Com Tam — Broken Rice
Experience the explosion of flavors and textures in Com Tam, a Saigon street food staple. Grilled meats, broken rice, and fresh herbs create a symphony of taste that will transport you to Vietnam.
Savor the vibrant flavors of Saigon with Com Tam, a beloved street food featuring grilled meats, flavorful broken rice, and fresh herbs. A textural and savory d
Achieve the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in the grilled pork.
The fit, timing, and key move are all here. If it is a yes, go straight into cook mode.
Experience the explosion of flavors and textures in Com Tam, a Saigon street food staple. Grilled meats, broken rice, and fresh herbs create a symphony of taste that will transport you to Vietnam.
Set your units, then drop the ingredients into grocery if this is happening later.
What matters before the pan gets hot
The shortest path to understanding the dish, the key move, and whether tonight is the right time to cook it.
The Hook
**The secret to great Com Tam is the marinade for the grilled meat; don't skimp on the fish sauce and sugar!**
The Technique
Marinating the meat in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and aromatics not only infuses it with flavor but also helps to tenderize it. The sugar caramelizes during grilling, creating a beautiful crust and adding a touch of sweetness that balances the savory fish sauce.
The History
Com Tam, meaning 'broken rice,' originated in Southern Vietnam, particularly Saigon. It emerged as a resourceful way to utilize fractured rice grains, a byproduct of rice milling, transforming them into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Food Facts
Sourced notes. Tap to verify.
An emulsion is a stable mixture of two liquids that normally do not mix, like oil and water. Many dressings and sauces rely on emulsifiers and whisking to hold that texture.
Savor the vibrant flavors of Saigon with Com Tam, a beloved street food featuring grilled meats, flavorful broken rice, and fresh herbs. A textural and savory d
Nutrition per Serving
Estimated valuesSatiety
Data estimatedTechnique, context, and fallback plans
The reason the method works, the prep you can do early, and what to change if the dish starts drifting.
Com Tam, or broken rice, is more than just a dish; it's a culinary tapestry woven from the vibrant streets of Saigon. Imagine the sizzle of marinated pork hitting the grill, its smoky aroma mingling with the sweet fragrance of caramelized fish sauce. This isn't just about grilling meat; it's about capturing the essence of Vietnamese street food culture in every bite.
The beauty of Com Tam lies in its imperfections. The 'broken' rice, a byproduct of the milling process, offers a unique textural experience – a delightful contrast to the tender grilled meats and crisp pickled vegetables. It's a reminder that even in brokenness, there is beauty and flavor to be discovered.
Each element of Com Tam plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. The savory grilled pork, the sweet and tangy fish sauce, the refreshing herbs, and the slightly nutty rice all come together to create a culinary experience that is both comforting and exhilarating. It's a dish that awakens the senses and transports you to the bustling streets of Saigon, where food is a celebration of life.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Vietnam. With each bite of Com Tam, you'll taste the history, the culture, and the passion that make this dish a true Saigon classic.
Pork is burning on the grill.
Reduce the heat or move the pork to a cooler part of the grill.
Rice is too mushy.
Use less water when cooking the rice.
Set up, cook, and remember what worked
The mise, the method, your notes, and the next recipes to master after this one lands.
The Setup
- Rice Cooker
- Grill
The Mise en Place
5 of 10Your prep station before cooking begins
PREPARE
Prep aheadRinse the broken rice (2 cups) under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
COMBINE
Prep aheadIn a bowl, combine the sliced pork shoulder (1000 g) with fish sauce (¼ cups), sugar (2 tbsp), minced garlic (4 cloves), and minced shallot (50 g). Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Aromatic marinade
COOK
Cook the broken rice (2 cups) according to package instructions or in a rice cooker.
Rice is fluffy and cooked through
GRILL
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with vegetable oil (2 tbsp) to prevent sticking.
GRILL
Time-sensitiveGrill the marinated pork for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook.
Pork is slightly charred with grill marks • Smoky aroma
ASSEMBLE
Serve the broken rice (2 cups) topped with grilled pork, sliced cucumber (200 g), pickled vegetables (1 cup) (optional), and fresh herbs (1 cup).
Service Log
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Clean slate.
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