Savory Vietnamese Meatballs and Noodles (Bun Cha) Recipe

Savory Vietnamese meatballs dance with aromatic herbs in this classic street food sensation.

Fragrant grilled pork creates an explosion of flavors you’ll want to experience.

Hanoi’s beloved dish brings together perfectly charred meat and silky rice noodles.

Crunchy vegetables add delightful texture to each mouthwatering bite.

Fresh herbs and zesty dipping sauce complement the smoky protein beautifully.

Marinades infuse incredible depth into every tender morsel.

Come hungry and prepare to transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Bun Cha – Here’s Why These Vietnamese Meatballs Deserve Attention

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Feast: Whip up this Vietnamese classic in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes through perfectly caramelized meatballs and zesty dipping sauce that dance on your taste buds.
• Customize Your Meal: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adding extra herbs, adjusting spice levels, or swapping protein for vegetarian options.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate authentic Vietnamese street food without complex techniques, bringing international cuisine directly to your kitchen with simple ingredients.

Vietnamese Meatballs and Noodles (Bun Cha) Ingredients

• Ground Pork: Star of the meatballs, provides rich meaty flavor and tender texture. Choose high-fat content for juiciness.

• Lemongrass, Garlic, Shallots: Adds deep, complex Vietnamese flavor profile. Fresh ingredients are key for authentic taste.
• Fish Sauce: Essential umami seasoning, provides saltiness and depth. Look for high-quality Vietnamese brands.
• Sugar, Honey: Balances savory elements and helps caramelize meatballs. Allows beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth to the meat mixture.

• Vermicelli Noodles: Light, delicate base for the dish. Provides soft texture and neutral background.

• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic component that cuts through richness. Fresh lime recommended.
• Warm Water: Helps dissolve sugar and blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Chili: Adds optional heat and complexity to dipping sauce.

• Fresh Herbs: Provides fresh, bright contrast to rich meatballs. Typically mint, cilantro, or Thai basil.
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds tangy crunch and palate-cleansing element.
• Crushed Peanuts: Optional topping for additional texture and nutty flavor.

Vietnamese Meatballs Prep Guide

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Meatball Mixture

• Ground pork
• Lemongrass
• Fish sauce
• Sugar
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Chopped shallots
• Black pepper

Gently blend the ingredients, using your hands to form small, slightly flattened meatballs that capture all the delicious aromatics.

Step 2: Sizzle and Caramelize Meatballs

Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high temperature.

Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.

Cook the meatballs until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and caramelized edges, turning them carefully after about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Prepare Silky Vermicelli Noodles

Follow the package instructions to cook the vermicelli noodles perfectly.

Once cooked, quickly rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.

Set the noodles aside, allowing them to cool and maintain their delicate texture.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Dipping Sauce

• Fish sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Sugar
• Warm water
• Minced garlic
• Sliced chili

Taste and adjust the seasonings to create a balanced, tangy sauce that tingles your taste buds.

Step 5: Assemble Vietnamese Noodle Bowl

• Prepared vermicelli noodles
• Sizzling meatballs
• Fresh herbs
• Pickled vegetables
• Crushed peanuts (optional)

Serve the vibrant dipping sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their perfect bite of Vietnamese deliciousness.

Meal Tips for Vietnamese Bun Cha

• Handle the meat mixture lightly to prevent tough meatballs, ensuring a tender and juicy texture by using a soft touch when combining ingredients.
• Achieve golden-brown meatballs by maintaining medium-high heat and avoiding overcrowding in the pan, which helps develop a delicious crispy exterior.
• Taste and adjust the sauce gradually, adding more lime juice for tang or sugar for sweetness until you reach a harmonious flavor profile that complements the meatballs.
• Add fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and crisp texture.
• Rinse vermicelli noodles in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.

