One dish that encapsulates the culinary magic of Vietnamese cuisine is the Vietnamese Pork Bake. This delightful casserole brings together ground pork, prawns, wood ear mushrooms, and mung bean noodles in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It's a hearty blend of some of my favorite flavors coming together in a way that creates a flavor-rich experience.
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Vietnamese Pork Bake
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Vietnamese Pork Bake
Ingredients
- ⅔ cups wood ear mushrooms soaked and chopped
- 650 g 23 oz ground pork
- 300 g 10 oz raw prawns, peeled, de-veined and chopped
- 5 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 onion minced
- 1 carrot shredded
- 80 g 2.8 oz mung bean noodles, soaked for 15 minutes and chopped
- 3 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon MSG
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Brush 20x20 cm (8x8 inches) baking pan with vegetable oil.
- In a large bowl combine all of the listed ingredients (except for 1 egg yolk) and mix well.⅔ cups wood ear mushrooms, 650 g 23 oz ground pork, 300 g 10 oz raw prawns, peeled, de-veined and chopped, 5 eggs, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 80 g 2.8 oz mung bean noodles, soaked for 15 minutes and chopped, 3 tablespoon fish sauce, 3 garlic cloves, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon MSG, 1 tablespoon sugar
- Spread pork mixture in a prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then brush with egg yolk and leave in the oven for 4-5 minutes to brown.1 egg yolk
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- ⅔ cups wood ear mushrooms, soaked and chopped
- 650 g (23 oz) ground pork
- 300 g (10 oz) raw prawns, peeled, de-veined and chopped
- 5 eggs (+ 1 egg yolk)
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 80 g (2.8 oz) mung bean noodles, soaked for 15 minutes and chopped
- 3 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon MSG
- 1 tablespoon sugar
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Brush 20x20 cm (8x8 inches) baking pan with vegetable oil.
In a large bowl combine all of the listed ingredients (except for 1 egg yolk) and mix well.
Spread pork mixture in a prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Bake for 40 minutes, then brush with egg yolk and leave in the oven for 4-5 minutes to brown.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
A Perfect Pairing with Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and pairs beautifully with the Vietnamese Pork Bake. Its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture make it an ideal companion to the savory pork casserole. Serve the bake atop a bed of steaming jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious juices and flavors.
Fresh and Crunchy Vietnamese Salad
Balance the richness of the pork bake with a fresh and crunchy Vietnamese salad. A mix of shredded carrots, cucumber, radish, and mint leaves, dressed with a light fish sauce and lime vinaigrette, will add a refreshing contrast to the dish. The crisp textures and vibrant flavors will make every bite a delight.
Tangy Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables, or "đồ chua," are a common side dish in Vietnamese cuisine. These tangy and slightly sweet pickles made from daikon, carrots, and other vegetables add a zesty contrast to the rich flavors of the pork bake. They're easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Enhancing Flavor with Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a quintessential ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, adding depth and umami to dishes. When preparing the Vietnamese Pork Bake, don't skimp on the fish sauce. It may have a strong aroma, but it mellows out during cooking and enhances the overall flavor.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
The texture of the Vietnamese Pork Bake is crucial to its success. Ensure that the wood ear mushrooms and mung bean noodles are finely chopped and well-soaked. This will help them blend seamlessly into the mixture, giving the bake a cohesive texture. Additionally, use a light hand when mixing the ingredients to maintain a tender and moist consistency.
Browning for Visual Appeal
For a visually appealing finish, brush the top of the pork bake with egg yolk during the last few minutes of baking. This step adds a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight crust, making the dish even more appetizing. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vietnamese Pork Bake?
A Vietnamese Pork Bake is a casserole dish that combines ground pork, prawns, wood ear mushrooms, mung bean noodles, and various seasonings. It's baked to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and hearty dish that's perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Yes, you can make substitutions based on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For instance, you can replace prawns with chicken or tofu for a different protein source. Similarly, if you can't find wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are a good alternative. Just ensure that any substitutions align with the flavor profile of the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 180C/350F until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the oven method helps retain the texture and flavor better.
Is This Dish Suitable for Freezing?
Yes, the Vietnamese Pork Bake freezes well. Allow the bake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions mentioned above.
What Makes Vietnamese Cuisine Unique?
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of flavors and emphasis on fresh ingredients. Unlike some other Asian cuisines, Vietnamese dishes often have a lighter, more herbaceous quality. The use of fish sauce, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and an array of vegetables contributes to its distinctive taste.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you enjoyed making the Vietnamese Pork Bake, you're in for a treat. I pulled together an array of casserole recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare that you and your family are going to truly enjoy.
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