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“The secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” – Mark Twain
Welcome to the world of the Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad, where zesty flavors, vibrant colors, and healthy ingredients come together to create a delightful Asian noodle salad. This lemongrass recipe is perfect for a refreshing summer salad, combining the zest of lemongrass with the freshness of a Vietnamese-inspired dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfectly suited for a variety of occasions from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, this lemongrass vermicelli salad promises to be a hit at your next meal.
Boasting a harmonious blend of fresh herbs and vegetables, this dish is not only visually appealing but also brimming with nutritious ingredients. The addition of your choice of protein, enveloped in a tangy lime-and-lemongrass-infused sauce, ensures every bite is a burst of flavor. Ready to dive into the culinary adventure? Let’s explore how you can create this incredible salad in just 25 minutes!
Key Takeaways
- Total preparation and cook time is only 25 minutes.
- This Asian noodle salad yields 4–6 servings.
- The lemongrass recipe features a zesty Lemongrass Sauce prepared with fresh ingredients.
- Perfect for summer salads and Vietnamese-inspired dishes for various dining occasions.
- Customizable with tofu, shrimp, or chicken for versatile protein options.
Introduction to Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad
Drawing inspiration from the tantalizing flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, particularly dishes like Vietnamese Bun Bo Xao, the Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad promises a refreshing summer meal that delights the senses. This zesty salad recipe is not only a visual treat but also a nutritive powerhouse, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enrich their dining experiences with wholesome, flavorful ingredients.
Combining the delicate textures of rice vermicelli noodles, the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables, and the robust taste of lemongrass chicken, this dish elevates the concept of salads. A key feature is its adaptability, allowing for various ingredient substitutions while still maintaining the essence of Vietnamese Bun Bo Xao. The Vietnamese vermicelli noodles, with their 650 calories per serving, provide the base, while the minimalistic 26-calorie salad dressing ensures the dish’s overall lightness.
What sets this salad apart is its nuanced flavor profile, achieved through ingredients like finely chopped lemongrass, which infuses a burst of lemon and citrus notes. The fish sauce adds depth, while roasted peanuts lend a nutty dimension. This zesty salad recipe can be partially prepared in advance by storing individual components separately and combining them on the day of serving, making it convenient for both immediate enjoyment and meal prep efforts.
The health benefits are evident in its nutritional breakdown. Each serving yields 772 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 35 grams of protein. With 99 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of dietary fiber, it provides a well-rounded meal option. The Vietnamese Bun Bo Xao-inspired salad also aligns with contemporary dietary preferences, offering an enticing blend of taste and nutrition suitable for various dining occasions, particularly as a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
Creating a memorable Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad all starts with selecting the right ingredients and carefully preparing the components. Below, we’ll dive into the essentials, from vermicelli noodle ingredients to the vibrant Vietnamese lemongrass marinade, each step bringing out the authentic Asian sauce experience.
Essential Ingredients
First, let’s gather the vermicelli noodle ingredients. You will need:
- 12 ounces of thin Asian vermicelli noodles (such as rice stick or mung bean)
- 16 ounces of extra firm tofu, cut into ¾-inch pieces (for a delicious tofu salad)
- 2 cups of shredded green cabbage
- 1 ½ cups of shredded carrots
- ½ cup of chopped cilantro
- ½ cup of roasted peanuts, chopped
Preparing the Lemongrass Sauce
This fragrant Vietnamese lemongrass marinade adds a fresh herb infusion to your dish:
- ½ cup fish sauce
- ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper
- Juice from 1 lime (for the lime juice dressing)
Combine these ingredients in a bowl, ensuring to mix until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together. This authentic Asian sauce can be a star in any Asian-style noodles dish.
Preparing the Vermicelli Noodles
Proper rice noodles preparation is key for achieving the perfect texture:
- Boil 12 ounces of thin Asian vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions.
- Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to remove excess starch and stop the cooking process.
- Drain thoroughly and toss the noodles with roughly ¾ of the prepared lemongrass sauce, allowing the flavors of the Vietnamese lemongrass marinade to permeate.
- Optionally, add more sauce to taste.
Now you’re ready to move on to assembling the fresh and tangy Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad, blending the noodles with tofu salad elements and other vibrant, crunchy vegetables.
| Vermicelli Noodle Salad (342 votes) | Tofu Salad (34 votes) |
|---|---|
| Rating: 4.25/5 | Rating: 4.95/5 |
| Calories: 170 per serving | Calories: 483 per serving |
| Carbs: 29g | Carbs: 37g |
| Protein: 4.3g | Protein: 7g |
| Fat: 4g | Fat: 21g |
| Prep Time: 10 minutes | Prep Time: 25 minutes |
How to Assemble the Vermicelli Salad
Assembling noodle salads, particularly Vietnamese vermicelli salads, is a vivid culinary journey. Start by preparing your ingredients: vermicelli noodles, extra firm tofu, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables. Begin the assembly process by placing a generous portion of cooked vermicelli noodles into a serving bowl. Lightly tossing the noodles in a herb-infused salad dressing can add an extra burst of flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Yield: 4 servings
Layer the bowl with your chosen protein. In this case, grilled tofu works magnificently, offering a subtle yet satisfying taste. Top the noodles and tofu with vibrant vegetables like shredded red cabbage, julienned cucumber, red pepper, and jalapeno. Fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint should be liberally sprinkled on top to introduce an enticing herbal aroma to the dish.
