Flavorful Vietnamese Com Tam
A vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese classic, Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice) is a comforting and satisfying dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. This dish features tender broken rice topped with a savory mixture of marinated and grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. The result is a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Cơm Tấm has a long and storied history in Vietnamese cuisine, dating back to the early days of rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta. Broken rice, once considered a byproduct of the milling process, was traditionally used as animal feed. However, resourceful Vietnamese farmers discovered that by soaking and cooking broken rice, they could create a surprisingly flavorful and versatile dish. Over time, Cơm Tấm evolved into a beloved street food and a staple of Vietnamese home cooking, enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Flavorful Vietnamese Com Tam Flavorful Vietnamese Com Tam Flavorful Vietnamese Com Tam Flavorful Vietnamese Com Tam
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped daikon radish
  • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
  1. Cook the rice according to the package directions.
  2. While the rice is cooking, marinate the tofu in the soy sauce for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until it is browned on all sides.
  4. Add the carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onion, and cilantro to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
  5. Serve the rice and tofu over the vegetables.
  6. Enjoy!
Why It Works
  • The broken rice used in Cơm Tấm has a unique texture that is both chewy and absorbent, making it the perfect canvas for the flavorful toppings.
  • Marinating the pork in a savory mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and shallots infuses it with a deep and complex flavor.
  • Grilling the pork adds a smoky and caramelized layer to the meat, creating a delightful contrast to the tender rice.
  • The pickled vegetables provide a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the meat, balancing the flavors of the dish.
  • The fish sauce dressing adds a umami-rich and slightly salty element, bringing all the components of the dish together.