Indulge in a refreshing bowl of Vietnamese grilled pork noodle soup this weekend! The perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors, aromatic grilled meat, and crunchy pickles will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

Pork: 1kg (either pork belly or pork shoulder can be used according to your preference)

Fresh rice vermicelli: 1kg

White radish: 1/2 piece

Carrot: 1/2 piece

Onion, Garlic: Minced

Accompaniments: Lettuce, coriander, bean sprouts, cucumber

Seasonings: Five-spice powder, fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, ground pepper, cooking oil, red food coloring oil, condensed milk.

Grilled Pork Noodle Soup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pork

Choose either pork belly or pork shoulder as per your preference. Wash the meat with diluted salt water, then rinse it with clean water and pat it dry. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking during grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the other ingredients

Peel and mince the onion and garlic. Finely chop the chili and set it aside for the fish sauce mixture later. Peel and grate the white radish and carrot. Wash and dry the lettuce and herbs.

Step 3: Marinate the pork

This step is crucial to ensure the meat absorbs all the wonderful flavors. Marinate the pork with minced onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring oil, 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, and 3 tablespoons of condensed milk.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper and 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4: Make the pickles

Combine the grated white radish and carrot with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Let the vegetables soak up the flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the sweet and sour fish sauce

Mix 3 tablespoons of water, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of vinegar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar, then add the minced garlic and chili.

Step 6: Grill the pork

There are several methods you can use to grill the meat, such as using a charcoal grill, an air fryer, an oven, or a non-stick pan.

Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes, then line it with aluminum foil, place the meat inside, and cook at 200°C for 10 minutes on each side.

Oven: Skewer the meat and grill it in the oven at 200°C for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Plate and serve

Once the meat is grilled to perfection, it’s time to assemble the dish. Place the grilled pork on a plate or in a bowl, along with the fresh rice vermicelli, lettuce, and herbs. Don’t forget to add the crunchy pickles and drizzle the sweet and sour fish sauce over the top. Mix everything together and enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish.

Some tips for preparing grilled pork noodle soup at home

Meat selection: Pork belly, with its marbling of fat and lean meat, will result in a richer dish, while pork shoulder is a leaner option for those watching their fat intake.

Meat marinade: Using condensed milk instead of honey or sugar helps prevent the meat from burning and keeps it tender and juicy.

Grilling the pork: Spread the meat evenly during grilling to ensure uniform cooking and prevent charring.

We hope you enjoy making and devouring this delicious grilled pork noodle soup at home! Bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions

The key to this delicious dish lies in the marinade for the pork and the unique blend of spices and herbs. For the marinade, you’ll need soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a touch of Chinese cooking wine. Let the pork tenderize in this mixture for at least an hour. Meanwhile, prepare the special spice blend with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and black peppercorns. This blend, along with a hearty dose of garlic and green onions, infuses the noodles with an incredible aroma and flavor.

For the perfect grill, you’ll want to aim for about 4-5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. This will give you beautifully charred edges and juicy, tender meat.

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely. Conversely, if you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more chili or even throw in some fresh chili peppers during the cooking process.

For this recipe, we recommend using fresh Chinese egg noodles. They have a wonderful texture and hold up well to the robust flavors of the dish. However, if you can’t find Chinese egg noodles, you can substitute with other types of Asian noodles like ramen or even spaghetti.

Yes, absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the pork with firm tofu. Marinate the tofu in the same delicious sauce and grill it until slightly charred. This will give you a tasty vegetarian option that still captures the essence of the dish.

We suggest pairing it with some steamed bok choy or Chinese broccoli. A simple pickle platter or a fresh salad with an Asian vinaigrette also complements the flavors nicely.

You can definitely prepare the marinade and spice blend ahead of time, and even cut the pork into slices. However, for the best results, we recommend cooking the noodles and grilling the pork just before serving to ensure optimum freshness and texture.
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