Spicy Thai Vermicelli Stir-Fry
Delight your taste buds with this Spicy Thai Vermicelli Stir-Fry, a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender rice vermicelli with succulent pork and aromatic herbs. This one-dish meal delivers an exciting balance of spices, textures, and colors, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Quick to prepare, it is a great introduction to Thai cuisine that will have everyone craving for more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice Vermicelli
8 ounces (Soaked in warm water, then drained)
Canola Oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Pork Loin
1 lb (Thinly sliced)
Dried Shrimp
1/2 cup (Soaked in warm water and drained)
Cayenne Pepper
1 (Fresh, thinly sliced)
Carrots
2 (Julienned)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Fish Sauce
4 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Green Onions
4 tablespoons (Chopped, for garnish)
Fresh Cilantro
4 tablespoons (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the rice vermicelli in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes until softened. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2
Soak the dried shrimp in 1/4 cup of warm water for approximately 5 minutes, then drain and keep aside.
3
In a wok or large frying pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and stir-fry until the onion turns golden brown, taking care to add a few drops of water if the onion starts to stick to the pan.
4
Introduce the thinly sliced pork loin and the soaked dried shrimp into the wok. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
5
Add the sliced cayenne pepper, julienned carrots, black pepper, and fish sauce. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Gently fold the soaked vermicelli into the mixture, stirring well for about 1 minute to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
7
Finish off the dish by garnishing with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
8
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Thai-inspired meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Vermicelli Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Thai-inspired dish made with tender rice vermicelli, succulent pork loin, dried shrimp, and aromatic herbs, known for its balance of savory and spicy flavors.
Can I substitute the pork loin with another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute pork loin with chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu depending on your preference.
How long should I soak the rice vermicelli?
The rice vermicelli should be soaked in warm water for about 10 minutes until softened, then drained thoroughly before cooking.
What if I cannot find dried shrimp?
If dried shrimp is unavailable, you can omit it or add a small amount of extra fish sauce or some finely chopped cooked bacon for a similar salty depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice vermicelli is naturally gluten-free; however, you should ensure your fish sauce is certified gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the pork with tofu, omit the dried shrimp, and use a vegan stir-fry sauce or light soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
What is the purpose of soaking the dried shrimp?
Soaking the dried shrimp for 5 minutes softens their texture and reduces their intense saltiness before they are stir-fried.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
The dish has a moderate kick from the fresh cayenne pepper; you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer peppers or removing the seeds.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
While you can use olive oil, canola oil is preferred for its higher smoke point and neutral flavor, which is better suited for high-heat stir-frying.
How do I prevent the onion from sticking to the pan?
If the onion starts to stick or brown too quickly, add a few drops of water to the pan to help deglaze it and keep the onion tender.
How thin should I slice the pork loin?
The pork should be sliced very thinly across the grain to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender during the short stir-fry process.
What does fish sauce add to the recipe?
Fish sauce provides an essential salty, umami depth that is characteristic of Thai cuisine and balances the other aromatic ingredients.
What are julienned carrots?
Julienned carrots are carrots cut into long, thin, matchstick-sized strips, which allows them to cook quickly and integrate well with the vermicelli.
Can I use a regular frying pan instead of a wok?
Yes, a large frying pan works well if you don't have a wok; just ensure it is large enough to toss all the ingredients together comfortably.
How long does it take to cook the entire meal?
Once ingredients are prepped, the actual stir-frying process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, making it a very quick meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
What is the best way to reheat the noodles?
Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers would be excellent additions to increase the vegetable content of the dish.
Is it necessary to use fresh cilantro?
Fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy finish. If you dislike it, you can substitute with extra green onions or fresh Thai basil.
Why do my noodles break apart when I stir them?
Rice vermicelli is delicate. To avoid breakage, fold them gently into the mixture and avoid over-soaking them in the beginning.
What type of onion should I use?
A medium yellow or white onion is standard, but you could also use shallots for a more authentic and subtle Thai flavor profile.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
It is not recommended as dried cilantro lacks the vibrant flavor needed for this dish; fresh herbs are a key component of the garnish.
Where can I find rice vermicelli?
Rice vermicelli is commonly found in the international or Asian aisle of most grocery stores or at local Asian markets.
What if the dish is too salty?
If it is too salty, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a teaspoon of sugar to help balance the flavors.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of rice vermicelli can become mushy or brittle once thawed and reheated.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it is no longer pink and has turned opaque and slightly browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes of stir-frying.
Can I use soy sauce instead of fish sauce?
You can use soy sauce, but the flavor profile will change significantly; soy sauce is saltier and less pungent than fish sauce.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served hot immediately after stir-frying to enjoy the best texture of the noodles and pork.
Can I prep the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and slice the pork ahead of time, which makes the actual cooking process much faster.
What makes this dish Thai-inspired?
The combination of fish sauce, garlic, dried shrimp, and fresh herbs creates the classic salty, spicy, and aromatic flavor profile found in Thai street food.