Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is a popular street food known for its delicious combination of flavors and textures. The dish features grilled pork patties or slices served with a side of vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and a tangy dipping sauce typically made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili.

The history of Bun Cha dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary traditions. It is believed to have originated in Hanoi and became widely popular throughout Vietnam, especially in the northern regions. Bun Cha gained international recognition when former U.S. President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain famously enjoyed it together during a visit to Vietnam.

Today, Bun Cha remains a beloved dish both in Vietnam and globally, appreciated for its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a delightful culinary experience for food enthusiasts worldwide.

Ingredients:

- 500 grams pork (preferably pork shoulder or belly), minced or finely chopped

- 200 grams rice vermicelli noodles

- Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and Thai basil)

- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

- 1 carrot, julienned

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 3 tablespoons fish sauce

- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Lime wedges for serving

- Red chili slices (optional, for garnish)

Dipping Sauce:

- 4 tablespoons fish sauce

- 4 tablespoons water

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 2 tablespoons lime juice

- 1 garlic clove, minced

- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the dipping sauce by combining fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and sliced red chili (if using) in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

2. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine minced pork, minced garlic, sugar, fish sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

4. Shape the pork mixture into small patties or form into small meatballs.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the pork patties or meatballs until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.

6. Assemble the Bun Cha bowls by placing a portion of cooked vermicelli noodles in each bowl. Top with fresh herbs, cucumber slices, julienned carrots, and cooked pork patties or meatballs.

7. Serve the Bun Cha bowls with the prepared dipping sauce on the side and lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.

8. Garnish with additional red chili slices if desired.

9. Enjoy your homemade Bun Cha!

Nutrition Value:-

1. Pork (500 grams):

- Calories: Approximately 1130 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: Approximately 125 grams

- Fat: Approximately 68 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 340 mg

- Cholesterol: Approximately 400 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains significant amounts of vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

- Nutritional Benefits: Pork is a good source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals, supporting muscle growth and overall health.

2.Rice Vermicelli Noodles (200 grams):

- Calories: Approximately 720 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 160 grams

- Protein: Approximately 12 grams

- Fat: Approximately 1 gram

- Sodium: Approximately 15 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and folate.

- Nutritional Benefits: Rice vermicelli noodles are low in fat and cholesterol-free, providing energy from carbohydrates and a small amount of protein.

3.Fresh Herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil):

- Calories: Negligible (less than 5 kcal per serving)

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium.

- Nutritional Benefits: Fresh herbs add flavor and aroma to dishes without significant calories, while also providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

4.Cucumber (1 cucumber, thinly sliced):

- Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 11 grams

- Protein: Approximately 2 grams

- Fat: Approximately 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 2 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and small amounts of other nutrients.

- Nutritional Benefits: Cucumbers are hydrating, low-calorie vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to hydration and overall health.

5.Carrot (1 carrot, julienned):

- Calories: Approximately 25 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 6 grams

- Protein: Approximately 1 gram

- Fat: Approximately 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 42 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

- Nutritional Benefits: Carrots are nutritious root vegetables with antioxidants and fiber, promoting eye health and digestion.

6.Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

- Calories: Approximately 18 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams

- Protein: Approximately 1 gram

- Fat: Approximately 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 2 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and trace amounts of other nutrients.

- Nutritional Benefits: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and contains compounds that may benefit heart health.

7.Sugar (2 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

- Nutritional Benefits: Provides sweetness to dishes but should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

8.Fish Sauce (3 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 15 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams

- Protein: Approximately 2 grams

- Fat: Approximately 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 4800 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

- Nutritional Benefits: Fish sauce adds umami flavor to dishes but is high in sodium, so it should be used sparingly.

9.Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 5 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

- Nutritional Benefits: Rice vinegar adds acidity and flavor to dishes without adding calories or fat.

10.Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: Approximately 14 grams

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin E and small amounts of vitamin K.

- Nutritional Benefits: Provides fat for cooking and adds flavor to dishes.

11.Lime Wedges (for serving):

- Calories: Approximately 5 kcal per wedge

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams per wedge

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

- Nutritional Benefits: Lime wedges add acidity and freshness to dishes, along with a boost of vitamin C.

12.Red Chili Slices (optional, for garnish):

- Calories: Approximately 5 kcal per slice

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram per slice

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C and capsaicin (the compound responsible for the chili's heat).

- Nutritional Benefits: Red chili slices add spice and flavor to dishes, along with potential health benefits from capsaicin.

Dipping Sauce:

1.Fish Sauce (4 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 20 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams

- Protein: Approximately 6 grams

- Fat: Approximately 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 6400 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

- Nutritional Benefits: Fish sauce adds umami flavor to the dipping sauce but is high in sodium, so it should be used sparingly.

2.Water (4 tablespoons):

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

- Nutritional Benefits: Water is added to dilute the dipping sauce and adjust its consistency without adding calories or nutrients.

3.Sugar (2 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

- Nutritional Benefits: Sugar provides sweetness to the dipping sauce but should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

4.Lime Juice (2 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C and small amounts of other nutrients.

- Nutritional Benefits: Lime juice adds acidity and tanginess to the dipping sauce, along with vitamin C.

5.Garlic (1 clove, minced):

- Calories: Approximately 4 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

- Protein: Approximately 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

- Nutritional Benefits: Garlic adds flavor and potential health benefits to the dipping sauce, including immune-boosting properties.

6.Red Chili (1 thinly sliced, optional):

- Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C and capsaicin.

- Nutritional Benefits: Red chili adds spice and flavor to the dipping sauce, along with potential health benefits from capsaicin.

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands or ingredients used. Adjustments can be made based on dietary preferences or restrictions.