Vietnamese Vermicelli, also known as “Bún,” is a quintessential dish in Vietnamese cuisine, loved for its lightness, freshness, and blend of flavors. This dish is a harmonious mix of rice noodles, fresh vegetables, herbs, and often includes a protein – typically grilled pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. It’s all brought together with a flavorful Vietnamese dipping sauce (nước chấm) that ties the flavors together. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make Vietnamese Vermicelli at home.
Ingredients:
For the Bowl:
200g rice vermicelli noodles
200g protein of choice (pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 cucumber, julienned
A handful of fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
Lettuce leaves, roughly chopped
Bean sprouts (optional)
Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Marinade (if using meat or tofu):
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce (use soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
For the Nước Chấm (Dipping Sauce):
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 red chili, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
2/3 cup water
Instructions:
Prepare the Protein:
If using meat or tofu, combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, add your protein, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook your protein accordingly. For meats, grilling or pan-frying until cooked through is ideal. For tofu, pan-frying until golden on all sides is recommended.
Cook the Vermicelli:
Boil the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, usually just a few minutes. Then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:
Julienne the carrot and cucumber. Chop the herbs and lettuce. Arrange these, along with bean sprouts if using, in serving bowls for assembly.
Make the Nước Chấm:
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, sliced chili, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Adjust to taste; it should be a balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy.
Assemble the Bowls:
Place a portion of the cooked vermicelli at the bottom of each bowl. Arrange the protein, vegetables, and herbs on top. Garnish with crushed peanuts.
Serve:
Serve the bowls with lime wedges and the nước chấm on the side. Diners can add the dipping sauce to their bowl according to their taste, mixing everything together to enjoy a burst of flavors.
Vietnamese Vermicelli bowls are highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the types of vegetables, the protein, and the level of heat in the dipping sauce to suit your taste. This dish is not only delicious but also presents a beautiful array of colors and textures, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese Vermicelli!
Tips for Perfecting Your Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl
Protein Choices: The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. If you’re using meat, pork shoulder or chicken thigh are great choices because they stay juicy when grilled or pan-fried. For a seafood version, prawns are a popular option. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess water for a firmer texture that soaks up the marinade better.
Freshness is Key: The essence of a great Vietnamese Vermicelli bowl is in the freshness of its ingredients. Use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and crunch. Common herbs include mint, cilantro, and basil, but you can also add perilla leaves or Vietnamese coriander (rau răm) if available.
Balance Your Flavors: The nước chấm dipping sauce is central to bringing the entire dish together. It should have a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Taste as you go and adjust the ingredients as needed. If it’s too strong, add a bit more water; if it’s too mild, adjust the fish sauce or lime juice.
Texture Contrast: What makes this dish stand out is the contrast in textures. The softness of the vermicelli, the crunch from the vegetables, the chewiness of the protein, and the nuts’ crunch create a delightful eating experience. Don’t skip the garnishes like crushed peanuts or fried shallots for that extra texture.
Serving Suggestions: Vietnamese Vermicelli bowls are often served as a complete meal, but they can also be a part of a larger spread. Serve alongside spring rolls or a fresh salad for a more substantial meal. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, especially during warmer weather.
Customization Ideas
Vegetarian and Vegan Variants: For a vegetarian or vegan version, use tofu as the protein and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, like the sugar, are suitable for your dietary preferences.
Spice Level Adjustments: The spice level in this dish can easily be adjusted to suit individual tastes. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the chili from the nước chấm. If you love spice, add extra chili or even a dollop of chili sauce on the side.
Experiment with Vegetables: While carrot, cucumber, and lettuce are traditional, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for a twist. The goal is to include a variety of colors and textures.
Vietnamese Vermicelli is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s satisfying yet light, perfect for any day of the year. Its adaptability makes it a favorite for cooks of all levels and preferences. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or make it your own with various proteins and vegetables, the key to a great Bún dish lies in the freshness of its components and the balance of flavors in the nước chấm. Enjoy crafting your own Vietnamese Vermicelli bowl and explore the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine!
