How to Make Cao Lầu (Vietnamese Noodle Bowl) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Cao Lầu is a popular Vietnamese dish known for its unique combination of flavors and textures. This traditional noodle bowl is a specialty of Hoi An, Vietnam, and is a must-try for anyone visiting this historic city. Cao Lầu is made with a mix of thick rice noodles, tender pork slices, crisp greens, and a savory broth that is unlike any other soup you've tasted.

What sets Cao Lầu apart from other noodle dishes is the distinctive flavor profile of the broth. The broth is made with a...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
  • 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 pounds fresh thick Vietnamese-style rice noodles
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 cup torn lettuce leaves
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • ¼ cup crispy chow mein noodles, or more to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • 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.
  • Remove pork from marinade and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Combine noodles and pork mixture together in a large serving dish. Top with lettuce, green onions, basil, cilantro, and chow mein.
  • Nutrition

    488 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 49mg
    • Sodium: 373mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 78g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 24g
    • Vitamin C: 12mg
    • Calcium: 69mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 475mg