Vietnamese Rice Noodles With Lemongrass Shrimp Recipes

RICE-STICK NOODLE SALAD WITH VIETNAMESE SHRIMP

Steps:

• Make dressing:
• In a bowl stir together all dressing ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Chill dressing, covered, 1 hour.
• Shell and devein shrimp. In a large saucepan of salted boiling water cook shrimp with lemon 2 minutes, or until just cooked through. In a colander drain shrimp and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Halve shrimp lengthwise.
• Halve cucumber lengthwise and seed. Cut cucumber halves and scallions crosswise into 2 1/2-inch pieces and cut pieces lengthwise into julienne strips.
• In a bowl soak noodles in hot water to cover 15 minutes to soften. While noodles are soaking, in a 6-quart kettle bring 3 1/2 quarts salted water to a boil. Drain noodles in colander and cook in boiling water 45 seconds, or until just tender. Drain noodles in colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain noodles well and with scissors cut into 4-inch lengths.
• Divide noodles, shrimp, vegetables, and dressing among 4 bowls and sprinkle with herbs and peanuts. To eat, pull herbs from sprigs and toss with noodles.

VIETNAMESE NOODLE SALAD WITH LEMONGRASS SHRIMP

Steps:

• To cook the noodles:.
• Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.
• To cook the shrimp:.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the shallots and garlic, quickly stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and lemongrass; stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and sprinkle with the fish sauce, sugar, and a little salt. Stir-fry until the shrimp is cooked and the mushrooms are wilted, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• To assemble the salads:.
• Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls. Put the shrimp topping on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro. Pass the nuoc cham at the table; each diner should drizzle about 3 Tbs. over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.

VIETNAMESE COLD NOODLES WITH SHRIMP

Steps:

• (Nuoc Cham: puree these 5 ingredients to smooth. Will keep up to 2 weeks in the fridge.) Cook rice sticks according to package directions.
• Drain well and rinse in cold water.
• Drain well.
• Place on a large serving platter surrounded by remaining ingredients in small bowls.