How to Make Bun Moc – Easy Vietnamese Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction

Imagine a bowl of steaming, fragrant broth filled with tender pork meatballs, silky rice noodles, and a medley of fresh herbs that dance on your taste buds. That’s Bun Moc for you a Vietnamese noodle soup that’s creamy, flavorful, and utterly comforting. This dish is a hidden gem in Vietnamese cuisine, often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, Pho. But once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved staple in many Vietnamese households.

What makes Bun Moc so special? It’s the delicate pork meatballs (moc) that give the soup its unique texture and flavor. The broth is light yet deeply satisfying, and the addition of fresh herbs and lime adds a refreshing zing. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, taking less than an hour to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish is a winner.

If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, you’ll love how Bun Moc compares to Bun Rieu, another popular noodle soup on the blog. While Bun Rieu is tangy and tomato-based, Bun Moc is milder and creamier, making it a great option for those who prefer a gentler flavor profile. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!

What is Bun Moc?

Have you ever wondered why this dish is called Bun Moc? Let’s break it down: “Bun” means rice noodles, and “Moc” refers to the tender pork meatballs that are the star of the dish. But here’s a fun fact some say the name “Moc” comes from the Vietnamese word for “wood,” because the meatballs are so firm and smooth, they almost resemble little wooden pieces. (Don’t worry, they’re way tastier than wood!)

This dish is a perfect example of how Vietnamese cuisine turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and Bun Moc is sure to win over anyone who tries it. So, why not give it a go? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Bun Moc

1. The Star of the Show: Pork Meatballs
   The heart of Bun Moc lies in its tender, juicy pork meatballs. Made with ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and a touch of fish sauce, these meatballs are bursting with umami flavor. They’re soft yet firm, creating a delightful contrast with the silky rice noodles.
2. Budget-Friendly and Easy to Make
   Eating out at a Vietnamese restaurant can add up, but making Bun Moc at home is surprisingly affordable. Most ingredients, like rice noodles and pork, are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store. Plus, the recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Fresh and Flavorful Toppings
   What sets Bun Moc apart is its vibrant toppings. Fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of chili sauce elevate the dish to a whole new level. It’s like a party in your mouth!

If you’re a fan of Pho or Bun Bo Hue, you’ll adore Bun Moc for its lighter, creamier broth and unique texture. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get started!

How to Make Bun Moc

Quick Overview

Bun Moc is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender pork meatballs, silky rice noodles, and a fragrant broth. The recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Key Ingredients for Bun Moc

Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups chicken or pork broth
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/4 cup wood ear mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the noodles and toppings:
  • 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions)
  • Lime wedges
  • Chili sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth:
   In a large pot, add the broth, onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Make the Meatballs:
   In a bowl, combine the ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well, then shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Cook the Meatballs:
   Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes until they float to the top and are fully cooked.
4. Prepare the Noodles:
   Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   Divide the noodles into bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Top with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and chili sauce if desired.

What to Serve Bun Moc With

Bun Moc is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Fresh Spring Rolls: For a light and refreshing appetizer.
• Vietnamese Iced Coffee: To balance the savory flavors with a sweet, creamy drink.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy crunch to your meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Bun Moc

• Use Fresh Herbs: They add a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Meatballs: They should be tender and juicy, not tough.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the broth before serving and add more fish sauce or salt if needed.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the broth and meatballs on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the noodles and toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.

Table: Health Benefits of Bun Moc

There you have it—a complete guide to making Bun Moc at home! This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to explore the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Make Bun Moc recipes From DelishDish!

How to Make Bun Moc – Easy Vietnamese Recipe

Recipe by MaryCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Bun Moc is a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup featuring tender pork meatballs, silky rice noodles, and a fragrant broth. Topped with fresh herbs and lime, this dish is easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the broth:

• 8 cups chicken or pork broth

• 1 onion, halved

• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt to taste

• For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground pork

• 1/4 cup wood ear mushrooms, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• For the noodles and toppings:

• 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles

• Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions)

• Lime wedges

• Chili sauce (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Broth:
  In a large pot, add the broth, onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  Make the Meatballs:
  In a bowl, combine the ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well, then shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
  Cook the Meatballs:
  Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes until they float to the top and are fully cooked.
  Prepare the Noodles:
  Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  Assemble the Dish:
  Divide the noodles into bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Top with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and chili sauce if desired.
• Make the Meatballs:
  In a bowl, combine the ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well, then shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
• Cook the Meatballs:
  Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes until they float to the top and are fully cooked.
• Prepare the Noodles:
  Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Assemble the Dish:
  Divide the noodles into bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Top with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and chili sauce if desired.
• 

Notes

• For a lighter version, use chicken broth instead of pork broth.
  Vegetarian? Substitute pork with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
  Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili sauce.

References

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