The main component of this dish, vermicelli noodles, is typically made from rice flour, offering a soft, yet slightly chewy texture. You can find rice-based vermicelli noodles in most grocery stores that sell Asian ingredients. If you prefer a gluten-free version, rice vermicelli is a great choice. Wheat-based vermicelli can also be used, although rice vermicelli is more common in this particular dish.
Grilled prawns are the star of the dish. To achieve the perfect grilled flavor, you need to choose fresh prawns, which can either be peeled or unpeeled, depending on your preference. For this dish, marinating the prawns is essential to infuse them with the right combination of spices, soy sauce, and lime juice, adding a depth of flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients.
Freshness is key when it comes to vegetables and herbs for grilled prawn vermicelli. Common vegetables include lettuce, cucumber, and carrots, all thinly sliced. Herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil provide a fragrant contrast to the savory prawns. Pickled vegetables or radishes can also be added for an extra zing of flavor.
The dressing is what ties everything together. A tangy combination of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili provides the perfect balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. This dressing is typically drizzled over the top of the noodles, prawns, and vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld together.
250g vermicelli noodles (rice vermicelli preferred)
12-16 large prawns, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 lime, juiced
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
Lettuce, cucumber, carrots (for garnish)
Crushed peanuts (optional)
Fried shallots (optional)
1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, then add the prawns. Let the prawns marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a brush or a paper towel dipped in olive oil. Place the marinated prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and slightly charred. Remove the prawns from the grill and set them aside.
While the prawns are marinating, prepare the vermicelli noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the noodles. Cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures that the noodles stay tender and don’t become mushy.
Thinly slice the cucumber, carrots, and lettuce. You can also pickle some vegetables in vinegar and sugar for an added burst of flavor. Chop the fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1/4 cup of water. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more lime juice or sugar as needed for balance.
Place a generous portion of vermicelli noodles in each bowl. Top with grilled prawns, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top and garnish with crushed peanuts and fried shallots for added texture and flavor. If you like heat, add a few slices of red chili on top.
Serve the grilled prawn vermicelli immediately. Mix everything together before eating to ensure the noodles, prawns, and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. The combination of savory prawns, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy dressing will create a dish that’s both light and satisfying.
This dish not only tastes delicious, but it also offers several health benefits:
Low in calories: The vermicelli noodles are light and low in calories, making this dish a great option for those who are watching their weight.
High in protein: Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, helping to build and repair tissues in the body.
Rich in vitamins: The vegetables and herbs provide important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Gluten-free: If you use rice vermicelli, the dish becomes naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities.
While the traditional version of this dish is made with prawns, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences:
Grilled Chicken Vermicelli: Swap the prawns for marinated chicken breasts or thighs for a more hearty version of this dish.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the prawns with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of vermicelli.
Noodle Variations: Use different types of noodles such as egg noodles or sweet potato noodles for a unique twist on the dish.
Grilled prawn vermicelli is a delicious and versatile dish that combines tender grilled prawns, fresh vegetables, and delicate vermicelli noodles into a satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, the balance of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress. With its fresh ingredients, aromatic dressing, and quick cooking time, it’s a fantastic dish for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
