Craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely mouthwatering meal that'll transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Asia? Look no further! These Vegan Vermicelli Noodle Bowls are about to become your new obsession. Packed with crisp, colorful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing that'll make your palate dance, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a light, refreshing, and totally irresistible plant-based dish that comes together faster than you can say "delicious"!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add vermicelli noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly firm. Be careful not to overcook.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Julienne the carrots and cucumber into thin, uniform strips. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles. Drain thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil to create the dressing. Mix well to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled vermicelli noodles with julienned carrots, cucumber, sliced bell pepper, and bean sprouts.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh mint and cilantro over the noodle bowl. Gently mix to distribute herbs evenly.
- Divide the noodle mixture into four serving bowls. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for a refreshing meal.
Tips
- Noodle Perfection: Watch your vermicelli like a hawk! These delicate noodles cook quickly, and overcooking can turn them mushy. Aim for that perfect al dente texture by testing them at the 3-minute mark.
- Chill Out: Rinsing noodles with cold water is crucial. It stops the cooking process and prevents clumping, ensuring your noodles are light and separate.
- Prep Ahead: Julienne your vegetables uniformly for both visual appeal and consistent texture. A sharp knife or mandoline can be your best friend here.
- Dress to Impress: Whisk your dressing thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well combined. The key is balance between the soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly chopped herbs right before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color. The mint and cilantro should look bright and smell amazing!
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add protein like tofu or tempeh, or swap vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preference.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, serve with sriracha or chili oil on the side for those who like a little heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
