Name: Vietnamese Garlic Shrimp (Prawn) Noodle Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 12 – 15 medium shrimp (prawns), shelled and deveined (about 5 – 7 oz / 150 – 200g, excluding shells); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Pinch of salt and pepper; 1/4 cup lime juice; 1/4 cup fish sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp caster sugar; 1 large garlic clove, very finely chopped; 1 tsp very finely chopped red chili (adjust to taste; birds eye chili recommended for spiciness); 2.5 oz / 75g dried rice vermicelli noodles; 3 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded; 1 cup carrot, cut into fine matchsticks; 1 1/2 cups cucumber, cut into matchsticks; 1 1/2 cups beansprouts; 1/4 cup coriander leaves, lightly packed; 1/4 cup mint leaves (ordinary or Vietnamese), lightly packed

Ingredients

12 – 15 medium shrimp (prawns), shelled and deveined (about 5 – 7 oz / 150 – 200g, excluding shells)

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

Pinch of salt and pepper

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup fish sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp caster sugar

1 large garlic clove, very finely chopped

1 tsp very finely chopped red chili (adjust to taste; birds eye chili is recommended for spice)

2.5 oz / 75g dried rice vermicelli noodles

3 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded

1 cup carrot, cut into fine matchsticks

1 1/2 cups cucumber, cut into matchsticks

1 1/2 cups beansprouts

1/4 cup coriander leaves, lightly packed

1/4 cup mint leaves (ordinary or Vietnamese), lightly packed

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 2: In a small jar, mix lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, caster sugar, finely chopped garlic, and red chili. Shake well and let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Heat a skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp together with the garlic and oil from the marinade. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, soaking them in hot tap water for a few minutes prevents overcooking. Drain well once ready.

Step 5: On a large plate or in a bowl, arrange the noodles along with shredded lettuce, carrot, cucumber, beansprouts, coriander, and mint leaves. Top with the warm or room-temperature shrimp.

Step 6: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad or toss everything together gently. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Tips & Variations

For a milder chili flavor, reduce the amount of red chili or remove the seeds before chopping.

You can substitute iceberg lettuce with other crisp greens like romaine or butter lettuce for a different texture.

Adding crushed peanuts on top provides a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

To make it vegetarian, replace shrimp with grilled tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce in the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Make sure to thaw and pat them dry before marinating to ensure a good sear and flavor.

What is the best way to cook rice vermicelli noodles?

Soaking rice vermicelli in hot tap water for a few minutes is an easy method to prevent overcooking. Follow the packet instructions carefully, typically soaking or boiling briefly, then rinse with cold water and drain.