Discover the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this delightful vegetarian bun vermicelli recipe. This dish is a perfect balance of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tender vermicelli noodles, all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a colorful meal to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrients that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized.
The freshness and texture contrast of the ingredients make every bite a joy, and best of all, it’s completely meat-free, making it ideal for vegetarians and anyone wanting to eat more plant-based meals.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through every step of making this delicious bun vermicelli, from selecting the right ingredients to plating up a feast. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips and variations to customize the dish to your liking.
Ready to dive into a bowl of fresh, flavorful goodness? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian bun vermicelli recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It combines the chewy texture of rice vermicelli noodles with crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs like mint and cilantro, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The dressing, made with lime juice, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, brightens the dish and ties everything together beautifully.
It’s a healthy meal option, naturally gluten-free, and easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or tofu. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or weekend meals.
The recipe is also great for meal prepping, as the components can be prepared in advance and assembled when ready to eat.
Vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike will appreciate how satisfying and delicious this dish is. Plus, it’s a wonderful introduction to Vietnamese cooking if you’re new to the cuisine!
Ingredients
- 200g rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 block (200g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts, washed
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowls
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander or strainer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs or chopsticks for mixing
Instructions
- Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice vermicelli and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Cook the tofu: While the noodles cook, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of oil and pan-fry the cubed tofu until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Julienne the carrot, thinly slice the cucumber, and wash the bean sprouts thoroughly. Chop the green onions and roughly chop the mint and cilantro leaves.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, chopped chili (if using), water, and toasted sesame oil until well combined.
- Assemble the bun vermicelli bowls: Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Top each bowl with tofu cubes, carrot, cucumber, bean sprouts, green onions, mint, and cilantro.
- Drizzle the dressing: Pour the dressing evenly over each bowl. Toss gently to combine all the flavors or leave as is for a layered presentation.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top for added crunch and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful meal!
Tips & Variations
“For extra protein, try adding grilled tempeh or edamame beans. You can also swap tofu for seitan if you prefer a chewier texture.”
If you like your bun vermicelli spicy, add more fresh chili or a splash of Sriracha to the dressing. For a nut-free version, omit the peanuts and use toasted sesame seeds instead.
Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like Thai basil or perilla leaves to deepen the flavor profile.
To make this dish vegan, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. You can also substitute maple syrup with brown sugar or coconut sugar for sweetness.
For a heartier meal, add sautéed mushrooms or roasted sweet potatoes. This recipe is also excellent served cold, making it a refreshing summer dish.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fat | 10g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 6g |
Sodium | 550mg |
Serving Suggestions
This bun vermicelli dish pairs wonderfully with light appetizers such as fresh spring rolls or crispy vegetable egg rolls. For a refreshing drink, try a chilled jasmine tea or a sparkling lime soda.
If you want to explore more recipes that complement this meal, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for a hearty main course, or brighten your dessert course with the zesty Lemon Straws Recipe.
For a savory dip to accompany your appetizers, the Halibut Dip Recipe is a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
This vegetarian bun vermicelli recipe is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Its fresh ingredients and bright dressing make it a feast for the senses, while its simplicity means you can whip it up any day of the week.
Not only does it cater to vegetarians and vegans, but it also invites everyone to enjoy a taste of Vietnam’s culinary magic. With a balance of textures and flavors, and the flexibility to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Embrace the freshness of herbs, the crunch of vegetables, and the comforting chew of vermicelli noodles in this easy-to-make, nourishing bowl. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to delight and inspire you to try more flavorful, plant-based meals.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Bun Vermicelli Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A fresh and flavorful Vietnamese-inspired vegetarian bun vermicelli bowl with crisp vegetables and tofu. Perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g rice vermicelli noodles
- 200g firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Cook rice vermicelli according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tofu cubes and soy sauce, cook until tofu is golden on all sides.
- In serving bowls, layer lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and noodles.
- Top with cooked tofu, mint, and cilantro leaves.
- Drizzle hoisin sauce over the bowl and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
- Toss gently before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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