American Kitchen Classic Vietnamese Bun Cool Noodle Salad Recipes

VEGAN BúN CHAY RECIPE (VIETNAMESE NOODLE SALAD RECIPE)

Steps:

• Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil for cooking the noodles.
• While the water is heating, whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside to infuse.
• After the water is boiling, cook the noodles according to package directions; rinse with cold water, drain well, then divide into four serving bowls.
• Heat one tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces and fry until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes on both sides. While the tofu is frying, stir the mushroom soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar together in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
• Once the tofu is browned, pour this mixture into the pan. Allow the sauce to cook in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken. Flip the tofu to ensure the sauce coats and sticks to each side. Cook for another minute or so, until the tofu is caramelized and sticky. Transfer the tofu to the noodle bowls.
• Top the noodle bowls with julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, cucumber half moons, herbs, and peanuts. Pour a quarter of the prepared dressing over each bowl. Serve at once.

BUN (VIETNAMESE HERB NOODLE SALAD)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Turn off the heat and add the noodles; let sit for 2 minutes.
• Remove noodles from hot water and shock them by placing them in a bowl of ice water. Drain in a colander.
• Place the noodles onto a serving bowl and cover with the cucumber, scallions and herbs. Garnish with black pepper, garlic and peanuts.
• Before serving, pour the Nuac Cham sauce over all and toss before serving.

AMERICAN KITCHEN CLASSIC VIETNAMESE BUN (COOL NOODLE SALAD)

Steps:

• Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. If working ahead of time, cover each bowl with damp paper towels and refrigerate.
• Set peanuts aside. Make 1 recipe nuoc cham and refrigerate.
• Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.
• Follow the directions for one of the recipes (Vietnamese Lemongrass Shrimp, Vietnamese Grilled Pork, or Vietnamese Stir-Fried Vegetables). These toppings can be served hot or slightly cooled.
• Remove the salad bowls from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before serving. The greens and bowl should be cool, not cold. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls.
• Put the cooked topping on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro.
• Pass the nuoc cham at the table. Each diner should drizzle about 3 tbsp over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.