Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Grilled Tofu and Nuoc Cham Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A refreshing Vietnamese vermicelli bowl featuring charred tofu, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy, sweet-spicy nuoc cham dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes blends vegetable oil, vermicelli rice noodles, julienned cucumber 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 350 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz block, pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch slabs firm tofu
2 tbsp vegetable oil
8 oz vermicelli rice noodles
1/2, julienned cucumber
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups torn lettuce leaves
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup crushed, for garnish peanuts
3 tbsp lime juice
3 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp sugar
2 minced garlic cloves
1 finely chopped, optional bird's eye chili
1/4 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu block to remove excess moisture, then slice into 1/2-inch slabs. Toss with 2 tbsp vegetable oil and lightly salt.
Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill tofu slabs for 3-4 minutes per side until char marks appear and edges crisp.
Step 3: Soak 8 oz vermicelli rice noodles in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped bird's eye chili, and 1/4 cup water until sugar dissolves to create nuoc cham dressing.
Step 5: Assemble bowls by layering 2 cups torn lettuce leaves, drained noodles, 1/2 julienned cucumber, 1 cup shredded carrots, grilled tofu, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves.
Step 6: Drizzle each bowl generously with nuoc cham dressing and sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed peanuts on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Grilled Tofu and Nuoc Cham Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Grilled Tofu 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 Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Grilled Tofu 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 Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Grilled Tofu 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.

Is Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Grilled Tofu and Nuoc Cham Dressing vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

★★★★★Aisha M.
A quick and healthy meal that's full of authentic Vietnamese taste. Will make again!
★★★★★Priya K.
Loved the balance of flavors in this bowl. The vermicelli cooked up perfectly and the dressing was a hit.
★★★★★Maria G.
This recipe is a game-changer! The nuoc cham was perfect and the grilled tofu was so flavorful. Made it for dinner and my family loved it.