Hello, my fellow food enthusiasts!
As you know, I am constantly seeking new culinary adventures to share with all of you, and today, I’m thrilled to take you on a taste bud trip to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. After juggling the joys and chaos of a household with four lively kids, I often look for recipes that are not only a hit with the entire family but also offer a window to a world of flavors – and let me tell you, this one is a surefire winner.
Vietnam has always been high on my list of dream destinations, a country renowned for its fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a cuisine that elegantly balances sweet, salty, sour, and hot flavors. Since we can’t hop on a plane at the drop of a hat (school runs wait for no one!), I thought why not bring Vietnam to our kitchen instead? So tonight, we’re diving into the classic Grilled Lemongrass Pork with Vermicelli Noodles and Fresh Herbs!
Preparing this dish is like orchestrating a symphony – each element plays a crucial part, and the result is music to the palate. We begin with succulent slices of pork shoulder, marinated in a blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a host of aromatics that ensure every bite is infused with the essence of lemongrass, garlic, and a hint of lime. After letting those flavors mingle and get to know each other in the fridge, it’s time for the high notes – grilling the pork to charred perfection.
While the grill worked its magic, our kitchen was buzzing with the little ones volunteering to soak the vermicelli and arrange the veggies. It’s not every day you get kitchen helpers who are as eager to julienne carrots as they are to eat them! Next came the pickling – a simple yet incredibly satisfying task that somehow managed to keep everyone’s attention. I can assure you, these quick pickled veggies almost didn’t make it to the table thanks to some sneaky taste-testers!
With the aromatic pork grilled and the accompaniments prepped, it was time for assembly. There’s something about building your bowl that makes the meal feel more personal, don’t you think? Each of our bowls was an artful composition, layered with soft vermicelli, the smoky pork, crunchy veggies, and a generous scattering of fresh herbs that filled the air with their fragrance. And to top it off, the Nuoc Cham sauce – a masterpiece of a condiment that ties everything together with its zesty, sweet, and savory notes.
The first bite? A revelation. The harmony between each carefully chosen component transported us right to the heart of Hanoi. As we slurped, chewed, and laughed through our meal, it was clear this dish was more than food; it was a way to connect and share an experience, turning our dining table into a bustling Vietnamese street food stall for an evening.
I hope this recipe inspires you to explore the rich tapestry of flavors that Vietnamese cuisine has to offer, and to create your own family memories around the table. So, gather your ingredients, summon your sous chefs, and embark on this delightful culinary voyage right from your own kitchen. Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking.
Until next time, happy cooking and even happier eating!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
– 500g pork shoulder, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus extra for grilling
– 200g vermicelli rice noodles
– 1 medium carrot, julienned
– 1 medium cucumber, julienned
– 100g bean sprouts
– 4 sprigs fresh mint
– 4 sprigs fresh cilantro
– 4 sprigs fresh basil
– Crushed peanuts, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Quick Pickled Vegetables (optional):
– 100g daikon radish, thinly sliced
– 100g carrot, thinly sliced
– 100ml water
– 50ml rice vinegar
– 50g sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Nuoc Cham Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 50ml warm water
– 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
– 1/2 red chili, finely sliced (optional)
– 1 teaspoon grated carrot (optional)
Method
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, chili flakes (if using), and vegetable oil to create the marinade. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or for best results, leave it to marinate overnight.
3. While the pork is marinating, prepare the quick pickled vegetables by mixing water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved. Add the sliced daikon radish and carrot to the pickling solution, making sure they are submerged. Allow the vegetables to pickle for at least 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the Nuoc Cham sauce by combining lime juice, sugar, warm water, and fish sauce in a bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add in the finely chopped garlic, red chili (if using), and grated carrot (optional) and set aside.
5. Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat of around 200°C (400°F). While waiting for the grill to heat up, soak vermicelli noodles in hot water for about 3 to 5 minutes or follow the package instructions until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
6. Remove the pork from the refrigerator and thread the marinated slices onto skewers if desired. Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan, then place the pork on the grill. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely charred and cooked through.
7. Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked vermicelli noodles among four serving bowls. Add the julienned carrots, cucumber, and bean sprouts to each bowl.
8. Once the pork is grilled, remove it from the skewers (if used) and place on top of the noodles and vegetables.
9. Garnish the bowls with fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, and basil. Add a handful of the pickled vegetables and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
10. Serve each bowl with a lime wedge and a small bowl of the Nuoc Cham sauce for drizzling over the top.
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Vietnamese dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
