The Vermicelli Noodle Bowl is a light and refreshing dish that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for warm days or when you’re in the mood for something vibrant and satisfying. This bowl features tender vermicelli rice noodles topped with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and savory proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Dressed with a tangy and slightly sweet Vietnamese-style fish sauce or soy-based dressing, this dish is a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also customizable to suit any dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
- For the Noodle Bowl:
- 8 oz vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- For the Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 bird’s eye chilies, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Vermicelli Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Protein:
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce (or additional soy sauce for vegetarian), honey, and minced garlic. Add the chicken, shrimp, or tofu, tossing to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated protein and cook until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes for chicken or tofu, and 2-3 minutes for shrimp.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, sugar, water, minced garlic, and sliced chilies. Adjust the flavors to taste, adding more lime or sugar as needed.
- Assemble the Noodle Bowl:
- Divide the cooked noodles among four bowls. Top with shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, julienned cucumber, carrot, and fresh herbs.
- Add the cooked protein on top, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the dressing over each bowl and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your Vermicelli Noodle Bowl, a delicious and refreshing meal that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine!
