Name: Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-494173H57M9S
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: ½ tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; ½ tablespoon fish sauce; ½ tablespoon sesame oil; ½ tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 1-2 cloves garlic; 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces; ½ small onion; 1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 8 oz. dried vermicelli noodles; 1 medium cucumber, julienned; 2 medium carrots, julienned; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped; 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts; 1 lime, wedged (for serving); 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; ¼ cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper; ½ teaspoon red chili, finely chopped (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 87 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious meal to brighten up any day, then this Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, aromatic lemongrass chicken, refreshingly crisp vegetables, and springy vermicelli noodles, all married with a tangy, flavorful homemade Vietnamese sauce. It’s a perfect balance of lightness and satisfaction that will leave you feeling nourished and happy, whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a bowl with white rice noodles forming a delicate nest on one side, golden-brown grilled meat chunks placed on the other side, and bright green fresh leafy herbs arranged around the edges. Sliced orange carrot sticks and pale green cucumber strips lie neatly in the background. A woman's hand holds a white bowl at the top left, pouring a clear sauce with floating red chili pieces and green herbs over the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending depth to the marinade, adding crunch and freshness, or contributing that special zing in the sauce. Taking a little time to assemble these essentials is the first step to creating a bowl full of vibrant flavors and textures.

Vegetable oil: A light oil that helps carry the marinade flavors and keeps the chicken juicy.
Soy sauce: Provides a deep, salty umami base that complements the lemongrass perfectly.
Fish sauce: A classic Vietnamese staple adding authentic savory depth and complexity.
Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that elevates every bite.
Brown sugar or honey: Balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness.
Garlic and onion: Fresh aromatics that infuse the chicken with a rich, savory foundation.
Lemongrass stalk: The star ingredient bringing a citrusy brightness to the chicken marinade.
Chicken breast or thighs: Tender protein, cut into cubes for perfect grilling or baking.
Dried vermicelli noodles: Soft and delicate, they soak up all the wonderful flavors in the bowl.
Cucumber and carrots: Crisp, refreshing fresh vegetables for contrast and color.
Fresh cilantro: Brings lively herbal notes that brighten the dish beautifully.
Roasted peanuts: Offer a crunchy texture and a toasty finish to the bowl.
Lime wedges: Essential for adding zest and that perfect final touch.
Nuoc cham (Vietnamese vinegar chili sauce) ingredients: Fish sauce, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, sugar, black or white pepper, and chopped red chili—combine to create a tangy, sweet, spicy sauce that pulls everything together.

How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass Chicken Marinade

Begin by blending all the marinade ingredients: vegetable oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar or honey, garlic, lemongrass, and onion until smooth. This vibrant marinade is packed with flavors that will deeply infuse the chicken. Pour this over the cubed chicken, toss thoroughly, and let it chill for at least an hour or overnight if you can plan ahead — this step ensures the chicken absorbs every ounce of that fragrant goodness.

Step 2: Cook the Lemongrass Chicken

You have options here that all lead to fantastic results. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers for grilling, brushing lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Grill them until nicely charred and cooked through. Alternatively, bake the skewers on high heat until golden and finish with a broil to get that irresistible caramelized edge. If air frying is your go-to, just place the cubes loose in the basket and cook until tender and cooked through. Each method offers a slightly different texture but all deliver mouthwatering results.

Step 3: Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles

Bring water to a boil and quickly soften the vermicelli noodles for just a few minutes. These delicate noodles cook rapidly, so keep an eye on them. Once cooked, drain and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Their light, tender texture acts as the perfect base, soaking up the flavors of the chicken and sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe

Start by layering the noodles in your serving bowls, then top generously with slices of the lemongrass chicken. Add fresh julienned cucumber and carrots for crispness, sprinkle chopped cilantro over for herbal brightness, and finish with roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch. This colorful assembly not only looks amazing but is a symphony of flavors and textures with every bite.

Step 5: Make the Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Vinegar Chili Sauce)

In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, sugar, black or white pepper, and finely chopped red chili. This sauce is the vibrant soul of your noodle bowl, offering perfect harmony between spicy, sweet, sour, and salty. Drizzle this luscious sauce over your assembled bowls just before serving to bring everything to life.

How to Serve Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe

A white bowl filled with layers of fresh green lettuce and herbs at the bottom, topped with bright orange carrot sticks and dark green cucumber slices on one side. On the other side, thin white rice noodles create a soft base layer, with golden brown grilled chicken pieces resting on top. A wedge of lime sits near the edge, adding a pop of light green color. A woman's hand holding wooden chopsticks lifts a piece of the grilled chicken with some noodles. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lime wedges are essential for squeezing over the bowl to add zesty brightness right before eating. Roasted peanuts sprinkled on top introduce irresistible crunch contrasted with tender chicken and soft noodles. For an extra pop, add a few fresh mint or basil leaves to enhance the herbal aroma. These small touches elevate your presentation and flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This noodle bowl is often satisfying on its own, but for a fuller meal, consider light sides like a crisp green papaya salad or fresh spring rolls with shrimp. Pickled vegetables also bring lovely acidity that pairs well with the lemongrass chicken. These sides keep the meal balanced and refresh your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Set up a Vietnamese noodle bowl bar with all the components laid out in separate bowls. Let everyone customize their bowl with noodles, chicken, veggies, herbs, peanuts, and sauce. It’s interactive, fun, and ensures everyone gets exactly what they love. Alternatively, layer ingredients in pretty glass jars for a stunning take-to-go lunch or picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be kept airtight in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Keep the nuoc cham sauce separate to avoid sogginess in the veggies and noodles.

Freezing

The lemongrass chicken freezes well on its own in a sealed container. However, it’s best not to freeze the entire assembled bowl with fresh vegetables and noodles, as textures can degrade. Freeze the chicken and prepare fresh noodles and veggies when ready to serve.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, warm only the lemongrass chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. Reheat the noodles very lightly or enjoy them at room temperature. Keep your fresh vegetables crisp by adding them just before serving. This way, you’ll preserve the fresh, vibrant character of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe. Just cut them into the same size cubes to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute if I can’t find fresh lemongrass?

Dried lemongrass or lemongrass paste can work in a pinch. Use about one teaspoon of dried lemongrass powder or a similar amount of paste. Fresh lemongrass does provide the best aroma, so seek it out if possible.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a small tweak, yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and verify the fish sauce is gluten-free. This makes the noodle bowl safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make the noodles ahead of time?

You can cook the vermicelli noodles ahead but toss them with a little oil and keep them covered at room temperature or refrigerated briefly. Rinse with warm water before serving to refresh their softness.

How spicy is the nuoc cham sauce?

The spice level is mild to medium depending on how much red chili you add. Feel free to adjust the chili amount to your preference, or omit it if you prefer no heat.

Final Thoughts

This Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken and Fresh Vegetables Recipe is a celebration of fresh flavors, delightful textures, and wholesome ingredients all coming together in one welcoming bowl. It’s a recipe you’ll want in your regular rotation for its simplicity and incredible taste. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorite meals to share and savor time and time again.