Vietnamese Noodle Bowl (Bún) : A Fresh, Healthy, and Flavor-Packed Recipe for Every Home Cook

Looking for a refreshing, satisfying, and healthy meal that bursts with flavor? Say hello to your new favorite: the Vietnamese Noodle Bowl (or Bún). This traditional Vietnamese dish features delicate rice noodles, crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a savory protein—all drizzled with a sweet, tangy nước chấm dressing. It’s light, customizable, and naturally gluten-free.

Perfect for warm weather, weeknight meals, or even meal prep, this healthy Vietnamese noodle dish combines the ease of assembly with layers of taste and texture. Whether you’re diving into beginner Vietnamese cooking or an experienced home cook, this is a must-try in your recipe rotation.

Save

What Is a Vietnamese Noodle Bowl (Bún)?

Vietnamese Bún (pronounced “boon”) is a versatile, deconstructed noodle salad featuring rice vermicelli noodles topped with grilled meat or tofu, crisp vegetables like carrots and cucumbers, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and finished with a flavorful fish sauce-based dressing.

Unlike traditional hot noodle soups such as phở, this dish is served cool or room temperature, making it an excellent option for healthy bowls recipes and a refreshing alternative to heavier meals.

If you enjoy customizable dishes like our Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or Cucumber Dill Salad, this one will fit right into your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Vietnamese Noodle Dish

• Fresh & vibrant: Loaded with crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs.
• Gluten-free & dairy-free: Naturally suited for many dietary needs.
• Easy to customize: Swap proteins, vegetables, and toppings to fit your taste.
• Perfect for meal prep: Great for lunchboxes or busy weeknights.
• Quick cooking time: Most components are raw or fast-cooking.

For another light but satisfying meal idea, don’t miss our Cucumber Shrimp Salad.

Vietnamese Noodle Bowl Ingredients

The beauty of this Vietnamese vermicelli noodle bowl lies in its balance. You’re combining warm and cool elements, crisp and soft textures, sweet, savory, and sour notes—all in one satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bowl:

• Rice vermicelli noodles
• Grilled meat (like pork, chicken, or shrimp) or tofu
• Lettuce, shredded
• Cucumber, julienned
• Carrots, shredded or pickled
• Bean sprouts
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
• Chopped peanuts or cashews (for crunch)
• Fried shallots (optional but adds depth)

For the Nước Chấm (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce):

• Fish sauce
• Lime juice or rice vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Chili, thinly sliced
• Water
• Sugar

This combination gives you the classic sweet-sour-salty-spicy balance essential to Vietnamese cuisine. Want a spicy twist? Add a spoon of Sweet Chili Sauce.

How to Make a Vietnamese Noodle Bowl

The process is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to bring this healthy Vietnamese noodle salad to life:

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rice vermicelli and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Protein

Grill or pan-fry your protein of choice—marinated pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Slice it into thin strips once cooked.

For a plant-based option, grilled tofu seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil works beautifully.

Tip: Our Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken or Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta can be adapted for this bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons lime juice or rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons water, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Adjust taste to your preference.

Store it in the fridge for up to a week—it also works as a dressing for other Salad Bowl Recipes.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

In a large serving bowl:

• Add a bed of shredded lettuce
• Top with vermicelli noodles
• Add cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts, and herbs
• Place sliced protein on top
• Sprinkle with peanuts and fried shallots
• Drizzle with dressing just before eating

For added flavor, try a side of Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon or a cold drink like Lavender Lemonade.

Save

Beginner Vietnamese Cooking Guide: Tips for Success

If you’re new to Vietnamese recipes, here are a few tips to make your first bowl perfect:

• Balance is key: Think of the five flavors—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy. Adjust dressing accordingly.
• Use fresh herbs generously: Don’t be shy. Herbs are crucial in Vietnamese cooking.
• Cut veggies thin: Matchstick or julienned veggies integrate better in the bowl.
• Customize the protein: Beef, tofu, shrimp, or even tempeh work well.
• Make extras: These bowls store well if you keep the dressing separate.

New to cooking and want a quick win? Try a one-pan option like Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry while you explore more Asian-inspired dishes.

How to Store Vietnamese Noodle Bowls

Meal prepping? You’re in luck! This bowl stores surprisingly well. Just follow these tips:

• Store ingredients separately: Keep noodles, protein, veggies, and dressing in different containers for freshness.
• Use within 3 days: While fresh herbs wilt, they’re fine for a few days in the fridge.
• Reheat only the protein: Everything else is best cold or room temperature.

Need grab-and-go ideas? Add this bowl to your weekly rotation with other fast favorites like Make Ahead Breakfast Bowls.

Creative Variations for Your Vietnamese Noodle Bowl

This dish is a canvas for flavor and variety. Try these fun twists:

• Vegan-friendly: Use tofu and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos.
• Low-carb: Swap vermicelli with spiralized zucchini or kelp noodles.
• Spicy kick: Add more chili or serve with Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew for a bold pairing.
• Add pickled veggies: Quick-pickled carrots and daikon add zing.

Feeling bold? Try fusion with toppings like Cottage Cheese Flatbread or even crumbled Pumpkin Fluff Dip for sweet-savory contrast.

Save

FAQs: Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Bowl

Is this noodle bowl gluten-free?
Yes! Rice vermicelli is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your fish sauce or soy substitute is as well.

Can I use other noodles?
Rice noodles work best, but glass noodles or soba can be substituted for a twist.

Is this spicy?
Only mildly. You control the chili level in the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just store components separately and combine when ready to eat.

Do I need a special fish sauce?
Use a high-quality Vietnamese fish sauce like Red Boat or Three Crabs for best flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Your Noodle Bowl

Complement this fresh dish with sides and desserts that echo its brightness:

• Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for a cooling beverage
• Air Fryer Apple Chips as a crunchy snack
• Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl for a sweet ending
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits for something savory on the side

Why This Dish Works for Every Diet

Whether you’re exploring vermicelli recipes for gluten-free cooking or just want a healthy Vietnamese noodle salad, this dish meets you where you are. It’s:

• Flexible: Tailor ingredients to your taste or diet
• Balanced: Plenty of protein, fiber, and micronutrients
• Budget-friendly: Minimal meat, inexpensive veggies, and pantry staples
• Family-approved: Let everyone build their own bowl!

Looking for a hot version? Check out our Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi for a cozy contrast.

Healthy Bowl Recipes for Every Day

This recipe is just one star in the wide galaxy of healthy bowls recipes. Next time, explore:

• Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
• Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
• High Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
• Vegetarian Baked Ziti for a baked version of a hearty bowl

For more inspiration, visit our Dinner Recipes hub.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Best Bún Bowl Today

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bright, bold, and balanced, the Vietnamese noodle bowl is your answer. It offers an exciting blend of textures and flavors while remaining incredibly healthy and flexible.

Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or serving dinner to a crowd, this dish delivers freshness and satisfaction in every bite. And with all the variations possible, it never gets old.

Print