Description
This Vietnamese Noodle Bowl (Bún) is the perfect balance of freshness and flavor. Tender rice noodles are paired with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and savory protein, then topped with a sweet, tangy nước chấm dressing. Light, healthy, and bursting with Vietnamese flavor—ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bowl:
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Grilled meat (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
- Fried shallots (optional)
For the Nước Chấm (Vietnamese Dressing):
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 chili, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil rice vermicelli noodles for 3–5 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Protein: Grill or pan-fry marinated pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu until fully cooked. Slice into thin strips.
- Make the Dressing: Combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, minced garlic, and chili in a small bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Assemble the Bowl: In each serving bowl, add lettuce and a portion of noodles. Top with cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts, and herbs. Add protein and sprinkle with peanuts and fried shallots.
- Serve: Drizzle with the dressing just before serving and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Balance is key—adjust the dressing to your sweet, salty, and sour preference.
- Use fresh herbs generously for authentic Vietnamese flavor.
- Keep ingredients separate for meal prep to maintain freshness.
- Make vegan by swapping fish sauce for soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Serve cold or at room temperature for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Vietnamese Recipes, Healthy Bowls
- Method: Boiling, Grilling, Assembling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Vietnamese Noodle Bowl, Bún, Vermicelli Noodles, Healthy Bowl, Vietnamese Recipe, Nước Chấm, Fresh Salad Bowl