Cao lầu

Cuisine of Vietnam

Cao lầu is a Vietnamese regional noodle dish found only in Hội An, in the Quang Nam Province of central Vietnam.

This serves 3-4 people.

Ingredients

• 300g pork
• 2 cups (150g) Hokkien-style rice noodles
• 2 cups (150g) bean sprouts
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• Pinch chicken stock powder
• Turmeric powder (or paprika), just used for colour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup (250ml) water
• Lettuce and Asian greens
• Pepper
• Croûtons
• Spring onions

Procedure

1. Heat oil and paprika.
2. Fry pork with smashed garlic, soy sauce, chicken stock and spices for 3 minutes
3. Add 1 tbsp water and fry for a further 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, put aside.
5. Put hot water on heat and add sprouts, cook for 1-2 minutes until soft.
6. Remove sprouts, add noodles and cook noodles for 2 minutes.
7. Put noodles in a bowl, on top of lettuce and greens, add pork, chopped spring onions, croûtons, and pepper.