Vietnamese Grilled Pork (bun-thit-nuong)

Vietnamese Grilled Pork (bun-thit-nuong)

Vietnamese Grilled Pork, or Bun Thit Nuong, is a delightful dish featuring thinly sliced marinated pork, grilled to perfection and served with rice vermicelli and fresh veggies. This vibrant meal balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors, creating a truly satisfying experience.

Pork

Prep Time

75 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

Bun Thit Nuong is a beloved Vietnamese dish known for its harmonious blend of grilled pork, rice vermicelli, and fresh herbs, often accompanied by crunchy egg rolls and crushed peanuts. Traditionally, the pork is marinated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and soy sauce, which imparts a rich, umami-packed taste enhanced by a touch of sweetness and peppery warmth. The grilling process adds a smoky char that elevates the tender meat. This dish has roots in the bustling street food culture of Vietnam, where it is enjoyed for its refreshing components that are both light and filling. The balance of textures—from the crisp cucumber and mint leaves to the soft noodles—makes it a perfect summer meal. Additionally, the combination of flavors pairs beautifully with a cold, crisp beverage or a light soup on the side. For an authentic experience, Bun Thit Nuong is best enjoyed by mixing all components together and drizzling with traditional fish sauce dressing. This lets the flavors meld brilliantly in each bite, although savoring individual bites with selective dollops of sauce is a popular method too. The addition of crunchy egg rolls adds an exciting contrast, making every mouthful a delightful adventure.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds sliced Pork
  • 1 package thin Rice Vermicelli
  • 4 -6 Egg Rolls
  • 3 tablespoons minced Challots
  • 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic Garlic
  • ¼ cup Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
  • ½ tablespoon thick Soy sauce
  • ½ tablespoon Pepper
  • 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • Sliced Cucumber
  • Leaves Mint
  • Crushed Peanuts

Instructions

Start by slicing the pork very thinly, about an eighth of an inch thick; placing the pork in the freezer for a short while beforehand can make this easier and yield more even slices. Next, finely mince the garlic and shallots. In a mixing bowl, combine these aromatics with sugar, fish sauce, thick soy sauce, freshly ground pepper, and olive oil. Stir this marinade until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a lush and fragrant base. Immerse the pork slices in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For best results and a deeper flavor infusion, let the meat marinate for at least one hour, though overnight refrigeration really enhances the taste and tenderness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated pork on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the pork is about 80% cooked through. To finish, switch the oven to broil and cook the pork further, flipping halfway, until the edges develop a golden-brown, slightly caramelized crust that’s irresistible. While the meat cooks, prepare your rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions and gather fresh sliced cucumber, mint leaves, and crushed peanuts along with your egg rolls. To assemble, place a bed of vermicelli in each bowl topped with the golden grilled pork slices, the vibrant cucumber, fragrant mint, and chopped egg rolls for crunch. Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top. Traditionally, this dish is served with a side of fish sauce dressing which you can either pour generously over the entire bowl and toss to combine or dip each bite individually, allowing you to control the intensity of flavor with each mouthful. Enjoy the vibrant, harmonious flavors of this classic Vietnamese favorite!

Quick Info

Prep Time
75 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
90 min
Servings
4

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