If you've been looking for an innovative dish to make at home, consider Vietnamese pork noodle bowls — perfect for family gatherings. Known as Bún Tht Nng, this flavorful dish boasts traditional roots with a modern twist that everyone in your household is sure to love.
Read on for step-by-step instructions to recreate this culinary delight in your kitchen, including a few useful tips and tricks to make sure your grilled pork and rice noodles turn out just right.
What is a Vietnamese bún tht nng recipe?
Bun thit nuong, or Vietnamese pork noodle bowls, are a delectable combination of grilled pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs and vegetables. And it's all brought together by a savory Vietnamese dipping sauce. Vibrant flavors and virtually limitless presentation options make this dish immensely popular.
In North Vietnam, it's often served with a mountain of fresh herbs and vegetables, while in the South, you're more likely to find this dish assembled into neat, compact bowls. The flexibility of a Vietnamese noodle bowl ensures everyone can enjoy it and easily customize it to their preferences. Whether you're drawn to its cultural richness or you're just looking to try something new, bun thit nuong is an ideal choice for a memorable family meal.
How to make a Vietnamese bún tht nng recipe at home
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Hatfield® Touch of Sea Salt Pork Loin Filet, cut into pieces.
- 16 oz. vermicelli noodles.
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, minced.
- 1 shallot, minced.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 2 Tbsp. fish sauce.
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce.
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce.
- ½ Tbsp. pepper.
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil.
- 1 Tbsp honey.
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar.
- 2 cups lettuce (about 8 lettuce leaves).
- ¼ cup pickled daikon.
- ¼ cup pickled carrots.
- ½ cup cucumbers, thinly sliced.
- ¼ cup mint.
- 2 Tbsp crushed peanuts, optional.
- ½ cup Vietnamese dipping sauce, for serving.
Step-by-step instructions for preparing Vietnamese pork noodles
- Step 1: Cut your pork loin into inch pieces.
- Step 2: To prepare the marinade for your pork, combine lemongrass, shallot, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, vegetable oil, honey and light brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir the ingredients well and add your pork. For the best flavor, allow the pork to marinate for at least an hour or, ideally, leave it overnight.
- Step 3: While the pork marinates, get the other ingredients ready. Cook your vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, pickle the daikon and carrots and cut your cucumbers into slices. If you're including peanuts, crush them in preparation.
- Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium heat, then cook the pork pieces for 1-2 minutes on each side — or until they develop grill marks and are cooked all the way through.
- Step 5: To assemble your vermicelli bowls, start by putting the cooked vermicelli noodles in a bowl. Then, add the lettuce, pickled daikon, pickled carrots, cucumbers and mint.
- Step 6: Add your grilled pork to the vermicelli bowl and top it all off with crushed peanuts and a drizzle of Vietnamese dipping sauce. Finally, serve it hot and enjoy.
Ready to get started? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
Tips for the perfect bún tht nng
Here are a few expert tips to keep in mind along the way:
- Master the grill: For the best results, simply preheat your grill, oil the grates and cook the pork for one to two minutes per side without pressing down, so it stays juicy and flavorful.
- Get the perfect char: Grill the pork over medium-high heat to get a delicious char without drying it out. If you have a charcoal grill, even better — it adds that extra smoky flavor everyone loves.
- Slice the pork frozen: Slightly frozen pork is easier to slice thinly and evenly, which helps it cook quickly and absorb more marinade flavor.
- Leave time to marinate: Letting the pork marinate overnight gives the lemongrass, garlic and fish sauce time to infuse the meat — enhancing its savory-sweet profile.
- Experiment with toppings: Mix and match fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, crushed peanuts and a splash of nc chm to build layers of texture and flavor in your bowl.
- Choose pre-marinated pork: If you're in a pinch for time, consider a pre-marinated option like Hatfield® Savory Brown Sugar Pork Loin Filet or Hatfield® Texas Smokehouse BBQ Pork Loin Filet for something with a kick.
How to store and reheat bun thit nuong
Store leftover bun thit nuong by keeping each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The grilled pork lasts up to three days, and the noodles and pickled veggies about two to three days. To reheat, warm the pork in a skillet or microwave and rinse the noodles under warm water to loosen. Reassemble, add fresh herbs and sauce and enjoy!
The best sides to serve with pork noodle bowls
Complement the flavors of this main dish with:
- Fresh spring rolls filled with crisp vegetables like lettuce, cucumber and bean sprouts to complement the richness of bun thit nuong.
- Vietnamese egg rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and vegetables to provide a satisfying crunch.
- Green papaya salad made with shredded green papaya, carrots, herbs and tangy dressing for a refreshing contrast.
- A cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar, sugar and chili, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
- A pickled vegetable medley for a burst of acidity.
Bún tht nng recipe FAQs
Still have questions? Here's everything you need to know before getting started:
What is the difference between bun cha gio and bun thit nuong?
Curious about the difference between these two popular noodle dishes? While bun cha gio includes crispy Vietnamese egg rolls (ch giò), bun thit nuong features grilled pork slices and pickled vegetables. Still, they're both typically served over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs, lettuce and a savory dipping sauce.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
Making sure your pork is fully cooked is key to keeping loved ones safe and healthy. The easiest way to check? Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145 — that's the sweet spot for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat pork.
What recipe variations can I consider?
There are practically endless ways to tweak this recipe! Try marinated tofu, tempeh or even grilled mushrooms as a vegetarian protein alternative. You can also swap in or add grilled shrimp, chicken or beef for a twist. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro, add pickled radishes or cucumbers or drizzle with a spicy sriracha sauce for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish without a grill?
You can still enjoy bun thit nuong at home without a grill! Try using a stovetop grill pan or broiling the pork in the oven to get that charred flavor. Pan-frying is another tasty option. Just make sure the pork is cooked through and tender before adding it to your rice noodle bowls!
What kind of pork works best for this recipe?
While this recipe calls for pork loin, feel free to mix it up with other cuts like pork shoulder, pork butt or pork tenderloin based on your family's preferences. If you go for a leaner cut like Hatfield® Tuscan Herb Pork Tenderloin, just adjust the cooking time to keep it juicy and slice it thinly to help ensure even cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Preparing the components ahead of time can make the process easier later on. Simply marinate the pork overnight, pickle the daikon and carrots and cook the vermicelli noodles. Then, store everything in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, jump to step four of the instructions above and assemble your rice noodle bowls to perfection!
Boost the flavor of your favorite bún tht nng recipe with Hatfield
Bun thit nuong remains a beloved dish cherished for its ability to bring families together over a flavorful and satisfying meal. And high-quality pork products from Hatfield® offer every chef the assurance of superior taste and texture — elevating your favorite recipes to new heights of deliciousness!
If you're ready to savor every mouthwatering bite without worry, head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
