Cao Lau Noodles

May 11th 2010, 15:45 by Mel | Posted in Food For Thought

The flavours of Vietnam lend themselves very well to our climate. This is a simple flavourful dish. Casual but fabulous and best shared with friends!

Ingredients

  • 1/2tsp ground star anise
  • 1/2tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 stalk lemongrass finely sliced - white part only
  • 2 fresh red chillies - sliced
  • 200g wide fresh rice noodle
  • 2tsp sugar
  • salt & black pepper
  • 1tbs fish sauce
  • 100ml soy sauce
  • 350g pork fillet
  • peanut oil
  • 1 cup fresh bean shoots
  • a handful of fresh mint
  • a handful of fresh vietnamese mint
  • a handful of fresh coriander
  • 1 spring onion- thinly sliced diagonally
  • 1tbs fried shallots
  • rice vinegar

Preparation

Mix star anise, cinnamon, lemongrass, chilli, salt & pepper. Rub over pork and marinate 1/2 hour.

Fry pork until browned on all sides. Add fish sauce, soy sauce and 200ml water.

Simmer turning occaisionally for about 10mins until just cooked through.

Allow pork to rest then slice.

Pour boiling wtaer over noodles to loosen and siften, drain and place in bottom of soup bowls.

To serve arrange pork slices over beansprouts and mixed fresh herbs. Add splash rice vinegar to poaching liquid and pour over top. Sprinkle with chilli and fried shallots.