Authentic Vietnamese Bun Mam Tom Recipe: A Savory Seafood Delight

Ingredients

300 grams of pork belly
10 shrimps, peeled and deveined
500 grams of bone-in, skin-on pork shoulder
3 tablespoons of Mam Tom (Vietnamese fermented shrimp paste)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 medium-sized eggplants
200 grams of rice vermicelli noodles
Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, and Vietnamese perilla
1 red chili, thinly sliced
1 small bowl of sugar
1 small bowl of fish sauce
1 small bowl of lime juice
2 liters of water

Steps and instructions

Start by preparing the pork belly and pork shoulder. Clean and cut them into small pieces.
Put the pieces of pork in a large pot, add water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
While waiting for the pork to cook, mince the garlic and set it aside.
Next, in a separate bowl, mix the Mam Tom with the minced garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
Once the pork is cooked, add the Mam Tom mixture to the pot and stir well. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions.
Prepare the eggplants by cutting them into slices and then add them to the pot. Cook for another 15 minutes.
Finally, add the shrimps into the pot and cook until they turn pink, about 5 minutes.
Separately, prepare a plate of fresh herbs and sliced chili.
To serve, place some noodles in a bowl, ladle the soup on top, and add the pork, shrimp, and eggplant. Garnish with fresh herbs and chili.

Tools for making

Large pot - To cook the soup and pork
Bowl - To mix the Mam Tom sauce
Knife - To cut the pork, eggplants, and herbs
Cutting board - To safely cut ingredients
Spoon - To skim off foam and stir the soup
Strainer - To drain and rinse the rice vermicelli noodles
Soup ladle - To serve the soup
Bowls - To serve the soup and noodles

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan option: Substitute the pork belly and pork shoulder with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Seafood option: Replace the pork with fish fillets or seafood such as fish balls, squid, or clams.
Spicy twist: Add extra chili peppers or spicy chili sauce to intensify the heat.
Vegetable variations: Include other vegetables such as bok choy, bean sprouts, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like Thai basil, sawtooth herb, or coriander for unique aromatic notes.
Broth customization: Enhance the broth flavor by adding lemongrass, ginger, or kaffir lime leaves.
Noodle swap: Substitute the rice vermicelli noodles with udon noodles, glass noodles, or even spaghetti for a different texture.
Gluten-free option: Ensure that the Mam Tom and other condiments used are gluten-free, and replace the regular noodles with gluten-free rice noodles.
Meat options: Try using chicken, beef, or a combination of meats instead of pork.
Extra toppings: Top the dish with crispy fried onions, crushed peanuts, or fried garlic for additional flavor and texture.

Recipe overview

Get ready to dive into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with this Bun Mam Tom recipe. This comforting and flavorful dish is a blend of pork, shrimp, and eggplant, all soaked in a rich broth infused with Mam Tom, a unique Vietnamese fermented shrimp paste. The tangy, sweet, and savory notes of the soup offer a delightful contrast to the mild rice vermicelli noodles. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs and a hint of chili for a refreshing and spicy kick. Expect to find a perfect balance of bold flavors that are characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether it's a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this Bun Mam Tom recipe promises to be an exciting culinary journey.

Common questions

Can I substitute the pork belly and pork shoulder?
Yes, you can substitute them with other cuts of pork such as pork loin or pork tenderloin, but keep in mind that they may have different textures and flavors.
What can I use as a vegetarian alternative to the pork and shrimp?
You can omit the pork and shrimp and instead add tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of Bun Mam Tom.
Where can I find Mam Tom (fermented shrimp paste)?
Mam Tom can usually be found in Asian grocery stores or specialty stores that carry Vietnamese ingredients.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili slices according to your taste preferences.
Can I make Bun Mam Tom in advance?
Yes, you can make the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and cook the noodles and other ingredients fresh.
What other herbs can I use for garnish?
You can use Thai basil, sawtooth herb, or any other herbs you enjoy to garnish your Bun Mam Tom.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - for cooking the soup and boiling the pork
Bowl - for mixing the Mam Tom sauce
Knife - for cutting the pork, garlic, and eggplants
Chopping board - for cutting and preparing ingredients
Soup ladle - for scooping and serving the soup
Tongs - for handling the cooked pork and shrimp
Soup bowls - for serving the Bun Mam Tom
Serving spoons - for serving the noodles and soup

Origin stories

Bun Mam Tom, a hearty and flavorful noodle soup, hails from the bustling streets of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is known for its distinctive taste, which comes from the fermented shrimp paste, a condiment that is ubiquitous in Vietnamese cuisine. The paste, known locally as Mam Tom, has a strong smell that might seem overpowering at first to the untrained nose, but is cherished by the locals and adds a depth of flavor to the dish that is simply incomparable. This dish stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich culinary tradition which finds beauty and harmony in contrasts - the pungent shrimp paste, the succulence of pork, the freshness of herbs, and the heat of chili. Each bowl is a delightful symphony of these contrasting elements. And, as is customary in Vietnamese cooking, the dish is served with a side of fresh herbs, allowing each person to customize their bowl to their preference - a nod to the Vietnamese philosophy of individual harmony within the community.

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.