Make the pickled vegetables: Put the carrots, cucumbers and jalapeno in a bowl. Heat the rice vinegar and fish sauce in a saucepan, then pour over the vegetables. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper and set aside, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the noodles and pork.

Bring a small pot of water to a boil; remove from the heat, add the noodles and let stand 8 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water, then snip into smaller pieces with kitchen shears.

Meanwhile, season the pork lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Brush each chop with hoisin sauce; turn and cook 30 seconds. Brush with more hoisin sauce, turn and cook 30 more seconds. Remove to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice.

Divide the noodles among bowls. Strain the pickled vegetables, reserving the liquid. Stir 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce and the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil into the reserved liquid; drizzle over the noodles. Top with the pork, pickled vegetables, lettuce and herbs.

Per serving: Calories: 476; Total Fat: 20 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Protein:36 grams; Total carbohydrates: 38 grams; Sugar: 0 grams; Fiber: 4 grams; Cholesterol: 78 milligrams; Sodium: 618 milligrams

Photograph by Antonis Achilleos