The next step in assembling this herb-infused salad is to drizzle the remaining lemongrass sauce over the entire bowl. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures forms the heart of most vibrant Vietnamese dishes, creating a delectable and visually stunning meal.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Extra Firm Tofu | 1 block (450 g) |
| Vermicelli Noodles | 4 oz (125 g) |
| Cucumber | 1 medium |
| Red Pepper | 1 |
| Jalapeno | 1 |
| Shredded Red Cabbage | 1 cup |
| Cilantro | 1/3 cup |
| Mint | 1/3 cup |
| Natural Peanut Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Gluten-Free Soy Sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Maple Syrup | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic Chili Sauce or Sriracha | 2 tsp |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
Once all ingredients are combined, your vermicelli salad will not only be a feast for the eyes but a meal packed with balanced flavors and nutritious benefits, making it an excellent addition to your repertoire of vibrant Vietnamese dishes.
Alternative Serving Methods
Opting for alternative serving methods can make a simple dish elegant and convenient. Here, we explore two techniques: the Pretty Serving Method and the Meal Prep Method.
Pretty Serving Method
For an enhanced dining experience using artful plating techniques, the Pretty Serving Method brings decorative food presentation to your table. Begin by arranging individual portions of the refrigerated noodle salad onto plates. Top the vermicelli noodles generously with tofu, shredded carrots, fresh mint, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. To elevate the visual appeal, finish with a spoonful of extra sauce drizzled artfully over each serving. This method not only highlights the beautiful colors and textures of the ingredients but also creates a memorable dining experience.
Meal Prep Method
For those seeking convenient lunch options, the Meal Prep Method is ideal. Mix the core components of the meal prep salad—noodles, tofu, peanuts, and carrots—excluding the cucumber and herbs, which would otherwise grow soggy over time. Store the combined ingredients in airtight containers, making them perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal. When ready to eat, add fresh cucumbers and herbs, providing a final touch of freshness. This method keeps the refrigerated noodle salad vibrant and ensures a delightful, hassle-free lunch.
Conclusion
The Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad stands as a testament to the versatility and allure of Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. Its convenient preparation methods combined with an ensemble of fresh, crisp ingredients make every bite a satisfying noodle salad experience. Featuring a fresh lemongrass dressing, this salad promises a delightful and flavorful culinary journey that perfectly showcases the rich traditions of Vietnamese gastronomy.
From the key inclusion of fish sauce, adding umami depth, to the zesty touch of freshly squeezed lime juice, every element of the dressing sings with vibrant notes. Complementing the dressing, vermicelli rice noodles and robust additions like rotisserie chicken and shredded carrots bring texture and heartiness to each serving. The salad’s adaptability, with options like substituting rice vinegar with white vinegar, ensures it can be tailored to suit different palates without compromising its essence.
This satisfying Vietnamese salad is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of summer dining. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, dinner, or even a refreshing meal prep option, the Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad is bound to be a recurring highlight on your menu. With its balance of healthy and indulgent components, and a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this recipe embodies the perfect mix of convenience and culinary delight.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad?
Essential ingredients for Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad include vermicelli or thin rice noodles, a protein such as pan-fried tofu, shrimp, or chicken, a variety of vegetables like carrots and cucumber, fresh mint and cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a flavorful lemongrass sauce made with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, lime juice, rice vinegar, and roasted red chili paste.
How do I prepare the lemongrass sauce for the salad?
To prepare the lemongrass sauce, combine freshly grated lemongrass—or lemongrass paste—with garlic, fish sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, lime juice, rice vinegar, and roasted red chili paste. Mix these ingredients well to create a rich, flavorful sauce that complements the other components of the salad.
What is the best way to cook vermicelli noodles for the salad?
Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, typically boiling them until they are tender. Once cooked, rinse the noodles thoroughly with cold water to remove excess starch and stop them from sticking together. Drain well before tossing them with half of the lemongrass sauce to ensure each strand is well-coated with flavor.
How do I assemble the Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad?
Begin by arranging a portion of the cooked, sauce-coated vermicelli noodles in a bowl. Layer the noodles with your chosen protein, such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and add julienned vegetables like carrots and cucumber. Liberally sprinkle fresh herbs like mint and cilantro over the top. Finish by drizzling additional lemongrass sauce over the salad to unite all the flavors.
What is the Pretty Serving Method?
The Pretty Serving Method ensures an elegant presentation by featuring individually plated servings. Each plate meticulously displays a portion of vermicelli noodles topped with tofu or another protein, carrots, fresh mint, cilantro, and chopped peanuts. Finish each plate with an extra spoonful of lemongrass sauce for an eye-catching, delicious appeal.
How do I make the Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad ahead of time using the Meal Prep Method?
For the Meal Prep Method, mix the noodles, tofu, peanuts, and carrots together and refrigerate. Leave out the cucumber and fresh herbs to avoid sogginess. When ready to serve, add the fresh cucumbers and herbs and top with additional lemongrass sauce for a quick, refreshing meal.
What are some tips for making an authentic and flavorful Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad?
To ensure authenticity and robust flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially fresh lemongrass, mint, and cilantro. Balance the flavors in the lemongrass sauce by tasting as you go, adjusting elements like lime juice, brown sugar, and fish sauce to achieve the perfect blend. Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with the levels of heat by varying the amount of roasted red chili paste.