John Washington
Vibrant Vietnamese Noodle Experience
Dive into a fusion of flavors with this delightful Vietnamese Noodle Salad, also known as “Bún Chay.” This refreshing dish combines the invigorating tang of pickled vegetables with the hearty texture of rice noodles, topped with aromatic herbs and a savory dressing. Ideal for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad is a testament to the balance and harmony of Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
– 200g rice vermicelli noodles
– 1 cup julienned carrots
– 1 cup julienned cucumbers
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
For the Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 bird’s eye chili, finely chopped (optional)
For Garnish:
– Lime wedges
– Extra herbs as desired
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the julienned carrots, cucumbers, shredded lettuce, mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves. Toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
4. Mix it Up: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.
5. Serve: Transfer the salad to serving bowls. Sprinkle each serving with chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch.
6. Garnish: Add lime wedges on the side and extra herbs on top for presentation and to enhance the flavors.
This Vibrant Vietnamese Noodle Salad bursts with fresh and zesty flavors, offering a delightful taste of Vietnam in every bite. Enjoy!
