Description
This vibrant Asian-style noodle bowl delivers a delicious blend of spicy, sweet, and zesty flavors with a mix of soft rice vermicelli noodles, fresh crunchy vegetables, your choice of protein, and a bold homemade sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal packed with texture, freshness, and robust taste, it can be enjoyed hot or cold and customized with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 4 ounces rice vermicelli noodles
Protein
- 3/4 cup shrimp, peeled and de-veined (100 g, 3.5 oz) (about 8 large shrimp)
Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs
- 3 cups diced or shredded veggies/fruits (such as shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, lettuce greens, avocado, snap peas, radishes, corn niblets, pea shoots, red peppers, mango)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro, basil, parsley, chives, or fresh mint)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or Tamari (for gluten free)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey or brown sugar
- 1 lime (1/2 teaspoon lime zest and all the juice)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (about 1/2 inch piece)
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste (a pinch is good)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup toasted chopped nuts or sesame seeds (e.g. almonds, peanuts, pistachios)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Vermicelli Noodles: Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package directions, typically by softening them in hot water. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. If making ahead, toss the noodles with a teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together low sodium soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup (or honey/brown sugar), lime zest and juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the balance of sweetness, spice, or lime juice as desired. Reserve some sauce if you prefer less on the noodles.
- Cook Shrimp: (Optional) Marinate the shrimp in 1-2 tablespoons of the sauce for 10 minutes for extra flavor. To grill, heat grill to medium-high (about 450°F), thread shrimp onto soaked skewers if using wood, and grill 1-2 minutes per side until cooked through. To bake, preheat oven to 450°F and bake shrimp for 5-6 minutes until just no longer translucent. Cut shrimp into chunks after cooking.
- Assemble Bowl: Divide cooked noodles into two serving bowls. Top with the chopped vegetables and herbs, then add the cooked shrimp. Drizzle each bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Garnish with toasted chopped nuts or sesame seeds, bean sprouts, and lime wedges if desired. Serve warm or cold.
- Serving Alternatives: For a casual meal, set out each component in individual bowls and let everyone customize their own noodle bowl. Alternatively, toss all ingredients together for an evenly flavored noodle salad and then divide into servings.
Notes
- Noodle Options: Use rice vermicelli, soba, udon (better served hot), glass, or ramen noodles. Rice and glass noodles are gluten free.
- Protein Alternatives: Shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs all work great.
- Fresh Vegetables: Try shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, leafy greens, avocado, snap peas, radishes, corn niblets, pea shoots, red peppers, or mango for a balance of crunch and sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, basil, parsley, chives, or mint add vibrant herbal notes.
- Sauce Variations: Add fish sauce or toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor. Try substituting the sauce with traditional Vietnamese Nuoc Cham, peanut sauce, or Japanese dressing.
- Make Ahead Tips: Chop vegetables and herbs in advance. The sauce can be made early and stored. Mix components a few hours ahead, but add delicate salad greens just before serving to avoid wilting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
