Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Pork Patties

Name: Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Pork Patties
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 500 g pork mince; 4 nests rice vermicelli noodles; 2 handfuls beansprouts; 2 carrots, finely shredded or peeled into ribbons; 1 handful green beans, finely sliced; 1 small bunch coriander; 1 bunch spring onions; 3 cloves garlic; 1 thumb-sized piece ginger; 2 stalks lemongrass; 1 red chilli; 2 limes; 1 tsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp light brown soft sugar; 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce; sunflower oil; 1 large handful roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

This fresh Vietnamese-style noodle salad pairs smoky lemongrass pork patties with rice vermicelli, crunchy vegetables, and a bright lime dressing. It is light yet satisfying, with plenty of texture and a balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for warm-weather dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time45 Mins

Cook Time20 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

pork mince
500 g
rice vermicelli noodles
4 nests
beansprouts
2 handfuls
carrots, finely shredded or peeled into ribbons
2
green beans, finely sliced
1 handful
coriander
1 small bunch
spring onions
1 bunch
garlic
3 cloves
ginger
1 thumb-sized piece
lemongrass
2 stalks
red chilli
1
limes
2
fish sauce
1 tsp
soy sauce
1 tbsp
light brown soft sugar
2 tbsp
sweet chilli sauce
2 tbsp
sunflower oil
roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
1 large handful

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the pork mixture: finely chop the garlic, ginger, coriander stalks, lemongrass, red chilli, and the white parts of the spring onions. Put everything in a bowl with the pork mince, fish sauce, and soy sauce, then mix until evenly combined.

Divide the pork mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small patties. Place on a tray, cover, and chill for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up.

Whisk together the light brown sugar, sweet chilli sauce, lime zest, and lime juice to make the dressing. Cook the rice vermicelli according to the package directions, then rinse under cold water and drain well. Toss the noodles with the beansprouts, carrots, green beans, the green parts of the spring onions, and most of the coriander leaves.

Heat a barbecue or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pork patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and cooked through. Toss the noodle salad with most of the dressing and transfer to a serving platter. Top with the hot pork patties, drizzle over the remaining dressing, and finish with the rest of the coriander and the chopped peanuts. Serve with extra sweet chilli sauce, if desired.