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–+ servings
Vietnamese rice noodle bowl 1

Vietnamese Rice Noodle Bowl

This Vietnamese rice noodle bowl brings together the perfect balance of fresh, vibrant ingredients with minimal cooking time. Inspired by the traditional Vietnamese bún bowls, this recipe delivers authentic flavors without the complexity. The combination of delicate rice noodles, protein-packed toppings, and zesty nuoc cham dressing creates a meal that's not only satisfying but also adaptable to your dietary preferences.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 425 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Bowl

  • 8 oz thin rice vermicelli noodles banh hoi or bun
  • 1 lb protein of choice thinly sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for vegetarian option
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce substitute with soy sauce for vegetarian version
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cucumber julienned
  • 2 carrots julienned or grated
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons fried shallots

For the Nuoc Cham Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce for vegetarian
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice approximately 2 fresh limes
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 small red chili finely chopped (adjust to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Let the flavors meld for at least 10 minutes before serving.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the rice noodles. Let them soak according to package directions, usually 6-8 minutes for thin vermicelli. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add your protein of choice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook until the protein is thoroughly done – about 5-7 minutes for chicken or tofu, 3-4 minutes for shrimp.
  • While the protein cooks, arrange your prepped vegetables on a plate for easy assembly. The key is to cut everything into similar sizes for the perfect bite.
  • Start with a base of rice noodles (about 1 cup per serving). Arrange the cooked protein and prepared vegetables in separate sections around the bowl.
  • Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fried shallots. Add fresh herbs on top and serve with nuoc cham dressing on the side. For the authentic experience, each person should pour the dressing over their bowl right before eating and then mix everything together thoroughly.

Notes

Make the dressing a day ahead for even deeper flavor development. For meal prep, store all components separately and assemble just before eating. The dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free fish sauce or tamari.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSodium: 830mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9g
Keyword Rice Noodle Bowl, Vietnamese Food, Bun Bowl, Healthy Asian
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