Rice Noodle Salad with Chicken & Vietnamese Herbs: Traditional Bun Ga Fresh

Are you a fan of Vietnamese cuisine? If so, you must try the delicious and refreshing Rice Noodle Salad with Chicken & Vietnamese Herbs, also known as Bun Ga Fresh. This traditional dish is packed full of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Made with simple yet vibrant ingredients, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner on a hot summer day.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the key components that make this dish so special. First and foremost, the star of the show is the rice noodles, which are light and chewy, providing the perfect base for the other ingredients. Next, we have the tender and juicy chicken, which is marinated in a blend of fragrant spices and herbs before being grilled to perfection.

But what really sets this dish apart is the Vietnamese herbs that are used to elevate the flavors to a whole new level. From the peppery freshness of mint leaves to the citrusy tang of Thai basil, each herb brings its own unique touch to the salad. Combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the zingy sweetness of the dressing, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.

Now, let’s get to the recipe so you can experience the magic of Bun Ga Fresh in your own kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and healthy meal that will transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Ingredients:

• 250g rice noodles
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• Handful of bean sprouts
• Fresh mint leaves
• Thai basil leaves
• Cilantro leaves
• Chopped peanuts

For the marinade:

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 red chili, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. To make the marinade, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes in a bowl. Mix well and marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and charred. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the dressing – fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped red chili. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste.
5. To assemble the salad, divide the rice noodles among serving bowls. Top with cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, mint leaves, Thai basil leaves, and cilantro leaves. Add the sliced chicken on top and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss everything together to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly.
7. Serve the Rice Noodle Salad with Chicken & Vietnamese Herbs immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite.

This delightful dish is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or just looking to try something new, Bun Ga Fresh is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Vietnam with this traditional rice noodle salad!