Name: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 600 – 800g / 1.2 – 1.6lb chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless (or breast); 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, bruised and sliced into pieces; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced; 2 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce (all purpose or light soy, NOT dark soy); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/4 cup fish sauce; 4 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp white sugar; 1/2 cup water; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 red birds eye chili, finely chopped; 3 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tbsp oil; 200 g / 7 oz vermicelli noodles, dried; 2 carrots, julienned; 2 cucumbers, julienned (optional: remove seeds); 5 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced; 3 cups bean sprouts; Handful of mint leaves; Handful of cilantro/coriander; Sliced red chili (for garnish – optional); Lime wedges (to serve – optional but recommended)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 67 reviews

There is nothing quite like savoring a Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham Sauce Recipe to brighten your table with vibrant, fresh flavors and delightful textures. This dish is a harmonious celebration of tender, aromatic chicken marinated in fragrant lemongrass and garlic, served atop a bed of cool vermicelli noodles and crisp vegetables, all brought to life by the zesty, perfectly balanced Nuoc Cham sauce. Whether you’re after a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal to impress friends, this noodle bowl combines timeless ingredients in a way that feels both nourishing and exciting. Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll love sharing over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl on a white marbled surface filled with raw pink chicken pieces. Around the bowl, there are several small clear containers and items: a cup with dark brown fish sauce, a small bowl of light yellow minced garlic, a small bowl of light brown sugar, a small bowl of dark brown soy sauce, a small cup of clear oil, and a whole green lime next to a small cup of lime juice. Above all the ingredients, there is a long yellow-green lemongrass stalk. Each ingredient is labeled with simple text on the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you! These simple, fresh components work together seamlessly to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the aromatic lemongrass and punchy garlic to the crisp veggies that add a refreshing crunch.

Chicken thigh fillets (600–800g): Skinless and boneless for juicy, tender meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully.
Lemongrass stalk (white part only): Adds a citrusy, fragrant punch essential for authentic Vietnamese flavor.
Garlic cloves (4 total): Finely chopped to infuse savory depth both in the marinade and the sauce.
Lime juice (5 tbsp total): Brightens the dish with fresh acidity that balances the flavors perfectly.
Fish sauce (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp): A magical ingredient in Asian cooking that lends umami complexity without any fishiness.
Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Light soy keeps the marinade savory without overpowering the other flavors.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp) and white sugar (2 tbsp): Provide just the right touch of sweetness to counterbalance the tang and salt.
Vegetable oil (1 tbsp + 1/2 tbsp): For cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
Rice vinegar (4 tbsp): Gives the Nuoc Cham its classic tangy zip.
Red bird’s eye chili: Adds a lively kick but can be adjusted to suit your heat preference.
Vermicelli noodles (200g dried): Light and slightly chewy, the perfect noodle base for this bowl.
Carrots and cucumbers: Julienned for crunch and vibrant color; cucumbers can be deseeded if desired.
Iceberg lettuce (5 cups): Crisp and refreshing, it adds great texture and volume.
Bean sprouts (3 cups): Provide that unmistakable fresh, slightly nutty taste and crunch.
Fresh mint and cilantro: The herbal notes bring balance and brightness to every bite.
Optional garnishes: Sliced red chili and lime wedges to customize your bowl with extra heat and zest.

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Begin by mixing the chicken with the lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil to create a fragrant marinade. Let the chicken soak up these bold flavors for at least one hour, but longer is even better—up to 24 hours is perfect if you have the time. This marinating step infuses the meat deeply, making every bite juicy and bursting with the characteristic lemongrass aroma.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan or grill your barbecue to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any big pieces of lemongrass (small fragments can remain). Cook the chicken evenly on each side until it’s a deep golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Let it rest briefly before slicing thinly; this resting period helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 3: Whip Up the Nuoc Cham Sauce

Next, combine fish sauce, rice vinegar, white sugar, water, chopped garlic, chopped chili, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let the sauce sit for at least 20 minutes. This dip-like sauce is the heart of the noodle bowl, sharpening every flavor with its delightful blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables

Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water according to the package instructions until tender but still springy (usually 3 minutes). Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent clumping. Prepare your fresh vegetables by julienning carrots and cucumbers, finely slicing iceberg lettuce, and rinsing bean sprouts and herbs to make everything crisp and ready for assembly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

To serve, start with a generous portion of noodles, then arrange the sliced chicken and colorful vegetables on top. Drizzle several tablespoons of Nuoc Cham sauce over the bowl—don’t be shy, this is where the magic happens! Serve with lime wedges and optional sliced chili on the side so everyone can adjust the heat and acidity to their taste. Alternatively, keep all ingredients separate and let guests build their own Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham Sauce Recipe for a fun, interactive meal experience.

How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three pieces of grilled chicken thighs that have a shiny, caramelized brown surface with black grill marks and some crispy edges. The chicken sits on a small pool of light brown sauce that reflects light, adding a glossy look. On top and behind the chicken, there is a bunch of fresh green cilantro leaves with a few lime wedges that are bright green with a juicy texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like extra lime wedges, chopped red chili, and herbs such as mint and cilantro really elevates the dish. The lime adds brightness and encourages freshness, while the chili delivers a little heat kick for those who like a bit of spice. Make sure these are available so everyone can personalize their bowl just how they like it.

Side Dishes

Complement this vibrant noodle bowl with light sides like Vietnamese spring rolls or crispy wontons for added texture contrast. A simple bowl of clear broth or a fresh cucumber salad pairs wonderfully too, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying without overpowering the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Present this dish family-style with all the elements laid out on a big platter or several small bowls. This DIY approach encourages everyone to get creative, assembling their ideal bowl with their favorite veggies, herbs, and the perfect amount of Nuoc Cham sauce. Not only is it visually impressive, but it also turns mealtime into a lively, engaging experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, noodles, vegetables, and Nuoc Cham sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them separate preserves the texture—especially the noodles and fresh veggies—so your next bowl feels just as fresh as the first.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chicken, place it in its marinade immediately and freeze it before cooking. This allows the chicken to marinate as it thaws in the fridge. Keep in mind that freezing noodles and fresh vegetables is not recommended, as their texture changes significantly.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in a pan over low heat to keep it moist and tender. Noodles are best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer warm, briefly dunk them in hot water, then drain. Reheat Nuoc Cham sauce only gently or serve it cold to maintain its sharp, fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though it may be a bit leaner and less juicy than thigh meat. Marinating it properly helps keep the breast flavorful and tender.

What if I don’t have fresh lemongrass?

You can substitute fresh lemongrass with lemongrass paste, about one tablespoon, which delivers similar aroma without the need to prepare the stalk manually. Just be mindful that paste is concentrated, so adjust accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check your fish sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

How spicy is the Nuoc Cham sauce?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of chili you add. Bird’s eye chili offers a moderate to high kick, but feel free to adjust the quantity or remove the seeds to make it milder, especially for kids.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep all components ready in separate bowls. Serving it as a DIY noodle bowl spread is perfect for entertaining and lets your guests build their own perfect bite.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham Sauce Recipe feels like inviting a burst of sunshine and freshness to your dinner table. Its balance of bright, savory, sweet, and spicy flavors—combined with the delightful textures of tender chicken and crisp vegetables—makes it an absolute crowd favorite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a treasured meal in your home. Trust me, it’s a delicious adventure you’re going to want to repeat again and again!

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