What is your favorite kind of Asian food? I’ve thought long and hard about this. I’m hesitant to commit, since they are all so different from each other, but I am almost 100% certain for me it’s Vietnamese. The flavors are always so fresh and bright, especially from the use of fresh herbs. The dishes are usually very light yet satisfying, and I never feel weighed down after eating them. Unfamiliar with Vietnamese food? Bún bowls, Bánh mì, and Phở are some of the most popular dishes you’ll find at Vietnamese restaurants, and all are wonderfully delicious. These Pork Bun Bowls are kind of like a salad. They’re super fresh, super healthy, gluten free, and very flexible. They consist of layers of fresh lettuce, vermicelli rice noodles, vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers, or radishes, which are often pickled), protein (most commonly pork, but tofu, chicken, beef, or fish can also be used), fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil), garnishes (such as crushed peanuts), and the most amazing sauce ever (the base of which is fish sauce, which makes it packed full of flavorful umami). There are a few shortcuts I took to make this recipe quick, easy, and accessible in terms of ingredients. For example, I used fresh vegetables rather than pickling them. I used “regular” (for lack of a better word) basil and mint, rather than the Vietnamese/Thai varieties. But there’s one shortcut I didn’t take: marinating the pork for a long time. Pork shoulder is a notoriously tough cut of meat, and is usually cooked low and slow (such as for pulled pork sandwiches or carnitas). Marinating it for at least 24 hours is crucial for this recipe to help tenderize and flavor the meat. As a bonus, I doubled the meat and marinade and froze half of it for another meal later. I’m starting to stock my freezer for when our baby comes in January- I’m sure future Elizabeth is going to thank me! If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these Bánh Mì Hot Dogs, Chicken Bánh Mì Tacos, and Shrimp Spring Rolls for other Vietnamese-inspired recipes! Recipe for Easy Vietnamese Pork Bun Bowls below!

Easy Vietnamese Pork Bun Bowls - 11Easy Vietnamese Pork Bun Bowls - 81Easy Vietnamese Pork Bun Bowls - 34Easy Vietnamese Pork Bun Bowls - 37