1. Cooking the Broken Rice:
- Rinse the broken rice thoroughly and cook it in a rice cooker or on the stove until tender. The rice should be fluffy and slightly chewy.
2. Preparing the Toppings:
- Marinate the pork chops in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and lemongrass for at least 30 minutes. Grill the pork until charred and cooked through.
- Mix shredded pork skin with cooked pork, toasted rice powder, and seasonings.
- Combine ground pork, mung bean noodles, mushrooms, and eggs to make the steamed egg meatloaf. Steam until firm and cooked through.
- Marinate and grill the shrimp.
- Prepare the pickled vegetables by soaking julienned carrots and daikon in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
3. Assembling the Dish:
- Place a generous portion of broken rice on a plate.
- Arrange the grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, grilled shrimp, and pickled vegetables on top of the rice.
- Add fresh cucumber slices, lettuce, and herbs around the plate.
- Top with a fried egg and drizzle with Nước Chấm.
Cơm Tấm literally translates to "broken rice." It is made from fractured rice grains that are a byproduct of the milling process. These rice grains are shorter and have a unique texture that absorbs flavors well. Cơm Tấm is typically served with a variety of toppings, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Cơm Tấm, or broken rice, is a beloved Vietnamese dish known for its humble origins and diverse toppings. Traditionally a dish of the working class, Cơm Tấm has evolved into a popular meal enjoyed by all, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. At Vị Hanoi, we proudly serve authentic Cơm Tấm, staying true to its rich culinary heritage. Here’s an overview of Cơm Tấm and what makes it such a cherished dish in Vietnamese cuisine.
The Essence of Cơm Tấm
Ingredients and Toppings
Preparation
The key to a delicious Cơm Tấm lies in the quality of its rice and the assortment of flavorful toppings. Here are the main components:
Creating Cơm Tấm involves several steps, each contributing to the overall harmony of the dish:
Experience Authentic Cơm Tấm at Vị Hanoi
At Vị Hanoi, we are dedicated to bringing you the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Our Cơm Tấm is made with the finest ingredients and traditional methods, ensuring a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, Cơm Tấm is a perfect way to experience the diversity and richness of Vietnamese food.
- Broken Rice (Cơm Tấm): The foundation of the dish is the broken rice, which is cooked until tender. It has a slightly chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the various toppings.
- Grilled Pork Chop (Sườn Nướng): One of the most popular toppings for Cơm Tấm is grilled pork chop. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and lemongrass, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
- Shredded Pork Skin (Bì): Shredded pork skin mixed with cooked and shredded pork, toasted rice powder, and seasonings adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Steamed Egg Meatloaf (Chả Trứng): This savory meatloaf is made from ground pork, mung bean noodles, mushrooms, and eggs, then steamed until firm. It adds a hearty component to the meal.
- Grilled Shrimp (Tôm Nướng): Another popular topping is grilled shrimp, marinated and grilled to add a seafood option to the dish.
- Pickled Vegetables (Đồ Chua): Pickled carrots and daikon radish provide a tangy crunch that complements the savory components of the dish.
- Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: Fresh cucumber slices, lettuce, and herbs such as cilantro and scallions add freshness and balance to the meal.
- Fried Egg (Trứng Ốp La): A sunny-side-up fried egg is often added on top, adding richness to the dish.
- Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm): A quintessential part of the dish, Nước Chấm is a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. It ties all the components together with its sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.