Bun Moc Recipe: 7 Must-Have Ingredients You’ll Love

Light, aromatic, and absolutely soul-warming this Bun Moc recipe is the definition of comfort food in a bowl. Imagine silky rice vermicelli soaked in a clear, umami-packed pork broth, topped with savory pork meatballs, slices of cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage), and garnished with vibrant herbs and a squeeze of lime. Sounds heavenly, right?

Originally hailing from Northern Vietnam, Bun Moc Recipe is a lesser-known gem compared to the more famous pho or bun bo hue. But don’t let its humble status fool you this dish delivers major flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner, lazy weekend lunch, or an impressive meal when entertaining guests. And here’s a fun fact: “Moc” in Vietnamese refers to the finely minced wood ear mushrooms in the pork meatballs a unique texture and flavor combo you’ll come to crave!

If you’ve tried our Pho Ga recipe before, you’ll find this just as satisfying but with even quicker prep and a more delicate flavor. Plus, Bun Moc is easier on the wallet and equally customizable.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this simple yet flavor-packed Vietnamese noodle soup. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds? They’re in for a treat.

What is Bun Moc?

You might be wondering, “Bun what?” Yep, Bun Moc might not roll off the tongue like pho, but once it hits your taste buds, you’ll never forget it. Bun refers to rice vermicelli noodles, while Moc refers to the minced pork and wood ear mushroom meatballs that give this dish its character. It’s like pho’s underrated cousin the one with the quirky charm and big heart.

Why is it called Bun Moc? Legend has it that the term “Moc” was inspired by the delicate chopping motion used to prepare the pork. Or maybe it’s just a fun way to say, “This soup’s got mushrooms and meatballs!” Either way, it’s delicious. You know what they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and this dish is a straight shot.

Don’t just scroll past this gem grab your apron and let’s bring this comfort food classic into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Bun Moc Recipe

1. A Taste of Vietnam in Every Spoonful

The delicate pork-based broth, packed with umami from pork bones and mushrooms, offers a flavor that’s both light and deeply satisfying. With aromatic herbs and tender meatballs, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

2. Budget-Friendly and Homemade Goodness

Instead of ordering out or searching for an authentic Vietnamese restaurant, make Bun Moc at home for a fraction of the cost. With simple pantry ingredients and pork, you can create a family-sized meal for under $15.

3. Flavorful Add-Ins That Shine

From cha lua slices to crunchy wood ear mushrooms and fresh Thai basil, Bun Moc is fully loaded with textures and tastes that elevate every bite. Want more spice? Toss in some chili oil or sriracha for an extra kick.

Craving something equally satisfying but with a spicier twist? Check out our Bun Bo Hue recipe it’s Bun Moc’s bolder, brothier cousin.

The History and Culture Behind Bun Moc Recipe

A Culinary Treasure from Northern Vietnam

While Bun Moc isn’t as globally recognized as pho, it’s a beloved staple in Vietnamese households, especially in Hanoi. It’s often served in cozy eateries tucked away in alleyways or at morning markets. The dish’s lightness and simplicity make it a popular breakfast or lunch choice in Vietnam.

Symbol of Simplicity and Harmony

In Vietnamese cuisine, balance is everything sweet, salty, sour, and umami. Bun Moc achieves this through its clear broth, earthy mushrooms, sweet pork, and fresh herbs. It represents the kind of harmony that Vietnamese food is known for, all in one humble bowl.

How to Make Bun Moc Recipe

Quick Overview

This Bun Moc recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring around 1 hour from prep to plating. The broth is clear yet rich in flavor thanks to pork bones and mushrooms. The pork meatballs (the “moc”) are tender, juicy, and loaded with texture from wood ear mushrooms. It’s simple, savory, and super satisfying no special tools or complicated steps required.

Key Ingredients for Bun Moc Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs pork bones (neck bones or ribs work best)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms (rehydrated and finely chopped)
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp shallots (finely minced)
• Bean sprouts (optional)
• 1 package rice vermicelli noodles (bun)
• 1/2 lb cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage), sliced
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, scallions
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• Lime wedges and chili oil (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. Blanch the pork bones: Boil for 5 minutes, then rinse under cold water to remove impurities.
2. Simmer the bones: Add bones to a large pot with 10 cups of water. Simmer for 45 minutes. Skim off any foam for a clear broth.
3. Add flavor: Toss in 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and half the minced garlic and shallots.

Step 2: Make the Pork Meatballs (Moc)

1. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, black pepper, remaining shallots and garlic, and a pinch of salt.
2. Form balls: Wet your hands and roll into small 1-inch meatballs.
3. Cook: Drop them gently into the simmering broth. They’ll float when cooked (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

1. Boil water and cook rice vermicelli according to package instructions.
2. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

1. Add cooked vermicelli to a bowl.
2. Ladle in hot broth with meatballs.
3. Top with sliced cha lua, herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.

