If you’ve ever enjoyed the fresh, vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, this dish will take you straight back to the bustling street markets of Vietnam.
Bún Thịt Nướng combines tender grilled pork, juicy shrimp, and a colorful array of fresh herbs and vegetables, all served atop a bed of soft vermicelli noodles. The highlight?
A tangy, sweet, and savory nước chấm dressing that ties every element together into a symphony of flavors.
This dish is light, refreshing, and bursting with bold tastes—perfect for a warm day or whenever you’re craving something satisfying but not too heavy.
What makes this dish even more special is its versatility. You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences—add pickled vegetables for extra zing, include more herbs for a refreshing kick, or even substitute the protein with tofu for a vegetarian version.
Serve it as a family-style meal where everyone assembles their own bowl, or prepare individual servings for an elegant dinner option.
Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these vermicelli bowls are sure to impress!
Vermicelli Bowls with Grilled Pork and Shrimp
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Grill or grill pan (alternatively, a stovetop skillet)
- Tongs
- Medium pot (for boiling vermicelli noodles)
- Kitchen knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
For the Pork and Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb Pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
- 12 Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tsp Ground black pepper
For the Vermicelli Bowls
- 8 oz Vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 Cup Lettuce (shredded)
- 1 Cup Cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 Cup Bean sprouts
- 1 Cup Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
- ½ Cup Pickled carrots and daikon (optional)
- ¼ Cup Crushed peanuts
For the Nước Chấm Dressing
- 3 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 3 Tbsp Lime juice
- 3 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 Red chili (finely chopped (optional))
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork and ShrimpIn a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and black pepper.Add the sliced pork and shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- Cook the Vermicelli NoodlesBring a medium pot of water to a boil. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the PorkHeat a grill pan over medium-high heat.Cook the pork slices until lightly charred and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Grill the ShrimpHeat a grill over medium-high heat.Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Prepare the Nước Chấm DressingIn a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili (if using). Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
- Assemble the BowlsDivide the cooked vermicelli noodles among 4 bowls.Top each bowl with lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and grilled pork and shrimp.Drizzle generously with the nước chấm dressing.
- Garnish and ServeSprinkle crushed peanuts on top for crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Cutting the Pork: Thinly slice the pork against the grain for a tender texture.
- Grill Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, use a hot skillet or broil the pork and shrimp in the oven.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the nước chấm dressing to your taste by adding more lime juice for tang or sugar for sweetness.
- Make Ahead: The pork and shrimp can be marinated a day ahead to save time.
Pairing Suggestions
Elevate your dining experience by pairing Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls with complementary dishes and drinks. These pairings not only enhance the flavors of the dish but also create a complete and satisfying meal.
Beverages
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá): The rich, sweet, and creamy flavor of Vietnamese iced coffee is a perfect contrast to the light and tangy notes of the dish.
- Jasmine or Green Tea: A warm cup of tea helps cleanse the palate and balances the freshness of the bowl.
- Citrus Mocktail or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks with a citrusy kick complement the tangy nước chấm dressing.
Side Dishes
- Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn): These rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli make a great starter or side.
- Vietnamese Egg Rolls (Chả Giò): Crispy egg rolls provide a delightful contrast in texture.
- Papaya Salad: A light, zesty salad with shredded green papaya adds an extra layer of crunch and tang to the meal.
Storage Tips
Keeping leftovers fresh is key to enjoying your Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls even after the first serving.
- Noodles and Proteins: Store cooked vermicelli noodles and grilled pork and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Vegetables and Herbs: Wrap fresh vegetables and herbs in damp paper towels and place them in a resealable bag to maintain their crispness.
- Dressing: Keep the nước chấm dressing in a jar or container with a tight lid. It will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
Reheating
- Proteins: Reheat pork and shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying them out. A splash of water can help keep them moist.
- Noodles: Dip the noodles briefly in hot water to refresh them before serving.
Variations to Try
Bún Thịt Nướng is incredibly versatile, and these variations allow you to tailor the dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Vegetarian/Vegan
- Replace pork and shrimp with marinated tofu, tempeh, or grilled mushrooms.
- Use soy sauce or tamari in the marinade to enhance umami flavors without fish sauce.
Spicy Lovers’ Twist
- Add a generous spoonful of chili garlic paste to the nước chấm dressing.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped chilies or chili flakes over the assembled bowl for an extra kick.
Fusion Inspiration
- Korean Twist: Swap the marinade for a bulgogi-inspired sauce with soy, pear, and sesame oil.
- Thai Fusion: Incorporate a touch of Thai peanut sauce for a creamy, nutty element.
Low-Carb Alternative
Substitute the vermicelli noodles with spiralized zucchini, cucumber, or shirataki noodles for a lighter option.
FAQs
How can I make this dish if I don’t have access to a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even a regular nonstick skillet. Another option is to broil the pork and shrimp in the oven.
Simply place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent burning.
What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking together?
After cooking the vermicelli noodles, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Toss them lightly with a small amount of sesame or neutral oil to keep them from sticking together if they’ll sit for a while before serving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade, grill the proteins, and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately and assemble the bowls just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos. While these won’t replicate the exact depth of flavor, they provide a savory alternative. Adding a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar can mimic the tanginess.
How do I balance the nước chấm if it tastes too salty or sour?
If the dressing is too salty, add a bit more water or sugar to mellow it out. If it’s too sour, adjust with a small amount of sugar or reduce the lime juice. Taste as you go until the flavors are balanced.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls with Grilled Pork and Shrimp (Bún Thịt Nướng) are a perfect example of how fresh ingredients and bold flavors can come together to create something truly special.
Whether you’re serving it for a quick weekday meal or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and satisfying taste.
With endless customization options, it’s easy to make it your own while staying true to its Vietnamese roots.
Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful balance of flavors and textures that make this dish a standout!
Next on the Menu – Steak with Kimchi-Fried Rice and Egg
