Pork Mince Noodle Soup (Banh da thit bam) is my go-to dinner solution when time is tight and I need something quick yet delicious. With just a handful of simple ingredients that are likely already in your fridge, you can prepare this wholesome dish in under 20 minutes. It’s warm, comforting and perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe has been a family favourite, passed down from my Mum, who probably created it for the same reasons I cook it today: a fast, satisfying meal the whole family loves.
Ingredients
This soup relies on basic ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating a harmonious and flavourful dish:
- Pork Mince is the base of the soup, adding sweetness and depth to the broth. If you don’t have pork, chicken mince works just as well.
- Dried Flat Noodles: These noodles are widely available in UK supermarkets and are the same ones used in Pho Bo Tai or Pho Ga.
- Vegetables (Chinese Leaf or Pak Choi): These leafy greens add freshness and balance the richness of the broth.
- Mushrooms (optional): They bring a soft yet crunchy texture, elevating the overall mouthfeel.
- Fresh Tomatoes are key to the light sour flavour that balances the sweetness of the pork and the savoury fish sauce.
- Fish Sauce: A must for seasoning.
- Spring Onions and Coriander: The white part of the spring onion is fried with the pork, while the green part and coriander leaves are reserved for garnishing, adding a burst of freshness.
How to cook Pork Mince Noodle Soup
This recipe is quick and easy, but each step builds layers of flavour and texture. Let’s get started:
1. Prepare the noodles
Begin by semi-cooking the dried flat noodles in a large pot of boiling water. Let them soften slightly, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Cook the pork mince
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in the same pot. Add the chopped white part of the spring onion and stir until golden and fragrant. Add the pork mince and stir continuously to break up any lumps. Season with fish sauce and let the mince simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing it to soak up the flavours.
3. Prepare the broth
While the pork is simmering, boil 1.2 to 1.4 litres of water (enough for 5 bowls of soup). Add the boiling water to the pot with the pork mince, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Add vegetables and tomatoes
Add the tomato wedges, chopped mushrooms and your choice of vegetables (Chinese leaf of Pak choi). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the tomatoes – they should remain intact for a fresh burst of flavour.
5. Combine noodles and broth
Add the semi-cooked noodles to the pot and simmer for two more minutes to allow them to absorb the broth. Turn off the heat.
Serving the soup
To serve, use tongs to divide the noodles evenly among individual bowls. Ensure each bowl gets an equal share of vegetables, mushrooms, and tomato wedges. Ladle the broth and pork mince over the noodles, then garnish with the chopped green part of the spring onion and add a sprinkle of coriander.
A bowl of comfort in every spoonful
This Pork Mince Noodle Soup perfectly combines soft noodles, fresh vegetables and a light yet flavourful broth. The sweetness of the pork, the slight tang from the tomatoes, and the savoury fish sauce create a warming and satisfying dish – ideal for a quick winter dinner.
If your weeknights are busy as mine, this recipe is a lifesaver that doesn’t compromise on taste or comfort. Give it a try and let me know how your family enjoys it!
Pork Mince Noodle Soup (Bánh Đa Thịt Băm)
Description
A quick and comforting Pork Mince Noodle Soup made with tender pork, fresh vegetables and silky noodles in a light, savoury broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights and a family favourite!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the noodles
- Semi-cook dried flat noodles in boiling water until slightly softened.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
-
Cook the pork mince
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the white part of the spring onion and fry until fragrant.
- Stir in the pork mince, breaking up any lumps and season with fish sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
-
Prepare the broth
- Add 1.4 litres of boiling water to the pot with the pork mince.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Add vegetables and tomatoes
- Stir in tomato wedges, mushrooms, and your choice of Chinese leaf or pak choi.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, keeping the tomatoes intact.
-
Combine the noodles and broth
- Add the cooked noodles to the pot.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavours meld, then turn off the heat.
-
Serve and garnish
- Use tongs to divide the noodles into individual bowls.
- Ensure each bowl has an equal share of vegetables, mushrooms and tomatoes.
- Ladle the broth and pork mince over the noodles.
- Garnish with the green part of the spring onion and coriander leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 557.67kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23.33g36%
- Saturated Fat 7.62g39%
- Trans Fat 0.04g
- Cholesterol 124.8mg42%
- Sodium 1196.46mg50%
- Potassium 610.31mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 59.97g20%
- Dietary Fiber 3.43g14%
- Sugars 3.47g
- Protein 26.19g53%
- Vitamin A 47.03 IU
- Vitamin C 9.04 mg
- Calcium 55.89 mg
- Iron 4.29 mg
- Vitamin D 0.24 IU
- Vitamin E 1.03 IU
- Vitamin K 24.59 mcg
- Thiamin 1.51 mg
- Riboflavin 0.55 mg
- Niacin 10.86 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.58 mg
- Folate 46.91 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.86 mcg
- Phosphorus 348.78 mg
- Magnesium 93.92 mg
- Zinc 3.44 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Noodles: Semi-cooking the noodles and rinsing them under cold water helps prevent sticking and overcooking when added to the soup later.
- Vegetable Alternative: You can use kale or cabbage if you don't have Chinese leaf or pak choi.
- Customise Flavours: Adjust the amount of fish sauce to suit your taste.
- Optional Add-ins: Add tofu cubes, prawns, or an egg for extra protein.
- Tomato Tip: Avoid overcooking the tomatoes. They should hold their shape and add a fresh, slightly tangy flavour to the soup.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes enough for 5 bowls, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
User Reviews
This recipe easy to make and delicious.
This recipe very quick and easy to make and delicious. I like it!