American Kitchen Classic Vietnamese Bun (Cool Noodle Salad)
- 2 cups lettuce, washed and shredded
- 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
- 1 12 cups cucumbers, peeled seeded julienned
- 13 cup mint leaf, roughly chopped
- 12 cup basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped (garnish)
- 12 sprigs fresh cilantro (garnish)
- nuoc cham sauce (garnish)
- 8 ounces dried rice vermicelli
- vegetables (Recipe #490178) or pork (Recipe #490179) or shrimp (Vietnamese Lemongrass Shrimp)
- Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls.
- If working ahead of time, cover each bowl with damp paper towels and refrigerate.
- Set peanuts aside.
- Make 1 recipe nuoc cham and refrigerate.
- Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish.
- Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear.
- Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.
- Follow the directions for one of the recipes (Vietnamese Lemongrass Shrimp, Vietnamese Grilled Pork, or Vietnamese Stir-Fried Vegetables).
- These toppings can be served hot or slightly cooled.
- Remove the salad bowls from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
- The greens and bowl should be cool, not cold.
- Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls.
- Put the cooked topping on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro.
- Pass the nuoc cham at the table.
- Each diner should drizzle about 3 tbsp over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.
cups lettuce, fresh bean sprouts, cucumbers, mint leaf, basil, peanuts, cilantro, cham sauce, rice vermicelli, vegetables
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/american-kitchen-classic-vietnamese-bun-cool-noodle-salad-490188 (may not work)