Bun Cha recipe with authentic sauce recipe- Hanoi style vermicelli noodles with grilled pork

After trying several recipes and ingredients to make bun cha, I still wasn't satisfied with the taste; it didn't feel 100% authentic to me. One day, feeling too lazy to prepare for a BBQ at home wanting to try a different recipe with available ingredients, I discovered this method, and wow, it hit differently. From now on, this will be my go-to method for making real authentic Bun Cha or grilled pork (Thịt Nướng).

This easy Bun Cha sauce recipe offers a quick turnaround for your meal while still delivering an authentic taste that takes you back to the busy streets of Hanoi.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Pork (half minced pork, half pork belly)
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 5 shallots, minced
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, minced
• Cholimex Sauce for Bun Cha (Available online)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Mince the garlic, shallots, and lemongrass finely.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced pork, sliced pork belly, garlic, shallots, and lemongrass.

2. Marinate the Pork:

   • Add the Cholimex Sauce for Bun Cha to the pork mixture. The sauce already contains the perfect blend of sugar, salt, fish sauce, and spices.
   • Mix thoroughly to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the marinade.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This allows the flavours to marinate together.

3. Cooking the Pork:

   • Charcoal Grill Method:
     • Preheat the charcoal grill.
     • Skewer the marinated pork or place it directly on the grill.
     • Cook the pork until it is thoroughly grilled, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
   • Oven Method:
     • Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
     • Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
     • Arrange the pork pieces on the rack.
     • Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pork is cooked and slightly charred.
   • Air Fryer Method:
     • Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
     • Place the marinated pork in the air fryer basket.
     • Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pork is cooked and golden brown.

4. Serving:

   • Serve the grilled pork with rice noodles (bún), fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and Thai basil), and lettuce.
   • Prepare a dipping sauce by using premade Cholimex Fish Sauce for Bun Cha with lime juice, and a bit of sugar if needed.
   • Enjoy your meal with pickled vegetables and additional fresh herbs on the side.

Tips:

• The key to the authentic taste is using Cholimex Sauce for Bun Cha, which simplifies the process and ensures a consistent, delicious result.
• Make sure to let the pork marinate for at least 1-2 hours to absorb all the flavors.
• Adjust cooking times based on your equipment to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked but not dried out.

By following this recipe, you can enjoy an authentic Bun Cha Ha Noi experience, bringing the vibrant flavours of Hanoi's busy streets right to your home.