If you’ve never had bun thit nuong, get ready to meet your new favorite noodle bowl! This Vietnamese grilled pork vermicelli bowl is loaded with charred, caramelized pork, chewy rice noodles, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs—all tied together with a drizzle of sweet, tangy nuoc cham. It’s light, refreshing, and ridiculously flavorful.
Think of it as the ultimate balance of smoky, savory, crunchy, and fresh in every bite. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home! Whether you’re firing up the grill or using a stovetop pan, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that beats takeout any day.
I love recreating traditional Vietnamese dishes at home, but let’s be real—I’m always looking for ways to make them quicker, easier, and more approachable for busy families. That’s exactly why bun thit nuong is one of my go-to meals! It’s packed with bold flavors, requires minimal cooking, and can be prepped ahead of time—perfect for those nights when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor - Smoky, caramelized grilled pork, fresh herbs, and tangy fish sauce dressing—every bite is a flavor bomb!
- Light Yet Satisfying - It’s refreshing but still filling, making it perfect for warm days.
- Easy to Make - No complicated cooking techniques—just marinate, grill, and assemble.
- Customizable - Swap out the protein, add more veggies, or make it spicy!
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Grill or Grill Pan - For that signature char on the pork.
- Mixing Bowls - To marinate the pork and mix the dipping sauce.
- Mesh Strainer - For rinsing the vermicelli noodles.
- Tongs - Makes flipping the pork easier while grilling.
- Wooden Skewers (12″ long)
What You’ll Need
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
For the Grilled Pork (Thịt Nướng)
- Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt - Thinly sliced for the perfect balance of meat and fat.
- Lemongrass, Garlic, Shallot - The secret to that fragrant, caramelized flavor.
- Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce, and Oyster Sauce - Brings depth and umami.
- Brown Sugar or Honey - Helps create that irresistible caramelization.
- Five Spice Powder, Chicken Bouillon Powder & Black Pepper - A little spice goes a long way.
- Oil - Keeps the pork juicy and prevents sticking.
For the Noodle Bowl
- Vermicelli Noodles (Bún) - Thin, chewy rice noodles that soak up all the flavors.
- Lettuce, Cucumber, and Bean Sprouts - Adds crunch and freshness.
- Carrots & Daikon (Pickled or Fresh) - A little tangy, a little sweet, and totally necessary.
- Fresh Herbs - Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil for brightness.
- Crushed Peanuts - For a nutty crunch.
- Nước Chấm (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce) - The magic sauce that brings it all together!
How to Make Thit Nuong (Grilled Lemongrass Pork)
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
How to Assemble the Perfect Noodle Bowl
Serving Suggestions
Bun thit nuong is delicious on its own, but adding a few sides makes it even better! I love serving it with cha gio (Vietnamese egg rolls) for extra crunch and dipping them in nuoc cham for that perfect sweet-savory balance. A side of pickled carrots and daikon adds a refreshing tang, while fresh lettuce, mint, and Thai basil bring brightness to every bite. If you’re craving something heartier, pair it with Vietnamese Fried Rice (com chien) for a full, flavor-packed meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage Tips
- Grilled Pork - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a pan or air fryer for best results.
- Noodles & Veggies - Keep them separate and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Refresh noodles by running them under warm water before serving.
- Nuoc Cham - Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before using!
Final Thoughts
If you love fresh, flavorful Vietnamese food, bun thit nuong needs to be in your meal rotation. It’s easy, vibrant, and packed with layers of texture and flavor—plus, you can customize it however you like. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun DIY meal with family, this dish never disappoints!
Let me know how you make your perfect bowl!
