Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles

Instructions

1. Prepare the meat mixture
   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, minced garlic, chopped shallot, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes. Form into small patties about 2 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.
2. Grill the pork
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the pork patties for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Prepare the dipping sauce
   In a small bowl, combine the remaining fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, water, and sliced chilies if using. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. The sauce should taste balanced with sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
4. Cook the noodles
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender, usually about 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Prepare the vegetables
   Wash and dry all herbs. Julienne the carrot and slice the cucumber. Arrange the herbs, bean sprouts, carrot, and cucumber on a serving platter.
6. Assemble the dish
   Divide the noodles among four serving bowls. Place the grilled pork patties in a separate bowl and pour some of the dipping sauce over them. Serve the pork, remaining dipping sauce, and the platter of fresh herbs and vegetables alongside the noodles.
7. Serve and enjoy
   To eat, each person adds herbs, vegetables, and pork to their bowl of noodles, then spoons some of the dipping sauce over everything. Mix well before eating to combine all the flavors.