Coconut Pork and Noodle Salad

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 40 min
  • Active: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
This recipe is inspired by Banh Tam Bi, a refreshing Vietnamese noodle salad composed of thick rice and tapioca noodles, crunchy vegetables, herbs and a creamy coconut dressing. Bánh canh noodles can be found at Southeast Asian supermarkets, but Japanese udon noodles are used here as a substitute.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Season the pork with salt and pepper. Mix 1 teaspoon each coconut milk, fish sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl. Rub all over the pork, place on the prepared pan and broil until browned on top, about 7 minutes. Flip and broil until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145˚, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest, 10 minutes. Thinly slice the pork against the grain, then cut the slices into strips.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Microwave the remaining 1/2 cup coconut milk in a microwave-safe bowl to melt any solids, about 30 seconds (do not boil). Stir in the lime juice, chili-garlic sauce and the remaining 2 tablespoons each fish sauce and brown sugar.
  3. Add the noodles to the boiling water; cook until tender but still chewy, about 30 seconds for fresh and 2 minutes for frozen. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Shake off any excess water.
  4. Toss the noodles, pork, vegetables from the salad kit, bean sprouts and half the coconut dressing in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Sprinkle with the crunchy toppings from the salad kit and top with the mint and basil; serve with lime wedges.