Bun Chay Vietnamese Vegetarian 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 CHAY (VIETNAMESE VEGETARIAN NOODLE SALAD)

Steps:

• For the noodles Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add rice sticks. Stir and cook until noodles are white and tender but still firm, about 3-5 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water, fluffing the noodles to separate the strands. Drain again completely. For the tofu Cut tofu into bite-size pieces and press between clean kitchen towels or paper towels to rid of excess water. Heat oil in a skillet and fry tofu until crispy and golden. Drain excess oil. For the greens Prepare the greens and set aside. (May be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.) For the sauce In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for sauce. Set aside. (May be prepared ahead of time kept in the refrigerator.) To serve Divide the noodles between two bowls. Arrange greens and tofu on top and garnish with peanuts. Just before eating, drizzle with sauce to taste and toss.

VEGAN VIETNAMESE VEGETARIAN NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: In a bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce, lime juice and three tablespoons water. Whisk until sugar is dissolved. Add garlic and chilies and let stand for one hour before serving.
• For the salad: Bring a medium-size pot of water to boil. Turn off the heat. Add the noodles to the water and soak until soft, five to eight minutes. Drain, rinsing under cold water, and drain again. Using scissors, cut the noodles into six-inch lengths. Set aside.
• In a wok over high heat, add oil and heat to 350 degrees. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels. Add to wok and fry until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes. Using a wire strainer or spatula, transfer tofu to paper towels, reserving the oil. Turn off the heat. When the tofu is cool enough to handle, cut it into half-inch dice. Set aside.
• Discard all but two tablespoons of the oil in the wok, and return to high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add diced tofu, garlic, bok choy or napa cabbage, mushrooms and chilies. Stir-fry until mushrooms are tender, about three minutes. Add mung bean sprouts, scallions, and soy sauce; stir-fry just until crisp-tender, two to three minutes. Add half a cup of the cucumbers, and cook 30 seconds.
• In a large bowl, combine lettuce, sesame oil, mint, cilantro, basil and cooked vegetables. Toss lightly to combine. Divide the noodles among four (or two) bowls, and top with equal parts of salad. Garnish with remaining cucumbers, roasted peanuts and cilantro sprigs. Pass the dressing separately, to be spooned over the salad.

BUN CHAY (VIETNAMESE VEGGIE RICE VERMICELLI SALAD)

Steps:

• The most important thing to remember about the vermicelli is to NOT overcook them, then shock in cold water to stop the cooking, rinse til water runs clear and then dry. You can keep them in the fridge for a couple hours to 2 days. With the 2 brands I tested I had to cook 1 brand a bit longer and the other a bit less than the directions indicated. Use your good judgement. and start testing the doneness at 4-5 minutes.
• I find it easiest to slice the cucumber into thin rounds and then sticks.
• There are 3 ways to serve:.
• One - Mix all the salad ingredients together and add the Nuoc Cham and mix. Let people sprinkle a teaspoon or 2 of peanuts on their serving.
• Two - Place noodles in the bottom of an individual bowl and then each of the ingredients, separately, Top with Nuoc Cham and peanuts.
• Three - Place the noodles in the center of a plate and place some of each ingredient around the noodles. Serve Nuoc Cham on the side and peanuts in a bowl on the table with a spoon -- OR dress with Nuoc Cham and peanuts, then serve.
• Vary it a little and make it your own. The extra garlic and the black pepper are optional garishes.
• The FRESH cilanto, mint and basil are VERY important to the flavor development,.
• ENJOY.