International Cuisine > Vietnamese Cuisine > Rice Dishes (Vietnamese) > Com Tam (Broken Rice) Recipe

Com Tam: Authentic Vietnamese Broken Rice

Discover the authentic flavors of Vietnam with this classic Com Tam (Broken Rice) recipe. This dish features fragrant broken rice served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, a steamed egg meatloaf, and a variety of fresh accompaniments. Follow our detailed instructions to recreate this iconic Vietnamese meal at home.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Broken Rice (Com Tam)
  • 4 Pork Chops
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
  • 2 Green Onions
  • 1 cup Pickled Vegetables (Do Chua)
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Pork Skin (Bi)
  • 4 slices Steamed Egg Meatloaf (Cha Trung)
  • 4 Fried Egg
  • as needed Sliced Tomatoes and Cucumbers
  • as needed Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

Preparing the Pork Chop Marinade

In a bowl, combine sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. This marinade will infuse the pork chops with a savory and slightly sweet flavor that is characteristic of Com Tam.

Marinating the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops in the marinade and ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for a few hours. The longer the pork chops marinate, the more flavorful they will become.

Cooking the Broken Rice

Rinse the broken rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Cook the rice according to your rice cooker's instructions or on the stovetop with a 1:1.5 rice to water ratio. Once cooked, fluff with a fork.

Grilling the Pork Chops

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as the pork chops can become dry. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assembling the Com Tam

On each plate, arrange a serving of broken rice. Add a grilled pork chop, a portion of shredded pork skin (Bi), a slice of steamed egg meatloaf (Cha Trung), and a fried egg. Garnish with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled vegetables (Do Chua), and chopped green onions.

Serving the Com Tam

Serve the Com Tam immediately with a side of Nuoc Cham dipping sauce. The Nuoc Cham adds a tangy, sweet, and spicy element that complements the other flavors of the dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
Protein: 15-20g
Fat: 8-12g
Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

Consider using leaner cuts of pork to reduce fat content. Adjust the amount of sugar and fish sauce to control sodium levels. Serving with a generous portion of fresh vegetables can increase the fiber and vitamin content of the dish. The Nuoc Cham dipping sauce can be high in sodium, so use sparingly.

← Che Dau Trang (Vietnamese Sweet Sticky Rice with Black-Eyed Peas) Crispy Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls (Cha Gio) →

FAQ

  • What is broken rice?

    Broken rice is fragments of rice grains that are broken during milling. It cooks more quickly than whole rice grains and has a slightly different texture.
  • Where can I find broken rice?

    Broken rice can be found in most Asian grocery stores. Some larger supermarkets may also carry it.
  • Can I use regular rice instead of broken rice?

    Yes, you can use regular rice, but the texture will be different. Com Tam is traditionally made with broken rice, which gives it a unique texture.
  • What is Nuoc Cham?

    Nuoc Cham is a Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, and chili. It's a staple condiment in Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Can I make the Bi (shredded pork skin) at home?

    Yes, you can make Bi at home, but it's a time-consuming process. It involves boiling, skinning, and shredding pork skin. It's often easier to purchase pre-made Bi from an Asian grocery store.