Name: Bò Bún
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486883H39S
Total time: PT-486883H39S
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 package vermicelli rice noodles; 1 cup lettuce, shredded; 1 cup cucumber, julienned; 1 cup carrots, julienned; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Fresh mint, chopped; 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed; 1/4 cup fried shallots; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1/4 cup water; 1 small chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bò Bún is a flavorful and vibrant dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The grilled beef is tender and smoky, while the fresh herbs, vegetables, and tangy dressing bring a burst of flavor to the dish. It’s light yet filling, and its customizable nature means you can adjust the toppings and flavors to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine right at home!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 package vermicelli rice noodles
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 cup cucumber, julienned
1 cup carrots, julienned
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Fresh mint, chopped
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
1/4 cup fried shallots
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 cup water
1 small chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

directions

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced lemongrass, garlic, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Add the beef slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour for better flavor.
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and water until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust to taste—add more sugar for sweetness, fish sauce for saltiness, or lime juice for tang.
Grill the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated beef slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: In bowls, layer the cooked vermicelli noodles at the bottom. Add shredded lettuce, julienned cucumber, carrots, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. Top with grilled beef slices.
Finish the Dish: Drizzle the dressing over the top of the dish. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, fried shallots, and fresh chili slices if desired.
Serve: Toss everything together before eating and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients, 30 minutes for marinating, and 10 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Protein Options: You can substitute the beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh as the protein and load up on extra vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes to the marinade or use a spicy chili sauce in the dressing.
Herb Variety: Use basil, Thai basil, or parsley in place of cilantro and mint for different flavor notes.

storage/reheating

Bò Bún is best served fresh, but you can store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave, and store the noodles and fresh vegetables separately. It’s recommended not to store the dressed noodles, as the freshness of the herbs and vegetables is best when served right away.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye all work well in this dish due to their tenderness. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain.

Is there a vegetarian version of Bò Bún?

Yes, use grilled tofu or tempeh instead of beef, and load up on fresh vegetables and herbs for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

What if I don’t have lemongrass?

You can substitute lemongrass with a little lemon zest and extra garlic or ginger, although the flavor won’t be exactly the same.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I use if I don’t have fried shallots?

Fried onions or crispy garlic chips can be a good substitute for fried shallots.

Is Bò Bún gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure that your fish sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free. You can also use tamari as a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

Can I serve Bò Bún in advance?

It’s best to serve it fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble the dish when ready to serve.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add more chili flakes to the marinade, use a spicier chili pepper for garnish, or include a spicy chili sauce in the dressing.

How can I make this dish milder?

Reduce or omit the chili flakes in the marinade and use a milder chili pepper or no pepper at all for garnish.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Consider adding radishes, bean sprouts, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Bò Bún is a delicious and healthy Vietnamese dish that combines the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The tender grilled beef paired with fresh vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and a zesty dressing makes this a light but filling meal. Customize the toppings and proteins to suit your tastes, and enjoy a vibrant bowl of Vietnamese goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Bò Bún is sure to impress.

Bò Bún

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Bò Bún is a vibrant Vietnamese rice noodle dish featuring tender grilled beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all served over vermicelli noodles and topped with crunchy peanuts and fried shallots. This dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 55 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Boiling
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Instructions

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced lemongrass, garlic, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Add the beef slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour for better flavor.
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and water until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust to taste—add more sugar for sweetness, fish sauce for saltiness, or lime juice for tang.
Grill the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated beef slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: In bowls, layer the cooked vermicelli noodles at the bottom. Add shredded lettuce, julienned cucumber, carrots, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. Top with grilled beef slices.
Finish the Dish: Drizzle the dressing over the top of the dish. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, fried shallots, and fresh chili slices if desired.
Serve: Toss everything together before eating and enjoy!

Notes

Protein Options: You can substitute the beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh as the protein and load up on extra vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes to the marinade or use a spicy chili sauce in the dressing.
Herb Variety: Use basil, Thai basil, or parsley in place of cilantro and mint for different flavor notes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 400
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 40mg