Bun Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken and Vermicelli Salad) Recipe 🥗
Overview:
- Name: Bun Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken and Vermicelli Salad)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Description:
This tantalizing recipe hails from the culinary expertise of Chef Viet Tran, renowned for his mastery at New York City’s and Philadelphia’s Le Colonial Restaurants. Bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish seamlessly blends succulent grilled chicken with delicate vermicelli noodles, crisp vegetables, and an enticing dressing. Whether you’re craving a taste of Vietnam or seeking a refreshing weeknight meal, Bun Ga Nuong promises to delight your taste buds with its harmonious medley of ingredients. Although the prep time may vary based on your marinating preferences, the end result is undoubtedly worth the wait!
Ingredients:
Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 shallots
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Salad:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic (for chicken marinade)
- 2 shallots (for chicken marinade)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for chicken marinade)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for chicken marinade)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for chicken marinade)
- 1 iceberg lettuce
- 1 cucumber
- 1 bunch fresh mint
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 4 ounces vermicelli noodles
- 4 shrimp
For Garnish:
- Additional fresh mint
- Additional roasted peanuts
- Fried shallots
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, crushed red pepper flakes, lime juice, fish sauce, water, sugar, and olive oil. Mix well to blend the flavors. Set aside.
-
Cook Vermicelli:
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a vigorous boil. Add vermicelli noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they are nearly tender. Drain the noodles using a colander and set aside.
-
Marinate Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, marinate the chicken breasts with minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour to absorb the rich flavors.
-
Grill Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and slightly charred. Once done, slice the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
-
Assemble Salad:
- Divide the iceberg lettuce and cucumber into four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of cooked vermicelli noodles and the grilled chicken slices.
-
Drizzle Dressing:
- Pour approximately 2 ounces of the prepared dressing over each salad bowl, ensuring each component is generously coated with the flavorful dressing.
-
Garnish:
- Sprinkle fresh mint leaves and roasted peanuts over the salads to add a refreshing crunch and aromatic touch.
-
Prepare Shrimp:
- Peel and clean the shrimp, removing any shells or veins. In a skillet, sauté the shrimp with minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, and vegetable oil until they are pink and cooked through. Set aside.
-
Prepare Vegetable Mix:
- Thinly slice cucumber, carrot, daikon, and red onion, and combine them in a bowl. Toss the vegetables with a portion of the prepared dressing, ensuring they are evenly coated.
-
Grill Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Grill the shrimp on both sides for less than 5 minutes until they are succulent and slightly charred.
-
Final Assembly:
- Arrange the cucumber and carrot mixture in the center of each serving plate. Surround the vegetables with grilled shrimp and garnish with remaining chopped basil, mint, peanuts, and fried shallots.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Present this vibrant and aromatic Bun Ga Nuong to your eager guests and savor the explosion of flavors and textures with every mouthful.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 469.7
- Total Fat: 29.7g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Cholesterol: 92.8mg
- Sodium: 569.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 35.1g
Conclusion:
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Bun Ga Nuong, where succulent grilled chicken meets delicate vermicelli noodles and crisp vegetables, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and aromas that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a flavorful weeknight meal, Bun Ga Nuong is sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and irresistible taste!