Bun Cha - Vietnamese Meatballs
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
2
-
Calories
540 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Vietnamese
Bun Cha - Vietnamese Meatballs
Description
Bun Cha - Vietnamese Meatballs centers on seasoned ground pork mixed with fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and optional lemongrass for aromatic notes. The pork patties are pan-fried in oil until golden and slightly caramelized. The nuoc cham sauce mixes fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, lime juice, chopped chili, and garlic to create a tangy, mildly spicy, and sweet sauce that serves almost like a broth. Vermicelli noodles, fresh bean sprouts, lettuce, pickled carrots and daikon, plus herbs like coriander and mint, provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich meatballs.
The dish combines the savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors of the meat with the bright, fresh textures of noodles and vegetables. The sauce ties the components together, offering a moist, balanced bite. Herbs and optional pickles bring freshness and acidity to the plate, creating a harmonious Vietnamese bowl.
Variations include using chicken or turkey meat, adjusting chili heat, and swapping or supplementing the fresh vegetables to taste. The nuoc cham sauce can be tailored to personal preference and is intended to be used generously. Pickles enhance texture and balance. The dish is great for a light yet satisfying meal combining protein, vegetables, and noodles.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 250 - 300 g/8 - 10 oz pork mince (ground pork)(Note 1)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (Note 2)
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 1/3 cup green onions finely chopped or scallions
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- Pinch white pepper
- Pinch salt
- 2 tsp lemongrass optional (Note 4, paste or fresh finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp neutral cooking oil for cooking, generic cooking oil
Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dressing / Sauce - Note 2):
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 3 tbsp fish sauce (Note 2)
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 bird's eye chili seeded and finely chopped (Note 3
- 3 cloves garlic , finely chopped
Serving (Note 4):
- 100 g / 3.5 oz vermicelli noodles , dried
- beansprouts big handful
- lettuce folded or shredded, few leaves
- carrot daikon), optional quick pickle (Note 5, julienned
- white radish daikon), optional quick pickle (Note 5, julienned
- Coriander mint, cilantro sprigs, handful
- red chilli lime wedges (optional, sliced
Instructions
- Sauce: Mix ingredients. Set aside 10 minutes+.
- Noodles: Pour over boiling water and soak per packet directions. Drain, set aside.
Meatballs:
- Mix all ingredients except oil until combined.
- Shape into 6 mini hamburger patties with your hands.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add patties and cook for 2 1/2 minutes or until golden. Flip, cook 2 minutes then remove.
Assemble Bowls:
- Place noodles in bowl. Top with a handful of beansprouts, wedge in lettuce, carrots and radish in.
- Place meatballs on top, top with coriander and mint.
- Spoon over a generous amount of Sauce (it's supposed to be like a soup broth), eat and be happy!
Notes
- Chicken or turkey mince can replace pork; fattier pork yields juicier meatballs.
- Adjust chili heat by using milder red chilies or omitting them if preferred.
- Lemongrass is optional and adds distinctive Vietnamese aroma but is not essential.
- Serve with fresh herbs, lettuce, bean sprouts, and optional pickled vegetables for textural balance.
- Nuoc cham sauce acts as both dipping sauce and a broth-like dressing; use generously and adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 540 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 540cal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 2903mg | 121% |
| Potassium | 526mg | 11% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 165IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 10.4mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
