Rice Noodle Salad with Pork Skewers: Bun Thit Nuong Skewers

When it comes to delicious and satisfying Vietnamese cuisine, one dish that stands out is Bun Thit Nuong, a flavorful rice noodle salad topped with juicy pork skewers. This dish is a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, tender rice noodles, and perfectly grilled pork, all brought together with a zesty dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a light and refreshing meal, Bun Thit Nuong is sure to impress your taste buds.

Let’s break down this mouthwatering dish and learn how to recreate it at home.

The Ingredients

• 1 pound pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 package rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 head lettuce, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup pickled daikon and carrots
• 1/4 cup fried shallots
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Thai chilies, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Pork Skewers

To prepare the pork skewers, marinate the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and minced Thai chilies. Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Thread the marinated pork onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side.

The Noodle Salad

While the pork skewers are grilling, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with shredded lettuce, julienned cucumber and carrot, chopped mint, cilantro, green onions, pickled daikon and carrots, and fried shallots.

The Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and minced Thai chilies to make the dressing. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the noodle salad and toss to combine, ensuring that the salad is evenly coated in the flavorful dressing.

Serving the Bun Thit Nuong Skewers

To serve, divide the rice noodle salad among individual bowls and top each serving with a few pork skewers. Garnish with extra chopped peanuts, herbs, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your Bun Thit Nuong Skewers with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or looking to try something new, Bun Thit Nuong Skewers are a must-try dish that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Saigon. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a bowl of vibrant flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.