Bun Chay: Fresh Vietnamese Veggie Vermicelli Salad
Bun Chay is a vibrant and refreshing Vietnamese rice vermicelli salad that can be customized in countless ways. At its core, this dish features delicate rice vermicelli, which serves as a canvas for a colorful array of vegetables and herbs. In this version, we create a medley of crunchy English cucumber, fresh scallions, and crispy lettuce, all complemented by sweet and tender shredded carrots and nutty mung beans. The herbs — cilantro, mint, and basil — add a fragrant aroma, elevating the dish to new heights. You can serve it with the classic Nuoc Cham dipping sauce for a tangy kick, along with crunchy roasted peanuts for texture. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, potluck gatherings, or as a side dish to accompany your favorite protein. Whether you're dining in the comfort of your home or sharing with friends, Bun Chay is sure to bring a taste of Vietnam to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice vermicelli
1 lb (cooked, rinsed, dried, and cooled)
English cucumber
1 (julienned (or 2 Persian cucumbers))
scallions
4 (thinly sliced)
lettuce
3 cups (cut small (use at least 2 varieties))
mung beans
1 1/2 cups (very fresh and clean or omit)
carrot
1 cup (shredded)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (cut or torn small)
fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup (cut or torn small)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (whole or torn)
nuoc cham sauce
to taste (for dressing)
dry roasted peanuts
1 cup (chopped or crushed, salted or unsalted to taste)
garlic
to taste (diced (optional))
black pepper
to taste ((optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the rice vermicelli according to package instructions, ensuring you don't overcook them. Typically, cooking for 4-5 minutes should suffice; taste test for doneness. Once cooked, drain the vermicelli and shock them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside to dry. You may refrigerate them for up to 2 days to enhance the texture.
2
Next, julienne the cucumber into thin sticks, making them easy to mix or layer into the salad. Slice the scallions thinly and shred the carrots. Prepare the lettuce by cutting it into bite-sized pieces, using at least two varieties to enhance flavor and texture.
3
Combine the mung beans, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, scallions, and chopped herbs (cilantro, mint, and basil) in a large mixing bowl.
4
You have three serving options:
5
1. Toss all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl with the desired amount of Nuoc Cham, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts before serving.
6
2. Individually layer bowls by placing a portion of vermicelli at the bottom, followed by each ingredient, and finally top with Nuoc Cham and peanuts.
7
3. Arrange the vermicelli in the center of a plate, artistically placing each vegetable and herb around it. Serve with a side of Nuoc Cham and peanuts in a small bowl that can be sprinkled as desired.
8
Remember to adjust the ratios to your taste; the optional garlic and black pepper can be added to individual servings if desired. The key ingredients — fresh herbs — are essential for maximum flavor, so don't skip them! Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bun Chay?
Bun Chay is a vibrant and refreshing Vietnamese rice vermicelli salad featuring delicate noodles, fresh vegetables, and a variety of fragrant herbs.
What are the main ingredients in this vermicelli salad?
The core ingredients include rice vermicelli, English cucumber, scallions, lettuce, mung beans, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil.
How long should I cook the rice vermicelli?
The noodles should typically be cooked for 4-5 minutes. It is best to perform a taste test to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
Why do I need to rinse the noodles in cold water?
Rinsing and shocking the noodles in cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing them from becoming mushy or sticking together.
Can I make the rice vermicelli in advance?
Yes, once cooked, rinsed, and dried, you can refrigerate the rice vermicelli for up to 2 days before serving.
What is the best way to prepare the cucumber for Bun Chay?
The English cucumber should be julienned into thin sticks, which makes them easy to mix or layer into the salad.
Can I use Persian cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can substitute one English cucumber with two Persian cucumbers.
What type of lettuce is recommended for this recipe?
It is recommended to use at least two varieties of lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces, to enhance both the flavor and the texture of the dish.
Are the mung beans required in Bun Chay?
Mung beans are part of the traditional recipe, but they should only be used if they are very fresh and clean; otherwise, they can be omitted.
Which fresh herbs are essential for this Vietnamese salad?
Fresh cilantro, mint, and basil are essential for providing the fragrant aroma and maximum flavor characteristic of the dish.
What sauce is used to dress Bun Chay?
Nuoc Cham dipping sauce is used to give the salad a tangy kick.
How should I serve the peanuts?
Use dry roasted peanuts that are either chopped or crushed. You can use salted or unsalted varieties depending on your preference.
What are the three ways to serve Bun Chay?
You can toss everything together in a large bowl, layer the ingredients individually in bowls, or arrange them artistically on a plate with the sauce on the side.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, diced garlic is an optional ingredient that can be added to individual servings to taste.
Is Bun Chay a hot or cold dish?
It is a fresh, cold salad, making it perfect for light lunches or summer meals.
How do I ensure the best texture for the rice noodles?
After boiling and rinsing, let the noodles dry thoroughly. Refrigerating them for a short period can also enhance their texture.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, the recipe can be made vegan by using a vegan-friendly version of Nuoc Cham sauce (substituting fish sauce with a soy-based alternative).
How should the herbs be prepared?
Cilantro and mint should be cut or torn small, while basil can be left whole or torn.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, Bun Chay is excellent as a side dish to accompany your favorite protein or as a standalone light meal.
How should the scallions be sliced?
The scallions should be thinly sliced before being added to the mix.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from the julienned English cucumber, shredded carrots, fresh lettuce, and roasted peanuts.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
No, fresh herbs are critical to the flavor profile of this dish; dried herbs will not provide the same aromatic quality.
How do I plate the salad artistically?
Arrange the vermicelli in the center of a plate and place the different vegetables and herbs in distinct sections around it.
Should I add black pepper?
Black pepper is an optional addition that can be sprinkled on individual servings if desired.
How much lettuce is needed?
The recipe calls for approximately 3 cups of small-cut lettuce.
Is Bun Chay gluten-free?
Rice vermicelli is naturally gluten-free, but you must ensure your Nuoc Cham sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
Can I serve this at a potluck?
Yes, it is an excellent dish for potlucks because it can be served at room temperature and customized by guests.
What makes this dish healthy?
It is high in fiber and nutrients from a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, and it uses rice noodles which are generally lighter than wheat-based pasta.
How many varieties of lettuce should I use?
Using at least two varieties is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
What is the key to the best flavor in Bun Chay?
The key is using fresh herbs and not skipping them, as they elevate the entire dish to new heights.