Vietnamese-style Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients

While the original Italian Pasta Carbonara typically uses pancetta or bacon, this Vietnamese adaptation replaces it with smoky Vietnamese-style grilled pork. The traditional spaghetti is substituted with rice noodles, and the dish is infused with aromatic Vietnamese herbs and spices for an exciting twist. We alse have the original recipe for Pasta carbonara, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 250g (9 oz) Vietnamese-style grilled pork, thinly sliced 250g (9 oz) Vietnamese-style grilled pork, thinly sliced
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and fish sauce. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced grilled pork to the skillet and cook until heated through.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the pork.
6. 6.
   Pour the egg mixture over the noodles and quickly toss to coat evenly. The residual heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
7. 7.
   Stir in the chopped cilantro and mint leaves. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and let the flavors meld for a minute before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Cook according to package instructions, but be careful not to overcook as they can become mushy.
• Vietnamese-style grilled pork — If you can't find pre-made grilled pork, marinate thinly sliced pork in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and sugar, then grill until cooked through.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh cilantro and mint leaves for their vibrant flavors. Wash and chop them just before adding to the dish to retain their freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few slices of fresh chili pepper or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk to the egg mixture.
• To make it more Vietnamese, garnish with crushed peanuts and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Feel free to add other Vietnamese ingredients like bean sprouts or pickled vegetables for extra crunch and tang.
• If you're not a fan of pork, you can substitute it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a different twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Pasta Carbonara hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro and mint leaves. Accompany it with a side of fresh Vietnamese herbs and a wedge of lime for squeezing over the dish.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, twirl a portion of the pasta carbonara onto a plate and top it with a few slices of grilled pork. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper and garnish with a sprig of cilantro. Serve with a side of fresh Vietnamese herbs and lime wedges.