Vietnamese
👍 Beginner Friendly
1h 15measy
VietnameseLunch
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsBun Bo Xao is a beloved dish that showcases the essence of balance in culinary tradition. Thin slices of beef are marinated in aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and a touch of sweetness before being quickly stir-fried to perfection. The beef is served atop a bed of delicate rice vermicelli noodles, accompanied by fresh lettuce, cucumber, herbs like cilantro and mint, and garnished with crushed peanuts and fried shallots. A tangy dressing brings all the components together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a light yet fulfilling meal that captures the vibrant spirit of Southeast Asian cuisine. Whether enjoyed for a weekday meal or shared with friends, Bun Bo Xao offers an authentic taste experience that is simple to prepare yet impressive in its complexity.
Instructions
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Prepare the marinade by combining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon ginger, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and black pepper in a bowl.
Slice the beef steak thinly against the grain and add to the marinade. Mix well and let marinate for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Prepare the vegetables: shred the lettuce, slice the cucumber, and chop the fresh cilantro and basil.
Make the dressing by whisking together 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 4 tablespoons water. Adjust to taste.
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
When the oil is smoking, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
To assemble, divide the vermicelli noodles among four bowls. Top with lettuce, cucumber, fresh herbs, and the stir-fried beef.
Drizzle the dressing over each bowl. Garnish with additional cilantro and basil if desired.
Serve immediately and toss all ingredients together before eating.
Bun Bo Xao - Stir-Fried Beef Noodle Bowl
3.8 (27)
A vibrant and aromatic noodle bowl featuring tender marinated beef, fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and rice vermicelli tossed in a savory sauce. This classic street food favorite delivers bold flavors with every bite.
medium
45 min
4 servings
Ingredients
0 of 13 checked
Main Protein
- 500 grams Beef Steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Base
- 200 grams Rice White, dried rice vermicelli noodles
Marinade
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Ginger, minced fresh
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
Sauce
- 5 tablespoons Fish Sauce
Dressing
- 2 pieces Lime, juiced
Cooking
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 cups Lettuce, shredded
- 1 pieces Cucumber, thinly sliced
Herbs
- 4 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Basil, fresh leaves
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the best results, use a high-quality cut of beef such as sirloin or flank steak and slice it very thinly for quick cooking.
•Make sure your wok is extremely hot before adding the beef to achieve a nice sear.
•You can prepare the noodles and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.
•The beef tastes best when cooked just before serving.
•Feel free to customize with additional toppings like shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or chopped peanuts.
•The key is to balance the savory, sweet, sour, and fresh elements in each bite.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•For a spicier version, add sliced fresh chilies to the dressing.
Serving & Pairings
what goes well•This dish is also delicious with grilled beef instead of stir-fried if you prefer.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cooked beef will keep for up to 3 days, noodles for 2 days, and fresh vegetables and herbs should be used within 1 day. The dressing can be stored in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Do not assemble the bowls until ready to eat to maintain the freshness and texture of each component.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds. The noodles can be briefly rinsed under warm water or microwaved for 20-30 seconds. Fresh vegetables and herbs should not be reheated. Assemble the bowl with reheated components and fresh vegetables just before serving.
