Cao Lầu (Vietnamese Noodle Bowl)
Description
This cao lầu recipe is made with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, rice noodles, cubed pork tenderloin, and spices for a tasty, favorite Vietnamese dish.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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4 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
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2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
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2 teaspoons white sugar
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
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1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into cubes
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 tablespoons water
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2 pounds fresh thick Vietnamese-style rice noodles
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2 cups bean sprouts
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1 cup torn lettuce leaves
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1 bunch green onions, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
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1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles, or more to taste
Directions
1
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.
2
Remove pork from marinade and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
3
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.
4
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.
5
Combine noodles and pork mixture together in a large serving dish. Top with lettuce, green onions, basil, cilantro, and chow mein.