🇻🇳 Vietnam · Food
Steamed Pork Meatloaf (Cha Trung Hap)
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇻🇳 VNAI-generated imageA delightful home-style comfort food where seasoned minced pork is mixed with wood ear mushrooms and glass noodles, then steamed until set. It is topped with a thin egg layer for a vibrant golden finish.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Soak 20g glass noodles and 10g dried mushrooms in hot water for 15 minutes, then finely chop.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix 300g minced pork with chopped mushrooms, glass noodles, 30g shallots, and 1 tbsp fish sauce.
- 3
Crack 2 eggs into the mixture, adding 0.5 tsp sugar and 0.5 tsp black pepper; mix thoroughly until well combined.
- 4
Pour the mixture into a heatproof bowl or small square baking tin.
- 5
Place the tin inside a steamer over boiling water and steam on medium-high heat for 20 minutes.
- 6
Whisk the remaining egg and pour it gently over the surface of the set loaf.
- 7
Steam for another 5 minutes until the golden yellow egg layer is cooked through.
- 8
Tip: Use a skewer to test the center; if it comes out clean, your meatloaf is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cha Trung Hap?+
Cha Trung Hap is a Vietnamese steamed meatloaf made from a mixture of minced pork, eggs, wood ear mushrooms, glass noodles, and seasonings. It is typically served as a savory component of a rice plate or as part of a multi-course family meal.
Can I replace pork?+
Yes, you can use ground chicken, though pork provides a more traditional fatty mouthfeel.
What if I don't have a steamer?+
You can use a large pot with a small rack inside and enough boiling water to sit the bowl on.
Is the egg layer necessary?+
It serves as the signature look and provides a delicate, soft top texture.
Why use wood ear mushrooms?+
They offer a unique crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pork meatloaf.
🇻🇳 VNAI-generated imageMundo Match
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