This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors—from the savory, juicy grilled pork to the crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs. It's a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s versatile and can be easily modified to fit gluten-free, low-carb, and vegan diets.
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Ingredients
For the Grilled Pork
1poundpork shoulder: Cut into ¼ inch slices. Pork shoulder is perfect for grilling as it stays juicy and flavorful.
1cupshallot: Minced. Shallots add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
1tablespoongarlic: Mincedabout 3 cloves. Fresh garlic is a must for its robust flavor.
2tablespoonsmonkfruit sugar: A healthierlow-glycemic alternative to regular sugar.
2tablespoonsfish sauce: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness. Look for high-qualitytraditionally made fish sauce.
2tablespoonssoy sauce: Use light sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
2tablespoonsavocado oil: A healthy fat with a high smoke pointperfect for grilling.
1teaspoonblack pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor.
For the Vermicelli Bowl
12ouncesrice vermicelli: Thin or thick round vermicelli noodlescooked according to package instructions.
Nước chấm: Vietnamese mixed fish sauce. You can make this by combining fish saucelime juice, water, sugar, and minced garlic.
Đồ chua: Vietnamese pickled carrots and daikon. Adds a tangy crunch.
Green leaf lettuce: Cut into bite-size pieces or use your preferred lettuce.
English cucumber: Sliced. Adds a refreshing crunch.
Cilantro and mint: Fresh herbs that brighten up the dish.
Toppings
Scallion oil: Adds a burst of flavor and richness.
Crushed peanuts: For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Pork
Mix Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shallot, garlic, monkfruit sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, avocado oil, and black pepper. Mix well.
Marinate Pork: Add the sliced pork. Using your hand or a gloved hand, mix until the pork is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil.
Bake Pork: Arrange the marinated pork on the prepared sheet pan. Try to keep them flat for even cooking. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through. For a bit of char, use the oven's broil setting, but keep an eye on it!
Assemble the Vermicelli Bowl
Cook Noodles: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
Assemble Bowl: In serving bowls, assemble with the desired amount of vermicelli noodles, pickles, vegetables, scallion oil, and the grilled pork. Top off with mint, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and drizzle with as much of the prepared fish sauce as you'd like.