Simmered Beef Vermicelli Bowl with Lemongrass and Shrimp Paste

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

A fragrant Vietnamese noodle bowl featuring tender simmered beef, aromatic lemongrass, and a hint of savory shrimp paste, served with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables. This vietnamese ready in about 160 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef brisket, beef bones, bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 30 min Cook: 130 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 300g beef bones in a large stockpot with 3 liters of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 1 hour, skimming impurities.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks, 1 halved charred onion, 2 inch sliced charred ginger, and 1 tbsp shrimp paste to the broth. Continue simmering for another 1 hour for a rich, fragrant stock.
  3. Step 3: Strain the broth, discard solids, then return the clear broth to the pot. Add 500g thinly sliced beef brisket, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp rock sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes until beef is tender but not falling apart.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, soak 200g rice vermicelli noodles in hot water for 5 minutes until soft, then drain.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, divide noodles into 4 bowls. Ladle hot beef broth with slices over noodles. Top with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup each fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves. Serve immediately with 4 lime wedges and chili slices for added heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Beef Vermicelli Bowl with Lemongrass and Shrimp Paste take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (30 min prep + 130 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Simmered Beef Vermicelli Bowl with Lemongrass and Shrimp Paste?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Beef Vermicelli Bowl with Lemongrass and Shrimp Paste?

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 Simmered Beef Vermicelli Bowl with Lemongrass and Shrimp Paste 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 Simmered Beef Vermicelli Bowl with Lemongrass and Shrimp Paste?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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