This dish is perfect for a hot summer day. It’s mouthwatering and quite literally hits the spot. What is it? A spicy vermicelli noodle salad. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients:
- Red Thai Chili Peppers (# of peppers up to your liking)
- Cilantro (1 bundle, half for the recipe)
- Scallions (1 bundle, half for the recipe)
- Lime (1, half for the recipe)
- Dragonfly Guilin Rice Vermicelli Noodles – thick (1 pack)
- Cabbage (1 head, # of leaves up to your liking)
- Fish Sauce (half cup, adjustable) – I like the Three Crabs brand
- Water (half cup, adjustable)
- Salt (pinch)
- MSG (pinch)
Step #1: Cook the Noodles
Fill a pot with water, bring it to a boil. Add vermicelli noodles. Stir occasionally until it’s ready. You’ll know the noodles are ready when it’s soft to the touch. You can take one out and try it as well. If it’s still hard, it’s not ready just yet. Keep stirring.
When the noodles are ready, drain it thoroughly under cold water. Then, let it sit and strain in a colander.
Step #2: Prepare Produce (as seen in the photo below)
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the produce.
- Rinse all produce items
- Cut cilantro, scallions, lime, cabbage to smaller pieces
Step #3: Cook the Cabbage
Fill another pot with water, bring it to a boil. Add the cut cabbage to the pot. Allow for it to cook. Once the cabbage is soft, take it out from the pot and rinse it under cold water. Drain thoroughly.
Step #4: Make Pepper Paste (Perfect for any dish as well, like steak night!)
For this step, you’ll need the cut up cilantro, scallions, lime, and red chili peppers. Break the red chili peppers into halves or thirds. Without the stem, add the peppers into a mortar. Add a pinch of salt and MSG on top of the peppers. Smash the peppers into small pieces with a pestle. (See photo below for reference)
Add the cilantro and scallions. Smash again with a pestle. Squeeze half a lime and mix with a spoon.
Step #5: Add Water and Fish Sauce to the Pepper Paste
In a small bowl or container, add the pepper paste. Pour half a cup of fish sauce and water into the container. Add more fish sauce and/or water to your liking.
Step #6: Assemble!
In a bowl, add the vermicelli noodles, cabbage, and spicy fish sauce. You’re all set to take your first bite!
Another item you can add is shrimp. I love adding shrimp to mine for extra texture!
