Tom’s Favorite Vietnamese Noodle Salad

August 12th, 2009 | Filed under: entree, recipe, sides & bites | Tags: cabbage, carrots, cilantro, mint, noodles, salad, vegetarian

I rarely make the same thing twice in a month. Even rarer for me to make something four times in a month. And it’s quite possibly unheard of for me to serve the same dish to guests twice in a week. Well, I think I’ve made this salad five or six times in the last month. And since it’s become Tom’s favorite, he’s been asking for it constantly, and I’m finding myself more than happy to oblige.

So, what is it about this salad that makes it so irresistible? I think it’s the bright and slightly sweet dressing, the freshness of the mint and cilantro and the fact that you can eat a whole heap of it and still feel really good about yourself. It’s one of those rare meals that is immensely delicious and really healthy. Best of all, it keeps in the fridge for a few days, even after it’s been dressed, making for some tasty leftover lunches.

I like top mine with some sliced steak, but it’s equally good with grilled chicken, pork or shrimp – just use whatever you happen to have on hand. It’s the ideal salad for the end of summer heat.

This noodle salad also shines on game day. Its light texture and bright flavors make it a perfect counterpoint to heavier sports snacks. You can serve it alongside something bold like Potato, Cheese & Ale Soup or a few slices of Guava Cream Cheese French Toast to satisfy everyone at the table. Want to keep things moving during halftime? Try pairing it with nutty banana power bars for a quick energy boost. For more game day flavors, check out these sporty bites that bring flavor and fun to every quarter.

Tom’s Favorite Vietnamese Noodle Salad

2 lb. skirt steak, grilled and sliced (or cooked shrimp, chicken, etc.)

1 small head of Napa Cabbage, washed and thinly sliced
8 oz. thin rice noodles (Mai Fun)
3 cups shredded carrots
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts)
1 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 cup chopped mint leaves

For the dressing:
1/2 cup unseasoned brown rice vinegar (or unseasoned rice vinegar)
2 tbsp. shoyu (or soy sauce)
1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp. fish sauce
1 tbsp. honey (or sugar)

Sriracha (Rooster sauce) for serving (optional)

Make the noodles according to package instructions, run with cold water to stop them cooking, then drain completely.

Whisk all of the dressing ingredients together until evenly combined. Set aside.

Place all of the ingredients, except the steak, in the biggest bowl you have and drizzle with the dressing. You may have to use two bowls here. Toss with your hands, tongs or a couple of serving utensils until everything is coated with the dressing.

Heap into bowls and top with steak. Serve sriracha on the side.

Makes 6 – 8 servings.

ShareThis