Vermicelli Noodle Bowl Recipe

Vermicelli noodles: Thin rice noodles that cook quickly and provide a light base for the bowl.

Shrimp: Adds a protein element and a sweet, briny flavor to the dish.

Carrots: Julienned for a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the flavors.

Bean sprouts: Provide a crisp texture and a mild, nutty flavor.

Mint, Cilantro, Basil: Fresh herbs that add aromatic and flavorful notes.

Lettuce: Shredded for a light, crisp base.

Peanuts: Crushed for a crunchy topping and a nutty flavor.

Fish sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce essential for the dressing.

Lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.

Sugar: Balances the flavors in the dressing.

Garlic: Minced for a pungent, savory note in the dressing.

Red chili: Sliced for a bit of heat in the dressing.

When preparing the shrimp, ensure they are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking. To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in a mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, and minced garlic for about 15 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the shrimp with a deeper, more complex taste, elevating the overall flavor profile of your vermicelli noodle bowl.

• vermicelli noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: They have a similar texture and are also gluten-free.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: For those who prefer poultry or have a shellfish allergy.

• julienned carrots - Substitute with julienned bell peppers: They add a similar crunch and a different flavor profile.

• julienned cucumber - Substitute with zucchini noodles: They provide a similar texture and are also hydrating.

• bean sprouts - Substitute with snow peas: They offer a similar crunch and a fresh taste.

• mint, cilantro, and basil fresh herbs - Substitute with parsley and dill: They provide a fresh, aromatic flavor.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with shredded cabbage: It offers a similar crunch and can hold up well in the dish.

• crushed peanuts - Substitute with crushed cashews: They provide a similar texture and a slightly different nutty flavor.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: For a similar umami flavor, especially for vegetarians or those with fish allergies.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: It provides a similar acidity and freshness.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: It adds sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: It provides a similar flavor, though less fresh.

• sliced red chili - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: They add a similar heat and spice to the dish.

• To store the vermicelli noodles, rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For the shrimp, after cooking, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the cooked shrimp. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• The julienned carrots, cucumber, and bean sprouts can be prepped ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil should be washed, dried, and stored in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 5-7 days.
• Shredded lettuce should be stored in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• Crushed peanuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.
• The dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced red chili can be prepared in advance. Store it in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.
• When ready to serve, simply assemble the vermicelli noodle bowl by combining all the stored ingredients, drizzle with the dressing, and top with the crushed peanuts. Enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal in minutes!

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the vermicelli noodles and shrimp in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a splash of water to keep the noodles from drying out.
  3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the noodles and shrimp are heated through. If not, continue heating in 30-second intervals.
  6. Add the julienned carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and shredded lettuce after microwaving to keep them fresh and crisp.
  7. Drizzle with the leftover dressing and sprinkle with crushed peanuts before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the skillet.
  3. Add the vermicelli noodles and shrimp to the skillet.
  4. Stir frequently to ensure even heating, cooking for about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl.
  6. Add the julienned carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and shredded lettuce to the bowl.
  7. Drizzle with the leftover dressing and top with crushed peanuts before serving.

• Boiling Water Method:

  1. Boil a pot of water.
  2. Place the vermicelli noodles and shrimp in a heatproof bowl.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the noodles and shrimp, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  4. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then drain the water.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  6. Add the julienned carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and shredded lettuce to the bowl.
  7. Drizzle with the leftover dressing and sprinkle with crushed peanuts before serving.

• Pot: Used to bring water to a boil and cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced red chili to make the dressing.

• Strainer: Used to drain the cooked vermicelli noodles and shrimp.

• Knife: Essential for julienning the carrots and cucumber, as well as mincing the garlic and slicing the red chili.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and preparing vegetables and herbs.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the fish sauce, lime juice, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar and other small quantity ingredients.

• Serving bowls: Used to divide and serve the vermicelli noodles, shrimp, vegetables, and herbs.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the shrimp and mixing the ingredients in the serving bowls.

• Spoon: Used for stirring the dressing until the sugar is dissolved and for drizzling the dressing over the bowls.

• Peeler: Helpful for peeling the carrots before julienning them.

Prep ingredients in advance: Wash and julienne carrots, cucumber, and lettuce the night before.

Use pre-cooked shrimp: Save time by buying pre-cooked shrimp instead of cooking them yourself.

Make the dressing ahead: Mix the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili the day before and store in the fridge.

Batch cook noodles: Cook a larger batch of vermicelli noodles and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop herbs and crush peanuts using a food processor.