Cơm Tấm – Vietnamese Broken Rice, is a symphony of flavors and textures. While it may seem complex at first glance, this guide will break down the preparation process into easy-to-follow steps.
Vietnamese Broken Rice – Delicious delicacies of Saigon
Imagine a time when rice, Vietnam’s golden treasure, was a precious commodity. Every grain mattered. Yet, during the milling process, some grains inevitably broke. Considered inferior and difficult to sell, these broken fragments were cast aside. But resourceful farmers, unwilling to waste such a valuable resource, turned these imperfections into a culinary masterpiece – Cơm Tấm, Vietnamese Broken Rice.
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Vietnamese Broken Rice translates to “broken rice”, but its flavor is anything but. The smaller grains cook up quickly, becoming slightly sticky – a perfect canvas to absorb an explosion of tastes. Unlike its more sophisticated cousin Phở, which reigns supreme in the north, Vietnamese Broken Rice is the soul food of the south, particularly Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, a story told on a bed of fragrant rice.
The star of the show is often grilled lemongrass pork. The aroma of lemongrass infuses the meat, creating a tender and flavorful bite. But Vietnamese Broken Rice is a versatile dish, welcoming other grilled companions like chicken, beef, or shrimp to the party. A chorus of pickled vegetables adds a delightful tang, while fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce bring a burst of cool refreshment.
Then comes the Chả Trứng, a comforting steamed egg and pork meatloaf, and a sunny-side up egg, for good measure, because why not? A drizzle of scallion oil, fragrant and light, adds another layer of complexity. But wait, there’s more! Bì Heo, thinly sliced pork and pork skin tossed in a magical mixture of roasted rice powder and garlic, adds a delightful savory crunch.
The grand finale is Nước Chấm, the “mother sauce” of Vietnam. This sweet, sour, and savory concoction ties everything together. A generous pour over the rice transforms the dish into a flavor explosion. On the side, a light, clear soup cleanses the palate and prepares you for the next delicious bite.
Vietnamese Broken Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a story of Vietnamese resourcefulness and a testament to the power of transforming imperfection into something beautiful and delicious. So, the next time you’re looking for a flavorful and unique Vietnamese adventure, delve into the world of Vietnamese Broken Rice. It’s a symphony of tastes waiting to be discovered.
How to make authentic Vietnamese Broken Rice
Ingredients
Prepare a variety of components to build your Vietnamese Broken Rice masterpiece:
- Grilled Pork: Marinated in a flavorful blend of fish sauce, sugar, and aromatics, this tender pork is a star of the dish.
- Pork-and-Egg Meatloaf: Combining ground pork with cellophane noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and fluffy eggs, this savory meatloaf adds another layer of texture.
- Shredded Pork: Thinly sliced pork is seared until crispy and tossed with savory roasted rice powder and pork skin for an irresistible crunch.
- Broken Rice: Cooked to perfection, the broken rice forms the base for this flavorful dish.
- Drizzling Sauce: A sweet, sour, and savory sauce ties everything together.
- Scallion Oil: Fragrant and light, this adds another layer of complexity.
- Accompaniments: Fresh vegetables, pickled carrots and daikon, and pickled leeks complete the refreshing experience.
Instructions
Marinate the Grilled Pork: Combine fish sauce, sugar, water, and aromatics. Let the thinly sliced pork bathe in this flavorful marinade for at least 8 hours, or up to a day, for maximum tenderness.
Prepare the Pork-and-Egg Meatloaf: Soak cellophane noodles and wood ear mushrooms. Combine ground pork with the softened noodles, mushrooms, aromatics, and beaten egg whites. Steam the mixture until cooked through and set with a final layer of egg yolks.
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Cook the Shredded Pork: Soak pre-packaged pork skin and then simmer the pork butt until tender. Sear the cooked pork and toss it with crispy pork skin, roasted rice powder, and garlic for a burst of savory flavors.
Cook the Broken Rice: Rinse the broken rice thoroughly and cook it either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to the chosen method.
Make the Sauces: Combine the ingredients for the sweet, sour, and savory dipping sauce and the fragrant scallion oil.
Assemble and Serve: Divide the fluffy broken rice onto plates. Arrange the grilled pork (on or off skewers), sliced meatloaf, and shredded pork. Drizzle with scallion oil and surround with fresh vegetables. Don’t forget the dipping sauce and pickled accompaniments to complete the symphony of flavors!
Tips:
- Can’t find thinly sliced pork butt? Ask your butcher at a Vietnamese or Chinese market, or partially freeze the pork for easier slicing.
- Make your own roasted rice powder using uncooked jasmine rice instead of glutinous rice, or look for store-bought options.
- Pre-packaged pork skin is readily available at Asian supermarkets. If unavailable, try making your own.
With a little planning and these detailed instructions, you can bring the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to your own kitchen and enjoy a delicious homemade Vietnamese Broken Rice.
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