Authentic Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls: A Flavorful Journey to Southeast Asia

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of vermicelli noodles
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 4 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili, finely sliced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1 small cucumber, julienned
  • 2 handfuls of fresh mint leaves
  • 2 handfuls of fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves
  • 1 handful of roasted peanuts, crushed

Steps and instructions

  1. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. While the noodles are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove from heat and cut into thin slices.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This is your Nuoc Cham sauce.
  4. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, julienned carrot, cucumber, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts.
  5. Drizzle the Nuoc Cham sauce over the top of each bowl just before serving. Enjoy your Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option.
  • Add sliced beef or pork instead of chicken for a different protein variation.
  • Incorporate different vegetables such as bell peppers, bean sprouts, or shredded lettuce.
  • Add sliced avocado or mango for a creamy and fruity twist.
  • Try different herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, or mint.
  • Add a splash of soy sauce or hoisin sauce to the Nuoc Cham sauce for extra flavor.
  • For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the Nuoc Cham sauce.
  • Include crushed garlic or ginger in the marinade for the chicken or protein of your choice.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles, such as rice stick noodles or soba noodles.
  • For a crunchy texture, add crushed rice crackers or fried onions on top.

Recipe overview

This Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl recipe brings together the fresh flavors of herbs, vegetables, and the tangy-sweetness of a traditional Nuoc Cham sauce. The vermicelli noodles serve as a light and fluffy base, topped with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables. The fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili create an irresistible dressing that ties all the elements together. This recipe, with its vibrant flavors and varied textures, is a beautiful representation of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you're new to Vietnamese food or a long-time fan, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It's a relatively quick and simple dish to prepare, yet it's packed full of flavor and freshness. Enjoy the process of creating this dish and the delightful taste journey it offers.

Common questions

  1. How do I cook the vermicelli noodles?
    Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. How do I cook the chicken?
    Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove from heat and cut into thin slices.
  3. What is Nuoc Cham sauce?
    Nuoc Cham sauce is a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and sliced chili. It adds a tangy and savory flavor to the vermicelli bowls.
  4. How do I assemble the bowls?
    To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, julienned carrot, cucumber, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts.
  5. When should I drizzle the Nuoc Cham sauce?
    Drizzle the Nuoc Cham sauce over the top of each bowl just before serving to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for cooking the vermicelli noodles
  • Pan - for cooking the chicken breasts
  • Small bowl - for mixing the Nuoc Cham sauce
  • Knife - for slicing the chicken, herbs, and vegetables
  • Cutting board - for chopping and preparing ingredients
  • Tongs - for flipping and handling the chicken while cooking
  • Colander - for draining the cooked noodles
  • Vegetable peeler - for julienning the carrot and cucumber
  • Serving bowls - for assembling and serving the vermicelli bowls
  • Serving spoons - for drizzling the Nuoc Cham sauce over the bowls

Origin stories

Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls, or Bun, as it's known in Vietnam, have a fascinating origin. The vermicelli noodle, a key ingredient in this dish, was introduced to Vietnam by Chinese immigrants nearly 2,000 years ago. However, it was the Vietnamese who gave the noodle a new identity by incorporating local flavors and ingredients. The dish soon became a staple in Vietnam, consumed by people from all walks of life, from rice farmers to city dwellers. One unique characteristic of Bun is its flexibility. It can be served with a variety of toppings, from grilled meats and fresh vegetables to an array of herbs, enabling each region, and indeed, each household, to have its own distinct version. This embodiment of versatility mirrors the Vietnamese philosophy of balance and harmony, as the dish beautifully balances different textures and flavors - the softness of noodles, the crunchiness of vegetables, and the tanginess of the sauce.

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.