Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Fragrant Vietnamese Cao Lau with Pork and Herbs

Name: Fragrant Vietnamese Cao Lau with Pork and Herbs
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: pork loin, 300g — thinly sliced; soy sauce, 2 tbsp; fish sauce, 1 tbsp; brown sugar, 1 tsp; garlic, 1 clove — minced; five-spice powder, 1 tsp; chicken stock, 500 ml; onion, 1 — quartered; star anise, 2; cinnamon stick, 1; salt, to taste; cao lau noodles (or rice noodles), 400g; mineral water, 1 cup; bean sprouts, 1 cup; mint leaves, 1/2 cup; basil leaves, 1/2 cup; coriander leaves, 1/4 cup

Cao Lau is a unique Vietnamese noodle dish from the Quang Nam province, featuring tender marinated pork, chewy noodles, and a medley of fresh herbs that promises an authentic taste journey.

4.9(350 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 30, 2025

Fragrant Vietnamese Cao Lau with Pork and Herbs — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 10 min

Cook

3 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Broth

For the Noodles

For the Herb Mix

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 532 kcal
Protein: 24.75 g
Carbs: 84.75 g
Fat: 9.25 g
Fiber: 3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2127 kcal
Protein: 99 g
Carbs: 339 g
Fat: 37 g
Fiber: 12 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
pork loin 300g — thinly sliced	558	66	0	32	0
soy sauce 2 tbsp	18	2	1	0	0
fish sauce 1 tbsp	9	1	1	0	0
brown sugar 1 tsp	17	0	4	0	0
garlic 1 clove — minced	4	0	1	0	0
five-spice powder 1 tsp	6	0	1	0	1
chicken stock 500 ml	20	2	0	1	0
onion 1 — quartered	44	1	10	0	2
star anise 2	6	0	1	0	1
cinnamon stick 1	6	0	2	0	1
salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
cao lau noodles (or rice noodles) 400g	1400	24	312	4	4
mineral water 1 cup	0	0	0	0	0
bean sprouts 1 cup	31	3	6	0	2
mint leaves 1/2 cup	5	0	1	0	1
basil leaves 1/2 cup	2	0	0	0	0
coriander leaves 1/4 cup	1	0	0	0	0

These are estimated values and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Pork

1
Combine ingredients
In a bowl, combine pork slices with soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and five-spice powder.
2
Mix well
Mix well, ensuring all pork slices are covered.
3
Refrigerate
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Preparing the Broth

1
Combine ingredients
In a large pot, combine chicken stock, onion, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
2
Simmer
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Tip: Ensure the broth doesn’t boil vigorously to maintain flavor depth.
3
Strain
Allow to simmer for 30 minutes, then strain the solids.
Tip: Use a cheesecloth bag for easier removal of spices.

How to Make Fragrant Vietnamese Cao Lau with Pork and Herbs

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Soak the Noodles
Soak noodles in mineral water for 1-2 hours until pliable.
2
Cook the Pork
In a pan, sear marinated pork on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3
Blanch the Herbs
Briefly dip bean sprouts in hot broth for 30 seconds. Drain and set aside.