Crispy Rice Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Nuoc Cham Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Vietnamese salad featuring crispy fried rice vermicelli topped with grilled shrimp and a tangy, sweet-spicy dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired seafood ready in about 55 minutes blends rice vermicelli noodles, large, peeled and deveined shrimp, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 6 oz rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and spread noodles on a baking sheet lined with paper towels; allow to dry for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry small handfuls of dried noodles until puffed and crispy, about 10-15 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fish sauce, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 thinly sliced red chili until sugar dissolves to make nuoc cham dressing.
  4. Step 4: Toss 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 medium julienned cucumber with half of the dressing.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
  6. Step 6: To serve, place a bed of crispy fried vermicelli on plates, top with dressed carrot and cucumber, grilled shrimp, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, and 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts. Drizzle remaining nuoc cham dressing over all.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Rice Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Nuoc Cham Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Crispy Rice Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Nuoc Cham Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Rice Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Nuoc Cham Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Rice Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Nuoc Cham Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Rice Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Nuoc Cham Dressing?

Vietnamese seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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