Bun Cha is a beloved dish by many. Alongside minced pork, vermicelli, fresh herbs, and fish sauce, grilled pork belly is a crucial element that determines whether Bun Cha is truly delicious or not. Have you ever wondered how to grill pork belly perfectly for Bun Cha at home?
In the realm of Bun Cha, grilled pork plays a vital role in flavor. Using pork belly for grilling ensures a tender, fatty, rich, and smoky flavor characteristic of this dish. The best Bun Cha absolutely requires this ingredient. If you wish to treat your family with homemade Bun Cha, mastering the art of grilling pork belly is essential. Let's get started!

1. Ingredients for Perfectly Grilled Pork Belly for Bun Cha
- Pork Belly: 1kg
- Garlic: 2 bulbs
- Lemongrass: 3 – 4 stalks
- Shallots: 2 bulbs
- Seasonings: fish sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sugar, broth powder, pepper, MSG
- Grilling Tools: stainless steel grill tongs, charcoal, dedicated charcoal grill or charcoal tray
2. How to Grill Delicious Pork Belly for Bun Cha
2.1. Ingredient Preparation
After purchasing the meat, rub salt all over it, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Next, to remove any unpleasant odor, briefly dip the meat slices in boiling water with a splash of white wine for about 2 minutes, then remove and rinse with cold water.
Pat the meat dry and slice it thinly into bite-sized pieces. Ensure even slicing and avoid cutting too thin, as thinly sliced meat is prone to burning and uneven cooking.

Peel and wash the garlic and shallots, then finely chop them.
Clean and pound the lemongrass, then finely chop it.

2.2. Marinating the Pork Belly
The marinade for grilled pork belly for Bun Cha includes: 1 tablespoon chopped shallots, 1 tablespoon chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (made from sugar for color), 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1/2 tablespoon MSG, 1/2 tablespoon pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the meat absorbs the seasoning and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2.3. Grilling the Pork Belly
After marinating the meat, arrange it on the grill.
Group the charcoal, wait until it's fully lit, no longer emitting smoke, and glowing red before grilling the meat.

Pay attention to the grill surface. Grill until both sides of the meat are cooked and golden brown to complete.

Here's how to grill delicious pork belly for Bun Cha, not too complicated, right? Wishing you successful execution and a delicious meal with your family!
