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DinnerMain Course

Bun Cha (Gluten-Free)

This recipe offers a gluten-free take on the classic Vietnamese Bun Cha, featuring tender grilled pork patties and slices of marinated pork belly served over vermicelli noodles. It's accompanied by a vibrant dipping sauce and fresh herbs for a balanced and flavorful meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
55 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
826 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain fish and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Bun Cha (Gluten-Free)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

pork patties

  • 400 gpork mince, fatty

pork slices

  • 200 gpork belly, thinly sliced

marinade

  • 2 pcsshallot, finely minced
  • 2 clovegarlic, minced
  • 6 tbspgluten-free fish sauce
  • 2 tbspgluten-free soy sauce
  • 2 tbspsugar
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

serving

  • 200 grice vermicelli noodles

dipping sauce

  • 1.5 cupwater, warm
  • 4 tbspgluten-free fish sauce
  • 3 tbspsugar
  • 3 tbsplime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsprice vinegar
  • 1 clovegarlic, minced
  • 1 pcsthai chili, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 pcscarrot, julienned
  • 0.5 pcsgreen papaya, julienned(optional)

fresh herbs and vegetables

  • 200 glettuce, leafy, washed
  • 0.5 cupmint, fresh leaves
  • 0.5 cupcilantro, fresh leaves
  • 0.5 cupthai basil, fresh leaves(optional)

Equipment

grill · saucepan · colander · large bowl · grill pan

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Combine the minced shallot, minced garlic, gluten-free fish sauce, gluten-free soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a large bowl.

    About 2 min

  2. 2

    Divide the marinade in half. Add the pork mince to one half and mix well. Form into small patties, about 1-inch thick.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the pork from sticking.

  3. 3

    Add the thinly sliced pork belly to the other half of the marinade and toss to coat.

    About 2 min

  4. 4

    Marinate both the pork patties and pork belly for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.

    About 20 min

    Cook’s note: For best flavor, marinate for at least an hour.

  5. 5

    Prepare the dipping sauce by combining warm water, gluten-free fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

    About 2 min

  6. 6

    Stir in the minced garlic, sliced Thai chili, julienned carrot, and julienned green papaya (if using) into the dipping sauce.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Adjust chili to your spice preference.

  7. 7

    Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Do not overcook the noodles; they should be al dente.

  8. 8

    Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the pork patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely charred.

    About 8 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  9. 9

    In the same pan or on the grill, cook the pork belly slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and cooked through.

    About 6 min

    Cook’s note: Watch carefully as pork belly can burn quickly due to its fat content.

  10. 10

    To serve, arrange the cooked vermicelli noodles, grilled pork patties, and pork belly slices in individual bowls.

    About 1 min

  11. 11

    Serve with fresh lettuce, mint, cilantro, and Thai basil on the side.

    About 1 min

  12. 12

    Pour the dipping sauce over the noodles and pork, or serve it on the side for dipping.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Encourage diners to mix everything together before eating.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
826.2kcal
Protein
30g
Carbs
70.9g
Fat
48.6g
Fibre
2.8g
Sugar
19.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover pork and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat pork patties and slices gently in a pan or microwave. Noodles are best served at room temperature or slightly warmed.

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