What to Serve Bun Moc Recipe With

Looking to round out the meal? These pair perfectly with your Bun Moc:

• Vietnamese Egg Rolls (Cha Gio) – Crispy and savory for contrast.
• Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Light and refreshing side.
• Jasmine Tea or Iced Coffee – Authentic Vietnamese drinks that enhance the flavors.
• Vietnamese Pickled Daikon and Carrots – Adds a tangy crunch to the meal.
• Fresh Chili and Garlic Vinegar Dip – For a spicy kick on the side.

Top Tips for Perfecting Bun Moc

Choose the Right Pork

• Broth: Use bone-in pork like neck or ribs for a richer broth.
• Meatballs: Go with 80–85% lean ground pork for a juicy yet tender texture.

Balance the Broth

• Don’t overload on fish sauce; adjust gradually.
• Add a touch of sugar if needed for balance.
• Keep the broth at a gentle simmer not a rolling boil for clarity.

Enhance with Fresh Herbs

• Always add herbs at the last moment to preserve their aroma.
• Mix and match: mint, culantro, Thai basil, scallions, and cilantro all work well.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing Bun Moc

• Refrigeration: Keep noodles and broth separate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the broth and meatballs for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing noodles; cook fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Gently reheat broth and meatballs in a pot over medium heat.
• Microwave: Reheat meatballs separately and microwave broth in intervals.
• Fresh Garnishes: Always add herbs, lime, and sprouts only after reheating.

Health Benefits of Bun Moc Recipe

This dish is naturally gluten-free and low in oil, making it a clean and nourishing option for health-conscious eaters.

Bun Moc Recipe From DishBloom!

Bún Mọc Recipe

Bún Mọc is a traditional Vietnamese pork meatball noodle soup featuring a flavorful pork bone broth, tender pork meatballs mixed with wood ear mushrooms, Vietnamese pork sausage, and delicate rice vermicelli noodles. This comforting soup is easy to make at home and perfect for family meals or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vietnamese

Servings 4

Equipment

• Large stockpot or soup pot
• Mixing bowl
• Slotted spoon
• Ladle
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Strainer (for noodles)
• Medium bowl (for soaking mushrooms)

Ingredients

  

• For the broth:
• 2 lbs pork bones neck or leg bones
• 1 onion halved
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger smashed
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• Salt to taste
• For the meatballs:
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms soaked and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 egg optional, for binding
• Additional toppings:
• 1/2 lb Vietnamese pork sausage cha lua, sliced
• 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles bún, cooked
• Fresh herbs: cilantro Thai basil, green onions
• Bean sprouts optional
• Lime wedges
• Fried shallots optional

Instructions

 

• Simmer pork bones with onion and ginger for 1.5 hours to make broth.
• Mix ground pork, chopped soaked mushrooms, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and egg; form into meatballs.
• Cook meatballs in simmering broth for 10 minutes; add sliced pork sausage to warm through.
• Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions.
• Serve noodles in bowls, ladle broth with meatballs and sausage over top, garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.
  

Notes

For a clearer broth, blanch pork bones in boiling water for 5 minutes before simmering.

If you prefer a stronger broth, simmer bones longer or add additional aromatics like star anise.

Wood ear mushrooms add texture but can be substituted with shiitake mushrooms if unavailable.

Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for 1 month.

Adjust seasoning with fish sauce and salt at the end to your taste preference.

Serve with chili sauce for a spicy kick.

Keyword Bún Mọc recipe, easy Vietnamese soup, pork bone broth soup, Vietnamese noodle soup, Vietnamese pork meatball soup

Conclusion

So, there you have it a complete, easy-to-follow Bun Moc recipe that’s as heartwarming as it is hassle-free. With just a few ingredients and a bit of love, you can bring the soul of Vietnamese cuisine into your home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and simplicity.

If you loved this recipe, make sure to check out our other Vietnamese favorites like Pho Ga, Bun Bo Hue, and Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Got questions or want to share your Bun Moc Recipe success story? Drop a comment below we love hearing from you!

FAQs: Bun Moc Recipe

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Bún Mọc Recipe

🥢 Share Your Twist!

Every home cook adds their own flavor to a classic dish and we’d love to see how you make this Bun Moc recipe uniquely yours!

Do you sneak in a dash of hoisin? Add extra chili for that fiery kick? Swap the pork meatballs with tofu or seafood for a twist? Maybe you’ve got a family-secret ingredient passed down through generations?

📸 Snap a photo of your Bun Moc creation, post it on Instagram or Pinterest, and tag us @YourFoodBlogName we might just feature your version in our next recipe roundup!

💬 Or leave a comment below sharing:

• Your favorite variation
• Any ingredient substitutions you love
• Tips for first-timers trying Bun Moc

Let’s turn this recipe into a community experience your version might inspire the next great bowl! 🍜

References :

Barbecued Roast Beef on a Bun

Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone Cake Recipe

Optavia Lean And Green Recipe