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Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs!)

Savory Bun Cha: Vietnamese Meatballs You'll Crave at Home

Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs) features tender pork meatballs on rice vermicelli with fresh veggies.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Pork Mince (Ground Pork) Alternatives: chicken or turkey.
  • 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce Can substitute with soy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Use white or coconut sugar.
  • 2 count Green Onions (Scallions) Finely chopped.
  • 2 count Garlic Minced, fresh preferred.
  • White Pepper & Salt To taste.
For the Noodles and Vegetables
  • 8 ounces Vermicelli Noodles Can use other types of noodles.
  • Fresh Vegetables (Beansprouts, Lettuce, Carrots, Herbs) Can substitute with seasonal veggies.
For the Nuoc Cham Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce Lighter soy sauce for vegetarian.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Can replace with white vinegar.
  • 1 count Lime Juiced.
  • 4-5 tablespoons Water Adjust based on taste.
  • 1 count Chili Adjust according to spice tolerance.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • pot

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare the Nuoc Cham Sauce: In a bowl, mix sugar, fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, water, minced garlic, and chili until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: Boil water, add vermicelli noodles, cook for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse.
  3. Combine Meatball Ingredients: Mix pork mince, fish sauce, sugar, green onions, garlic, white pepper and salt until combined, then shape into patties.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat oil in a skillet, cook meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Assemble Bun Cha Bowls: Place vermicelli noodles in bowls, top with meatballs and fresh vegetables, and garnish with herbs.

Notes

Ensure meatballs are evenly shaped for uniform cooking. Adjust spice levels in nuoc cham to your liking. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.