Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh and healthy ingredients, bold flavors, and a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. One of the popular dishes that showcase the essence of Vietnamese cuisine is the Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl.

This refreshing salad bowl features rice vermicelli noodles, grilled chicken or shrimp, fresh herbs, shredded lettuce, pickled carrots, and a tangy dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal option for a healthy summer dinner.

Why Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl is the best for healthy summer dinner recipes Asian?

Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl is the perfect dish for a healthy summer dinner for several reasons. Firstly, the dish is loaded with fresh herbs and vegetables, such as lettuce, mint, cilantro, and pickled carrots, which are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins.

Secondly, the rice vermicelli noodles used in the dish are gluten-free, low in calories, and a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing a steady supply of energy. Thirdly, the grilled chicken or shrimp adds a healthy dose of protein to the dish, which helps in building and repairing muscles. Lastly, the dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili is not only delicious but also provides a burst of flavor without adding excess calories or fat.

How to Make Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl?

To make Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl, you will need the following

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 pound of chicken breast or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 head of lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup of bean sprouts
• 1 cup of pickled carrots (see recipe below)
• 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts, chopped
• A handful of fresh herbs, such as mint and cilantro

Dressing

• 1/4 cup of fish sauce
• 1/4 cup of lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai chilies, minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
2. If using chicken breast, slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. If using shrimp, leave them whole. Season the chicken or shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken or shrimp until they are cooked through and no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes per side for the chicken and 2-3 minutes per side for the shrimp.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice vermicelli noodles, shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, pickled carrots, and fresh herbs.
5. Divide the noodle mixture among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken or shrimp.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and minced Thai chilies (if using) until the sugar has dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the bowls and sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pickled Carrots Recipe

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of carrots, julienned

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Add the julienned carrots to a large jar or container with a lid.
4. Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the carrots, making sure they are completely submerged.
5. Cover the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
6. Drain the pickled carrots before using in the Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl.

Helpful Tips

• To save time, you can marinate the chicken or shrimp overnight in the refrigerator.
• You can substitute the chicken or shrimp with tofu for a vegetarian option.
• To make the dish even healthier, you can use brown rice vermicelli noodles instead of white rice noodles.
• If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce.

FAQ’s

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken or shrimp?

Yes, you can use beef, pork, or even fish as a protein source.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the bowl and drizzle the dressing over it.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can use other types of rice noodles, such as glass noodles or rice sticks.

Freezing

Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl is not a suitable dish for freezing because the fresh herbs and vegetables may wilt and lose their flavor and texture.

Storage

You can store the leftover Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, the fresh herbs and vegetables may wilt and lose their flavor, so it’s best to store the ingredients separately and assemble the bowl.

Nutritional Information

Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving of Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl (based on a recipe that serves four people):

• Calories: 400-500
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
• Fiber: 5-7 grams
• Sodium: 800-1000 mg

The dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium, among other essential nutrients. However, the nutritional information may vary depending on the ingredients used and the serving size.

Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl is a delicious, healthy, and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer dinner. It’s easy to make, customizable, and provides a variety of essential nutrients. By following the helpful tips and nutritional information provided in this article, you can enjoy this flavorful dish without compromising your health goals.