Vietnamese Ground Pork Omelette Cha Trung Chien Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s an easy way to combine the comfort of a classic omelette with the bold, savory flavors of ground pork and fish sauce. Plus, it’s a fun twist on breakfast that feels both nostalgic and exciting, delivering a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for any time of day!

For its rich flavors and rapid assembly, I adore the Vietnamese Ground Pork Omelette, known as Cha Trung Chien. It has 4 large eggs and 200 grams of ground pork, which makes it nothing but a protein-powerhouse of a meal.

The omelette is scented with the sweet intellect of an onion (green, of course) and the umami essence of fish sauce—that ingredient that elevates much Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients

Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, and they contain many vitamins and minerals, making them a very nutritious food.

Pork, ground: Contributes protein and flavor to the dish.

Green onions: Provide a sweet, delicate taste and a nice burst of color.

Fish Sauce: Boosts umami and deepens the savory flavor of the omelette.

Soy Sauce: Adds flavor with a touch of salty umami.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 4 large eggs
• 200 grams ground pork
• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, the 4 large eggs are cracked and beaten until well blended.

2. Add the beaten eggs to the ground pork and mix thoroughly.

3. Thoroughly mix in the carefully minced green onions and finely diced onion so that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

4. Mix well after seasoning the mixture with fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.

5. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium-sized non-stick skillet over medium heat.

6. Pour half of the mixture comprised of egg and pork into the skillet, spreading it evenly across the surface.

7. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the bottom is golden brown.

8. The omelette should be flipped and cooked for an additional 4-5 minutes to ensure that it is completely done.

9. Remove the cooked omelette from the plate and carry out steps 5-8 with the rest of the egg mixer.

10. Warm servings of the omelettes are garnished, if desired, with more chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Fork or whisk
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Medium-sized non-stick skillet
7. Spatula
8. Plate

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground pork?You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the flavor might vary slightly.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?You could attempt using tofu that has been crumbled or a substitute for meat that is based on plants.
• Q: What can I serve with this omelette?It matches nicely with rice that has been steamed and a serving of vegetables that have been pickled.
• Q: Can I make this omelette in advance?Leftovers are best eaten fresh, but if you must keep them, store them in the refrigerator and enjoy them the next day.
• Q: Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?Fish sauce lends true-to-form flavor, but soy sauce can serve as a last-minute stand-in.
• Q: How do I know when the omelette is cooked through?A: Check that the eggs have set before flipping or folding. You want the bottom to be golden brown, and the eggs should be firm enough to maintain their shape once you turn them.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to the omelette?Certainly, you can add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Substitutions and Variations

Four large eggs can be substituted with one cup of egg substitute mix or one cup of silken tofu blended if vegan.
Two hundred grams of ground pork: Use ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or tempeh.
2 stalks green onions, finely chopped: Use chives or finely chopped leeks in their place.
1 tablespoon fish sauce: Use a combination of soy sauce, some drops of lime juice, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian option.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Mix Marination Before mixing the pork with the eggs, marinate the ground pork with the fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall taste.

2. Aerate the Eggs When beating the eggs, use a whisk to incorporate some air into them. This will make the omelette fluffier and give it a light texture, which pairs well with the dense pork filling.

3. Consistent Cooking Use a good non-stick skillet evenly coated with oil, and ensure your skillet is at the right temperature before pouring in the egg mixture. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking, resulting in a perfectly golden-brown omelette.

4. Distribute Ingredients Evenly When mixing the ingredients together, ensure that both the onions and pork are evenly distributed in the egg mixture. This provides consistent flavor and texture throughout the omelette.

5. Resting Time After cooking each omelette, let it rest for a minute or so. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the omelette easier to slice and serve without crumbling.