the garlic and shallots. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic and shallots with sugar, fish sauce, thick soy sauce, pepper, and olive oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate the sliced pork in this mixture for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pork slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until about 80% cooked.
- Finish the pork by broiling it in the oven until it develops a beautiful golden brown color, flipping the slices midway for even charring.
- Prepare the rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- To assemble, place noodles into bowls. Top with sliced pork, sliced egg rolls, cucumber, and mint leaves. Garnish with crushed peanuts.
- Many enjoy mixing all components together before pouring a drizzle of fish sauce on top. However, you can also enjoy each bite individually, adding sauce as you go.
Chef’s tips & serving ideas
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight—it makes all the difference!
- Serve with lime wedges and additional fish sauce for dipping, to enhance every bite.
Closing thoughts
This Vietnamese-style grilled pork dish is a celebration of bold, bright flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for casual family dinners or gathering with friends, offering a taste of Vietnam that’s both comforting and exciting. Take your time assembling each bowl and savor the layers of flavor—every bite is a small voyage to the lively streets of Hanoi.