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Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs!)

Savory Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs) for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Delight in Bun Cha, a Vietnamese meatball dish perfect for weeknight dinners with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Flavor Melding Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Pork Mince (Ground Pork) Chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce Key seasoning for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon White Sugar Adds sweetness.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 pinch White Pepper Enhances seasoning.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemongrass Paste Optional, for traditional flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil For cooking.
For the Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dressing/Sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons White Sugar Balances salty and sour.
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce Essential for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar Provides acidity.
  • 1 Juice of 1 Lime Adds brightness.
  • 1/2 cup Water Dilutes the sauce.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • colander
  • Whisk
  • Pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, sugar, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, and Bird's Eye chili. Stir in water and set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and soak vermicelli noodles according to package instructions for 5-7 minutes, then drain and rinse.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine pork mince, fish sauce, sugar, green onions, minced garlic, white pepper, and lemongrass paste. Mix well and shape into mini patties.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet and cook patties for 2-2.5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  5. Assemble bowls with soaked vermicelli, meatballs, and fresh veggies. Drizzle with Nuoc Cham sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use quality pork mince for best results; feel free to experiment with herbs and veggies for personal taste.

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