Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls (Bún) are the ultimate balance of savory, sweet, sour, and umami flavors, featuring a base of vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. The dish is often topped with grilled meats or tofu, making it customizable for any dietary preference. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for those who want a light yet satisfying meal that’s packed with textures and flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
For the Vermicelli Bowl:
200g (about 7 oz) rice vermicelli noodles
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cucumber, julienned
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh Thai basil, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
1/4 cup fried shallots (optional, for garnish)
For the Protein (Optional, Vegan or Vegetarian Option):
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed (or substitute with grilled chicken, pork, or beef)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free version)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sugar)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
For the Dressing (Nuoc Cham):
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free version)
1/4 cup water
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small Thai chili or red pepper (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon grated carrots (optional, for sweetness and texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Cook the Vermicelli Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside.
2.Prepare the Protein (Tofu or Meat):
If using tofu: Cut the tofu into small cubes. In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Add the tofu cubes and toss them gently to coat. Let the tofu marinate for at least 10-15 minutes.
If using grilled meat: Simply grill your choice of protein (chicken, pork, or beef) and slice it into thin strips for the bowl.
3.Prepare the Fresh Vegetables:
Shred the carrots and julienne the cucumber into thin strips. These add a fresh crunch to your vermicelli bowl.
Chop the fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, and Thai basil, if using). These will provide a burst of fragrance and flavor to balance the other ingredients.
4.Make the Nuoc Cham Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, and chili (if using). Taste the dressing and adjust the flavor with more sugar, lime, or soy sauce as needed. The dressing should be tangy, savory, and slightly sweet.
For an extra touch, you can add some grated carrots to the dressing for added texture and sweetness.
5.Cook the Tofu (if using):
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the marinated tofu cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
6.Assemble the Vermicelli Bowls:
Divide the cooked vermicelli noodles evenly between bowls.
Top with the shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, basil), and cooked tofu or your choice of protein.
Drizzle the nuoc cham dressing generously over the top, making sure to coat everything evenly.
7.Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and fried shallots for extra flavor and crunch (optional).
Serve with additional lime wedges and fresh chili slices if desired.
Toss everything together right before eating to combine all the delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Add Pickled Vegetables: For extra tang and flavor, you can add pickled daikon and carrots, which are commonly used in Vietnamese Bún bowls.
Serve with Extra Herbs: Feel free to add extra fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, for added brightness and fragrance.
Top with Chili Sauce: If you like more spice, add a drizzle of chili sauce or sriracha on top of the bowl.
Serve as a Salad: If you prefer a lighter version, skip the noodles and turn the ingredients into a refreshing salad by serving everything on a bed of mixed greens.
Customizing Your Vermicelli Bowl
Add More Vegetables: This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or shredded cabbage for more texture and crunch.
Different Proteins: If you’re not into tofu, feel free to substitute it with grilled shrimp, chicken, or beef. Marinate and grill the protein of your choice with a little soy sauce and garlic for extra flavor.
Vegan Version: To make this dish fully vegan, be sure to use maple syrup and tofu, and avoid any animal-based proteins. The dressing is naturally vegan, making it easy to customize!
Tips for Perfect Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls
Make-Ahead Prep: You can prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time. The dressing can be made a day in advance, and the vegetables can be prepped earlier in the day. This makes the assembly process quick and easy when you’re ready to eat.
Flavor Adjustments: If the dressing is too tangy, add a little extra sugar to balance it out. If it’s too sweet, add more lime juice or vinegar.
Tofu Texture: For a firmer texture, use extra firm tofu and press it well before marinating. You can also bake the tofu for a crispy finish instead of pan-frying.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store the assembled vermicelli bowl (without the dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate.
Reheating: Tofu and meat can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh noodles and vegetables when you’re ready to assemble the bowl.
Nutritional Benefits of Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls
High in Fiber: The vermicelli noodles and fresh vegetables provide a good source of fiber to support digestion.
Packed with Vitamins: Fresh herbs and vegetables like carrots and cucumber are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall health.
Protein-Rich: Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, making the dish satisfying and filling, especially for vegans and vegetarians.
Low in Fat: The dish is naturally low in fat, especially if you limit the oil used for cooking the tofu or protein.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~350-400 (depending on the amount of oil used and choice of protein)
Protein: 12-15 grams (higher if using meat)
Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
Fat: 12-15 grams
Fiber: 5-6 grams
Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, from the fresh herbs and vegetables to the savory dressing and protein of your choice. This dish is easy to customize, whether you’re making it vegan, vegetarian, or with your favorite meat. It’s the perfect meal for warm weather, but it can be enjoyed year-round for a refreshing and satisfying meal!