Dive into the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this delightful Vietnamese Shrimp Prawn Noodle Salad! Perfectly cooked shrimp mingle with fresh veggies and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this recipe is a must-try. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy a burst of freshness that’s both healthy and satisfying. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles
- 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rice noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the rice noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-6 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Next, prepare the vegetables. Take the cucumber and carrot, and using a julienne peeler or a sharp knife, cut them into thin matchstick-sized strips. Place the julienned cucumber and carrot into a large mixing bowl.
- Once the shrimp have cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the cucumber and carrot. Add the cooked rice noodles to the bowl as well.
- In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Mix well to create the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more fish sauce or lime juice if desired.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle and shrimp mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Finally, roughly chop the fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil) and sprinkle them over the salad. Toss gently one more time to incorporate the herbs.
- Serve the Vietnamese shrimp prawn noodle salad immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: To achieve the ideal texture, be sure to rinse the rice noodles under cold water immediately after cooking. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Shrimp Secrets: For the juiciest shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking. This allows them to sear properly and develop a nice flavor.
- Herb Variety: Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs! Thai basil, mint, and cilantro each add a unique twist to the salad, enhancing its freshness.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You can easily tweak the balance of fish sauce and lime juice to match your personal preference for tanginess or saltiness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the components of the salad in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t hesitate to add extra herbs or even some crushed peanuts on top for a delightful crunch and added flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 150mg
