Authentic Vietnamese Bo Bun Recipe: A Refreshing and Hearty Rice Noodle Salad

Ingredients

  • 200g of rice vermicelli
  • 150g of beef sirloin
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 handful of bean sprouts
  • 1 bunch of fresh mint
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
  • 1 handful of crushed peanuts
  • 4 spring rolls
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 red chili
  • 1 lime
  • 4 tablespoons of cooking oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Cook the rice vermicelli according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water and set aside.
  2. Slice the beef sirloin into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Peel and cut the cucumber and carrots into thin strips.
  4. Rinse the bean sprouts, mint, and cilantro. Chop the mint and cilantro leaves.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, finely chopped garlic and chili, and lime juice until the sugar dissolves to make the sauce.
  6. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until it's browned and cooked to your liking.
  7. Cut the spring rolls into slices.
  8. To assemble the bowls, start with a base of rice vermicelli. Add a portion of beef, cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts, spring rolls, mint, and cilantro.
  9. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the top and drizzle with the prepared sauce.

Tools for making

  • Pot - For cooking the rice vermicelli
  • Knife - For slicing the beef sirloin, cucumber, and carrots
  • Chopping board - To use with the knife for chopping and slicing
  • Small bowl - For mixing the sauce ingredients
  • Pan - To cook the beef sirloin
  • Tongs - For stirring and flipping the beef
  • Serving bowls - To assemble the bo bun
  • Serving spoons - For serving the bo bun

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the beef sirloin with tofu or tempeh marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil.
  • Seafood Bo Bun: Substitute the beef with shrimp, grilled fish, or squid.
  • Chicken Bo Bun: Use grilled or stir-fried chicken instead of beef.
  • Pork Bo Bun: Swap the beef with thinly sliced pork tenderloin or pork belly.
  • Gluten-free Option: Replace the regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
  • Spicy Bo Bun: Add extra chili or chili sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicier kick.
  • Vegetable Bo Bun: Omit the meat altogether and load up on different types of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Crunchy Bo Bun: Add some crispy fried shallots or crushed rice crackers on top for extra texture.

Recipe overview

Bo Bun is a popular Vietnamese salad packed with fresh flavors and diverse textures. This simple yet delicious dish features rice vermicelli topped with stir-fried beef, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts, all brought together with a tangy and slightly spicy sauce. This recipe will guide you through the process of making a bowl of Bo Bun at home. Expect to be delighted by the blend of savory beef, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables, contrasted with soft rice vermicelli and the nutty flavor of peanuts. The spring rolls add a surprising twist to the salad, making it even more enjoyable. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned connoisseur, this Bo Bun recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the rice vermicelli? Cook the rice vermicelli according to the package instructions, which usually takes around 6-8 minutes.
  2. What can I substitute for beef sirloin? You can substitute beef sirloin with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu according to your preference.
  3. Can I use other vegetables for the toppings? Yes, you can use other vegetables such as lettuce, bell peppers, or radishes as toppings based on your taste.
  4. Can I make the sauce in advance? Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  5. How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red chili according to your preference.
  6. Can I use pre-made spring rolls? Yes, you can use pre-made spring rolls. Just cut them into slices before adding them as a topping.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Bo bun, a delectable dish containing fresh herbs, vegetables, vermicelli rice noodles, beef, and spring rolls, cradles its origins in the heart of Vietnam. Curiously, despite its popularity in Western Vietnamese restaurants, the dish is relatively unknown in Vietnam itself, except in the form of Bún chả, a variation where grilled pork and herbs are served with a side of dipping sauce, more commonly found in the Northern part of the country. Legend has it that Vietnamese immigrants brought the dish to France during the period of French colonization, where it evolved to adapt to local tastes, hence the addition of spring rolls, which are not traditionally part of the original dish. This fusion of cultures, a true embodiment of the historical ties between France and Vietnam, resulted in the Bo Bun we relish today, making it a lovely symbol of culinary evolution and adaptation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.