Introduction:

Ca nuong da don is a popular Vietnamese dish made with marinated pork ribs served over rice noodles. This ultimate guide will take you through the step-by-step process of making ca nuong da don at home, along with tips and tricks to make it the best it can be.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork ribs
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the pork ribs. Remove excess fat and trim off the ends of the ribs. Place them in a bowl with fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Rub the mixture all over the ribs to evenly coat them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the pork ribs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through. Turn occasionally for even cooking.

Step 4: Serve with rice noodles and your choice of toppings such as pickled vegetables, cilantro, peanuts, lime wedges, and chili sauce.

Tips and Tricks:

• For an extra kick, add sriracha sauce to the marinade before grilling the ribs.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can make ca nuong da don in a skillet on the stove. Simply brush the skillet with oil and cook the ribs over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side.
• Use lean pork or even tofu instead of traditional pork ribs for a healthier option.
• Make ca nuong da don ahead of time by marinating the ribs up to two days in advance and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before slicing and serving.

FAQ:

• Boneless pork can be used in place of ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated in the same mixture.
• You can substitute rice noodles with other types of noodles such as soba, udon, or even spaghetti. Just cook them according to package instructions before serving.
• Yes, you can make ca nuong da don ahead of time. Simply marinate the ribs and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before reheating gently before slicing and serving with rice noodles and toppings.