Cao Lầu (Vietnamese Noodle Bowl)
Cao lầu, a distinctive dish originating from Hoi An, Vietnam, features a combination of noodles, pork, and greens. This recipe offers a simplified version of the authentic cao lầu using readily available ingredients. Opt for fresh rice noodles that closely resemble the thickness of linguine for the best results.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 pounds fresh thick Vietnamese-style rice noodles
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1 cup torn lettuce leaves
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup crispy chow mein noodles, or more to taste
Instructions
- Whisk soy sauce, garlic, five-spice powder, sugar, paprika, and bouillon granules together in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add pork; toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Remove pork from marinade and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook and stir pork in hot oil until browned, 4 to 7 minutes. Add water; cook and stir until water evaporates and pork is cooked through, about 2 minutes more.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Rinse rice noodles under cold water and gently break noodles apart. Immerse noodles in boiling water until about half-tender, about 30 seconds. Add bean sprouts to water and noodles; continue cooking until noodles are tender yet firm to the bite, about 30 seconds more. Drain.
- Combine noodles and pork mixture together in a large serving dish. Top with lettuce, green onions, basil, cilantro, and chow mein.
Nutrition
Calories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 24gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 373mgPotassium: 475mgSugar: 4gVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 6mg
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