Rice Noodle Salad with Grilled Pork & Fresh Herbs: A Classic Bun Thit Nuong

Are you looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to enjoy during the hot summer months? Look no further than Bun Thit Nuong, a classic Vietnamese rice noodle salad with grilled pork and fresh herbs. This dish combines the smoky flavors of grilled pork with the freshness of herbs and vegetables, all tossed together with vermicelli noodles and a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you satisfied and wanting more.

Let’s dive into the details of this delicious and satisfying dish that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 package rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bunch fresh mint
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 1 bunch fresh Thai basil
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

To make the marinade for the pork, combine the fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and red chili in a bowl. Add the pork slices to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to infuse.

While the pork is marinating, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

To assemble the salad, divide the cooked vermicelli noodles among serving bowls. Top with the grilled pork slices, julienned cucumber, julienned carrot, fresh mint, cilantro, Thai basil, and crushed peanuts.

In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and a splash of water to make the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with extra herbs and peanuts before serving. Enjoy your Bun Thit Nuong salad with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion:

Rice Noodle Salad with Grilled Pork & Fresh Herbs, also known as Bun Thit Nuong, is a classic Vietnamese dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the combination of smoky grilled pork, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing, this salad is a burst of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Make this dish at home and transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam!