Vietnamese Grilled Pork (bun-thit-nuong)

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

1. Slice the pork thinly, about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. If desired, slightly freeze the pork beforehand for easier slicing.
2. 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.
3. Marinate the sliced pork in this mixture for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
4. 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.
5. Finish the pork by broiling it in the oven until it develops a beautiful golden brown color, flipping the slices midway for even charring.
6. Prepare the rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. To assemble, place noodles into bowls. Top with sliced pork, sliced egg rolls, cucumber, and mint leaves. Garnish with crushed peanuts.
8. 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.