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Vietnamese Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl |
In this recipe, we’ll walk through everything you need to create a restaurant-quality noodle bowl right at home. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Beef:
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400g beef flank or sirloin, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp grated ginger
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl:
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200g rice vermicelli noodles
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1 cup sliced cucumbers
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1 cup shredded carrots
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1 cup pickled daikon & carrot (optional)
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1 cup bean sprouts
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1 sliced jalapeño or fresh chili
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½ cup crushed peanuts
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Fresh herbs: mint, basil, cilantro
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Lettuce leaves, chopped
For the Nước Chấm (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce):
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3 tbsp fish sauce
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3 tbsp lime juice
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3 tbsp warm water
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1–2 tbsp sugar
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1 minced garlic clove
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1–2 sliced chilies
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1–2 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
The key to tender, flavorful grilled beef is a balanced marinade. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well until the seasoning is smooth.
Add the thinly sliced beef into the marinade, coating each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours will give the best flavor. This mixture helps the beef caramelize beautifully during cooking while staying juicy on the inside.
2. Prepare the Nước Chấm
In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, warm water, sugar, garlic, and chili slices. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste — you want a balance between salty, sour, and slightly sweet. Set aside to let the flavors blend.
3. Cook the Vermicelli Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice vermicelli and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft but not mushy. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly so the noodles don’t stick together.
4. Grill the Beef
Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if using a pan. Place the marinated beef slices in a single layer and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred around the edges.
The caramelization of the marinade gives the beef its signature smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables.
5. Assemble the Bowl
Now comes the fun part — building your bowl!
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Place a handful of chopped lettuce at the bottom.
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Add a generous portion of cooked vermicelli noodles.
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Arrange sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and pickled vegetables around the bowl.
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Add the grilled beef on top.
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Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint for fragrance.
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Add jalapeño slices for optional heat.
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Finish with a handful of crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch.
6. Serve
Drizzle a few spoonfuls of nước chấm over the top right before eating, or serve it on the side for dipping. Every bite will bring a burst of freshness, tenderness, heat, and sweet-savory flavor that makes Vietnamese cuisine so unique.
Final Thought
This Vietnamese grilled beef noodle bowl more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and comforting textures. It’s light enough for a summer lunch, filling enough for dinner, and customizable to your taste. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this bowl again and again because it delivers everything you want in a meal: color, freshness, nutrition, and incredible taste.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish always impresses and brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and let this vibrant Vietnamese classic become a permanent part of your kitchen.
Bon Appétit! 🥢✨