Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This bowl features tender lemongrass chicken paired with fresh vegetables and herbs, all tossed in a homemade sauce that elevates the flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a light lunch, this delightful recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 1 hour and 40 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready to serve without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs not only makes this dish healthy but also adds a pop of color and flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your Vietnamese noodle bowl with chicken by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
• Balanced Meal: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from vegetables, it’s a well-rounded option for lunch or dinner.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade sauce brings everything together, infusing the noodles and chicken with rich, savory flavors that are hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Vietnamese noodle bowl with chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even sizes for cooking.
• Large pot: Ideal for boiling noodles, a large pot allows you to cook enough vermicelli for multiple servings without overflow.
• Skillet: A skillet is perfect for sautéing the chicken and creating that flavorful base for your noodle bowl.

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Ingredients

Vietnamese noodle bowl with lemongrass chicken, fresh vegetables and herbs, tossed in a homemade Vietnamese sauce is healthy, delicious, light, and filling.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1/2 small onion
• 1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch thick cubes

For the Noodles and Toppings

• 8 oz. dried vermicelli noodles
• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts
• 1 lime, wedged (for serving)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili, finely chopped (or to taste)

How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by preparing your marinade. In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass pieces, and sliced onion.
2. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the chicken marinates:
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat.
2. Add vermicelli noodles to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until tender.
3. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add marinated chicken along with marinade.
2. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Stir occasionally for even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together fish sauce, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, granulated sugar, black or white pepper, and chopped red chili until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

To serve:
1. Place cooked vermicelli noodles in bowls.
2. Top with sautéed lemongrass chicken.
3. Garnish with julienned cucumber, carrots, chopped cilantro, and roasted peanuts.
4. Drizzle sauce over everything before serving with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

How to Serve Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Serving your Vietnamese noodle bowl with chicken can enhance the overall dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that elevate its flavors.

Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro and Mint: Sprinkle fresh cilantro and mint leaves on top for a burst of freshness.
• Basil: Add Thai basil for an aromatic twist that’s often used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Lime Wedges

• Citrus Zest: Serve lime wedges on the side so guests can squeeze fresh juice over their noodles, adding brightness.

Sliced Jalapeños

• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, provide sliced jalapeños to spice up individual bowls.

Crispy Onions

• Crunchy Texture: Top your noodle bowl with crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Dipping Sauce

• Extra Flavor: Offer a small bowl of the homemade dipping sauce for drizzling or dipping, enhancing the dish’s taste.

How to Perfect Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Creating the perfect Vietnamese noodle bowl with chicken involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for high-quality produce whenever possible.
• Marinate Chicken Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure vermicelli noodles are cooked al dente for the best texture. They should be soft yet firm enough to hold their shape.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and acidity of your sauce to suit your palate. Taste as you go!
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the noodle bowl immediately after preparation while everything is fresh and warm.

Best Side Dishes for Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Vietnamese noodle bowl can create a complete meal. Here are some tasty options that complement this dish well.

1. Spring Rolls: Light and crispy rolls filled with shrimp or vegetables offer a refreshing bite alongside the noodles.
2. Asian Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad adds crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the chicken.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies make a great addition, bringing smoky flavors that pair wonderfully.
4. Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites can be filled with vegetables or chicken, providing another layer of texture.
5. Sesame Edamame: Lightly salted edamame sprinkled with sesame seeds creates a nutritious finger food option.
6. Rice Paper Rolls: Filled with shrimp or veggies, these rolls are refreshing and easy to dip into sauces alongside your noodle bowl.
7. Mango Salad: A sweet and tangy mango salad can add a fruity contrast to the savory elements of your meal.
8. Tofu Skewers: Grilled tofu skewers marinated in soy sauce offer a protein-rich side that complements the main dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Vietnamese noodle bowl with chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

• Not marinating the chicken: Marinating adds flavor and ensures the chicken is tender. Use a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic for an authentic taste.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro provide freshness and elevate the dish. Do not skip these; they are essential for a vibrant flavor profile.
• Overcooking the noodles: Overcooked noodles can turn mushy. Follow the package instructions closely and rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process.
• Ignoring balance in flavors: A good Vietnamese noodle bowl needs a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Adjust ingredients like sugar or vinegar based on your personal taste.
• Using low-quality fish sauce: The fish sauce greatly impacts the overall flavor. Invest in a good quality fish sauce for an authentic experience.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Store the Vietnamese noodle bowl in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• • Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

• • This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• • Freeze without the fresh vegetables for better texture when reheated.

Reheating Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and cover. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about making a Vietnamese noodle bowl with chicken.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute beef, turkey, or lamb according to your preference.

What type of noodles should I use?

Dried vermicelli noodles are traditional for this dish but rice noodles can also work well.

How do I customize my Vietnamese noodle bowl?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding more chili.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge and makes for great leftovers throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Vietnamese noodle bowl with chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try, and enjoy a fresh take on your dinner routine!