4bundlescellophane noodles (also called Lungkow vermicelli)(about 6 ounces)
3tablespoonscilantro(chopped)
15 - 17leavesThai basil(stacked together, rolled and thinly sliced)
Sauce:
3 – 3½teaspoonsfish sauce
2teaspoonsrice vinegar
1teaspoongarlic chili paste
½teaspoonsesame oil
½teaspoonsugar
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add bean sprouts and cook for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
In a small bowl, combine 3 teaspoon fish sauce, rice vinegar, garlic chili paste, sesame oil and sugar. Set aside.
In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add crushed red pepper flakes and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Add ground pork and season with ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir-fry until the pork just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Turn off the stove and set aside.
Add the noodles into the boiling water. Turn off the heat. With a pair of chopsticks, quickly stir and separate the noodles. Cover and let the noodles sit for 8 minutes. Drain the noodles and cut them a few times with a pair of scissors.
Add the noodles to the pork. Pour in the sauce and mix well. Add the bean sprouts. Mix again. Taste and adjust with more fish sauce if needed. Add cilantro and Thai basil. Stir well and transfer to serving plates. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cellophane noodles are made from mung beans, peas or potato starch. They are different than vermicelli, which is made from rice. However, you may see cellophane noodles being called “vermicelli” in packaging. I suggest that you take a look at the ingredient list. If it says “mung bean starch” or some kind of starch, you have the right noodles. If it says “rice”, that is NOT cellophane noodles. Cellophane noodles can be easily found in Asian supermarkets or from Amazon.
Garlic chili paste is a great condiment. It’s good on dumplings, meats and stir fry dishes. It can be found in Asian supermarkets or from Amazon.
Thai basil and cilantro are actually what tie this dish together. They are not garnish, so do not skip.