Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken

This Vietnamese rice noodle salad is full of fresh and bold flavors from the additions of lemongrass chicken and a sweet, zesty sauce.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 517 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• 1 red chile pepper, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons water, or more as needed
• 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 3 red chile peppers, stemmed
• 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely sliced
• 1 (8 ounce) package vermicelli rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint, or to taste
• 0.5 cup baby lettuce, or to taste
• 0.5 cup julienned cucumber, or to taste
• 0.5 cup finely shredded carrot, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place chicken into a large zip-top freezer bag.

Step 2

Combine red chile peppers, garlic, lemongrass, olive oil, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and sea salt in a food processor. Blend until finely chopped and combined. Pour marinade into the freezer bag , making sure chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight.

Step 3

Remove chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow to come to room temperature.

Step 4

Heat a large cast iron or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden and caramelized on the outside and no longer pink in the centers, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and cut into thick slices using a sharp knife.

Step 5

Place sugar in a medium bowl. Add lemon juice and stir to dissolve. Stir in water and fish sauce, followed by garlic and chile pepper. Allow flavors to settle, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust for seasoning; add more lemon juice or sugar as needed.

Step 6

Meanwhile, place noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Set aside until noodles are softened, about 15 minutes.

Step 7

Place cooked noodles into serving bowls. Top with chicken, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, cilantro, mint, and sauce.