Noodles & Ramen

Vietnamese Bun Cha

Name: Vietnamese Bun Cha
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips; 1/2 cup (120g) rice noodles; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon chili sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped scallions, for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

By Sable Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Noodles & Ramen

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total60 min

Serves4

Vietnamese Bun Cha is a dish that I fell in love with during my travels to Hanoi. The combination of grilled pork, fresh herbs, and rice noodles is a match made in heaven. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make authentic Vietnamese Bun Cha in the comfort of your own home.

The key to making great Bun Cha is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to get creative with the flavors. I'll guide you through every step of the way, from preparing the pork to cooking the noodles.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine and wants to try something new. It's also a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. So, let's get started and make some delicious Vietnamese Bun Cha!

One of the things I love about Bun Cha is the combination of textures and flavors. The grilled pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the fresh herbs add a burst of freshness. The rice noodles are cooked to perfection and soak up all the savory flavors of the dish.

In this recipe, we'll be using a variety of ingredients, including pork shoulder, rice noodles, fish sauce, and fresh herbs. We'll also be making a dipping sauce from scratch, using ingredients like lime juice, chili sauce, and sugar. Don't worry if you're not familiar with some of these ingredients - I'll explain everything in detail and provide you with tips and tricks for making the best Bun Cha possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of flavors and textures is unique and delicious.
The recipe is healthy and flavorful, making it a great option for those looking for a nutritious meal.
The dish can be customized to suit your tastes, with options for vegetarian or vegan versions.
The recipe is perfect for those who love Asian cuisine and want to try something new.

Why This Recipe Works

The reason why this recipe works so well is because of the combination of flavors and textures. The grilled pork is cooked to perfection, with a nice char on the outside and a tender interior. The fresh herbs add a burst of freshness, while the rice noodles soak up all the savory flavors of the dish.

The dipping sauce is also a key component of the recipe. Made with lime juice, chili sauce, and sugar, it adds a sweet and spicy flavor to the dish. The sauce is balanced and refined, with a depth of flavor that complements the pork and noodles perfectly.

Another reason why this recipe works so well is because of the technique used to cook the pork. By grilling the pork over medium-high heat, we get a nice char on the outside, while the inside remains tender and juicy. This technique is essential for making great Bun Cha, and I'll show you how to do it in the recipe below.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including pork shoulder, rice noodles, fish sauce, and fresh herbs. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, like sugar, salt, and pepper. Don't worry if you're not familiar with some of these ingredients - I'll explain everything in detail and provide you with tips and tricks for making the best Bun Cha possible.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For the pork shoulder, look for a cut that is nicely marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy. For the rice noodles, look for a brand that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good texture.

1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, sliced into thin stripsLook for a cut that is nicely marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy. You can also use pork belly or pork loin if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120g) rice noodlesLook for a brand that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good texture. You can also use other types of noodles, like rice vermicelli or udon noodles.
2 tablespoons fish sauceFish sauce is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a salty, umami flavor to the recipe. Look for a brand that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good flavor.
1 tablespoon lime juiceLime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the recipe, and it helps to balance out the richness of the pork and noodles. You can also use lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer.
1 tablespoon chili sauceChili sauce adds a spicy kick to the recipe, and it helps to add depth and complexity to the flavors. Look for a brand that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a pungent, savory flavor to the recipe. You can also use shallots or onions if you prefer.
1 tablespoon sugarSugar helps to balance out the flavors in the recipe, and it adds a touch of sweetness to the dish. You can also use honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basilFresh herbs add a bright, fresh flavor to the recipe, and they help to add texture and complexity to the dish. You can also use other types of herbs, like mint or parsley.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped scallions, for garnishScallions add a pungent, savory flavor to the recipe, and they help to add texture and complexity to the dish. You can also use other types of onions, like shallots or garlic.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential seasonings in many recipes, and they help to add depth and complexity to the flavors. Use them to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardColander or strainerMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Vietnamese Bun Cha

1
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and whisk until smooth.
2
Add 1 lb (450g) sliced pork shoulder to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F (63 C). Transfer the pork to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
4
While the pork is cooking, cook 1/2 cup (120g) rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 tablespoon chili sauce. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and whisk until smooth.
6
To assemble the dish, place a portion of cooked noodles on a plate or bowl. Add sliced grilled pork, chopped fresh herbs, and chopped scallions. Drizzle with the dipping sauce and serve immediately.
7
Garnish with additional chopped herbs and scallions, if desired. Serve with lime wedges and chili sauce on the side.
8
To make the dipping sauce, combine 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9
To cook the pork, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F (63 C). Transfer the pork to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
10
To cook the noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup (120g) rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
11
To assemble the dish, place a portion of cooked noodles on a plate or bowl. Add sliced grilled pork, chopped fresh herbs, and chopped scallions. Drizzle with the dipping sauce and serve immediately.
12
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the noodles to absorb the sauce.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and fish sauce, to get the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pork, as it can become dry and tough.
Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili sauce.
Use a variety of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, and mint, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Don't overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together and the noodles to absorb the sauce.
Serve the dish with lime wedges and chili sauce on the side, as this will allow each person to customize the flavor to their liking.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced vegetables or pickled carrots, to add texture and complexity to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that lacks flavor and depth.
Not adjusting the level of spiciness to your liking, which can result in a dish that is too spicy or not spicy enough.
Overcooking the noodles, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not letting the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which can result in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Not serving the dish with lime wedges and chili sauce on the side, which can limit the customization options for each person.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to the dish for added texture and flavor.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or tofu, for a variation on the recipe.
Add pickled carrots or daikon to the dish for a tangy and crunchy texture.
Use different types of noodles, such as rice vermicelli or udon noodles, for a variation on the recipe.
Add a fried egg or grilled shrimp to the dish for added protein and flavor.
Use different types of herbs, such as mint or parsley, for a variation on the recipe.
Add a spicy kick to the dish by adding more chili sauce or using hot sauce.

What to Serve With Vietnamese Bun Cha

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables or pickled carrots. You can also serve it with a fried egg or grilled shrimp for added protein and flavor.

Consider serving the dish with a variety of condiments, such as chili sauce, fish sauce, and lime wedges, to allow each person to customize the flavor to their liking.

Steamed vegetablesPickled carrotsFried eggGrilled shrimpChili sauceFish sauceLime wedges

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply cook the noodles and pork according to the recipe instructions and assemble the dish as desired.

To freeze, cook the noodles and pork according to the recipe instructions and assemble the dish as desired. Place the dish in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat from frozen, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat according to the recipe instructions.

Consider making a large batch of the dish and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This can be a great option for meal prep or for serving a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

Pork shoulder or pork belly is best for this recipe, as it is tender and flavorful. You can also use other types of pork, such as pork loin or pork tenderloin, but the results may vary.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can use other types of noodles, such as rice vermicelli or udon noodles, for a variation on the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and technique according to the package instructions.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness in this dish can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less chili sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili sauce or omit it altogether.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Simply cook the noodles and pork according to the recipe instructions and assemble the dish as desired.

What are some variations on this recipe?

There are many variations on this recipe, including adding diced vegetables or pickled carrots, using different types of protein or noodles, and adding a spicy kick with chili sauce or hot sauce.

How do I store and reheat this dish?

Can I serve this dish with other condiments?

Yes, you can serve this dish with a variety of condiments, such as chili sauce, fish sauce, and lime wedges, to allow each person to customize the flavor to their liking.

Is this dish healthy?

This dish can be a healthy option, as it is made with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. However, the nutritional content will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

The Full Recipe

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