Bun Cha (Hanoi Grilled Pork with Noodles)

• 1 lbground pork
• 8 ozpork belly, sliced thin
• 3 shallots, minced, divided
• 4 clovesgarlic, minced, divided
• 3 tbspfish sauce, divided
• 3 tbspgranulated sugar, divided
• 1 tbspvegetable oil
• 1/2 tspblack pepper
• 1/2 cupwater, warm
• 3 tbsplime
• 1 carrot, cut in matchsticks
• 8 ozrice noodles
• 2 cupsbutter lettuce, torn
• 1 cupfresh mint
• 1 cupfresh cilantro

quantities scale with servings

Method

1. 1

   Mix ground pork with half the shallot and garlic, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, and the pepper. Shape into small patties. Toss the pork belly with another 1 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp sugar. Marinate both 30 min.

2. 2

   Stir warm water, remaining sugar, remaining fish sauce, lime juice, and remaining garlic until the sugar dissolves. Add carrot.

3. 3

   Boil the vermicelli 3-4 min, rinse, and drain.

4. 4

   Cook patties and pork belly in a hot oiled skillet or on a grill 4-5 min per side until browned and cooked through.

5. 5

   Put the meat into the dipping sauce. Serve with noodles, lettuce, mint, and cilantro on the side.