Storing Vietnamese Meatballs & Noodles

• Store leftover meatballs and noodles separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap meatballs tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Store frozen for 2-3 months. Separate noodles before freezing to maintain texture.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil, turning occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Quickly refresh cold noodles by running under warm water or briefly steaming. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking before serving with freshly warmed meatballs.

Delicious Pairings for Bun Cha Meatballs

• Pair with Fresh Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Brew strong coffee, mix with sweetened condensed milk, and pour over ice for a perfect refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs.
• Complement with Crisp Rice Lager: Select a light, clean beer like Saigon or Tiger Beer that cuts through the rich meat flavors without overwhelming the delicate herbs.
• Match with Cucumber Mint Cooler: Blend fresh cucumber, mint leaves, lime juice, and sparkling water to create a cooling drink that balances the warm, spicy notes of the bun cha.
• Enhance with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine green tea that cleanses the palate and provides a subtle floral backdrop to the robust meatball flavors.

Vietnamese Meatballs and Noodles (Bun Cha) Noodle Twists

• Vegetarian Bun Cha: Replace ground pork with plant-based crumbles or tofu, using soy sauce and mushroom powder for umami flavor. Grill or pan-fry alternative protein until golden and crispy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional vermicelli with rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Use tamari instead of fish sauce to maintain authentic taste while keeping the dish gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Choose lean ground turkey or chicken as a lighter protein alternative to pork.
• Spicy Vietnamese Fusion: Add sriracha or sambal oelek to the meatball mixture. Incorporate additional chili peppers in the dipping sauce for extra heat and complexity.

FAQs

• What makes Bun Cha different from other meatball dishes?

Bun Cha is a Vietnamese street food that combines grilled pork meatballs with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce, creating a unique balance of flavors and textures that sets it apart from Western-style meatball recipes.

• Is fish sauce important in this recipe?

Fish sauce is crucial in Bun Cha, adding depth, saltiness, and an authentic Vietnamese umami flavor to both the meatballs and the dipping sauce. It’s a key ingredient that cannot be easily substituted.

• How do I achieve the best caramelization on the meatballs?

Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan or grill. This allows the meatballs to develop a golden-brown exterior and caramelized edges, which contribute to the dish’s signature taste and appearance.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance the flavors and save preparation time.

Vietnamese Meatballs and Noodles (Bun Cha) Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Vietnamese Bun Cha meatballs dance with rice noodles in a symphony of flavors from Hanoi’s street kitchens. Fragrant herbs, zesty dipping sauce, and perfectly grilled pork create a culinary journey that will transport you to the bustling markets of Vietnam.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil)

Noodles and Optional Toppings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) vermicelli rice noodles
• 1/2 cup pickled carrots and daikon
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Thai chili, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant meatball mixture by delicately blending ground pork with finely chopped lemongrass, aromatic fish sauce, subtle sweetness from sugar and honey, minced garlic, finely diced shallots, and a whisper of black pepper. Gently shape the protein into petite, slightly compressed spheres.
2. Develop rich caramelization by grilling the meatballs over medium-high flames or searing in a lightly lubricated skillet, rotating to achieve a golden-bronze exterior with approximately 3-4 minutes per surface.
3. Prepare thin vermicelli noodles following package guidance, then immediately cool under a gentle cascade of cold water to prevent additional cooking and maintain an ideal texture.
4. Construct a vibrant dipping sauce by whisking together pungent fish sauce, zesty lime juice, dissolved sugar, warm water, minced garlic, and thinly sliced chili peppers. Taste and calibrate seasoning for optimal balance.
5. Artfully compose individual serving bowls with a foundation of translucent noodles, nestled alongside succulent meatballs, scattered fresh herb sprigs, tangy pickled vegetable garnishes, and optional crushed peanut accents. Present the complementary dipping sauce separately for personalized flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Choose lean ground pork with 80-85% meat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Mix meatball ingredients gently to prevent tough texture, using a light touch to combine ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Chill meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape and develop better caramelization on the exterior.
• Swap ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option that’s lower in fat and perfect for health-conscious eaters.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg