Authentic Vietnamese Broken Rice (Com Tam) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of broken jasmine rice
  • 4 pork chops, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • For the Pickled Carrots and Daikon:
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 daikon radish, julienned
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce):
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/2 cup water

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the broken jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and cooking oil. Marinate the pork chops in this mixture for at least 1 hour.
  3. While the pork chops are marinating, prepare the pickled carrots and daikon. In a bowl, mix together the vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add the julienned carrot and daikon, and let them pickle for at least 1 hour.
  4. Grill the pork chops over medium heat until they are thoroughly cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  5. Fry the eggs in a pan over medium heat until the whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
  6. Prepare the Nuoc Cham sauce by combining the minced garlic, minced red chili, sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, and water in a bowl. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  7. To serve, place a portion of rice on a plate. Top with a grilled pork chop, a fried egg, some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, and a handful of pickled carrots and daikon. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top and serve with the Nuoc Cham sauce on the side.

Tools for making

  • Grill - Needed to cook the pork chops.
  • Pan - Used to fry the eggs.
  • Bowl - Used for marinating the pork chops and preparing the pickled carrots and daikon.
  • Knife - Needed to mince garlic, slice cucumbers, and tomatoes.
  • Cutting Board - Used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Used to cook the rice.
  • Whisk - Needed to mix the ingredients for the Nuoc Cham sauce.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  • Tongs - Needed to flip and handle the pork chops on the grill.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping and removing the fried eggs from the pan.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of rice such as brown rice or sticky rice.
  • Replace the pork chops with grilled chicken, beef, or tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add marinated shrimp or grilled fish as an additional protein option.
  • Try different marinades for the pork chops, such as a lemongrass and ginger marinade or a soy sauce and honey marinade.
  • Add fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil to enhance the flavors.
  • Include additional vegetables such as lettuce, bean sprouts, or shredded cabbage for added freshness and crunch.
  • Experiment with different toppings like crushed peanuts or fried shallots for added texture.
  • For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapenos or chili flakes to the dish.
  • Replace the pickled carrots and daikon with other pickled vegetables like radishes or cucumbers.
  • Serve with a side of Vietnamese kimchi or kimchi fried rice for a fusion twist.

Recipe overview

Com Tam, also known as Vietnamese Broken Rice, is a mouthwatering dish that is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe features grilled pork chops marinated in a savory blend of ingredients, paired with a fried egg, fresh vegetables, and a tangy pickled carrot and daikon radish mix, all served over a bed of broken jasmine rice. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of Nuoc Cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce that adds an aromatic, sweet, sour, and spicy flavor. With a balance of diverse flavors and textures, Com Tam is a satisfying and hearty meal. This recipe will guide you through each step, from marinating the pork chops to preparing the pickles and sauce, ensuring you end up with a beautiful and delicious plate of Com Tam.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice instead of broken jasmine rice? No, broken jasmine rice is traditionally used for Com Tam as it has a unique texture and flavor that complements the dish.
  2. Can I substitute the pork chops with another type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or even tofu as a substitution for the pork chops.
  3. How long should I marinate the pork chops? It is recommended to marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, but you can marinate them for longer if desired.
  4. Can I skip pickling the carrots and daikon? While pickled carrots and daikon add a delicious tangy flavor to the dish, you can skip pickling them if you prefer.
  5. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the pickled carrots and daikon? Yes, you can use rice vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute for the vinegar in the pickling mixture.
  6. Can I grill the pork chops on a stovetop grill pan instead? Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
  7. Can I make the Nuoc Cham sauce in advance? Yes, you can make the Nuoc Cham sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill is needed to cook the pork chops.
  • Frying Pan - A frying pan is needed to fry the eggs.
  • Bowl - Bowls are used for marinating the pork chops, pickling the carrots and daikon, and preparing the Nuoc Cham sauce.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for mincing garlic, slicing cucumbers and tomatoes, and julienned the carrots and daikon.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping vegetables and preparing the pork chops.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping the pork chops and eggs while cooking.
  • Grill Tongs - Grill tongs help in handling and flipping the pork chops on the grill.

Origin stories

Com Tam, a dish emblematic of Southern Vietnam, originates from the Mekong Delta, where rice is grown abundantly. In the past, during the rice production process, there would often be grains that were broken. These broken rice grains were usually set aside because they weren't ideal for selling or presenting in traditional rice dishes due to their less appealing appearance. However, the ingenious farmers did not let them go to waste. Instead, they turned these broken grains into a unique, simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that we now know as Com Tam or "broken rice". This creation, born out of practicality and resourcefulness, is now a beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine, cherished by locals and foreigners alike. Its story is a testament to the Vietnamese spirit of making the most out of what one has, and finding joy and satisfaction in simplicity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.