Rice vermicelli noodles (bun) are round rice noodles. They are white in color and soft with some elasticity. They also come in different sizes. The most commonly used one is medium size. The extra-large one is used in Bun bo Hue (Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup).
How to use rice vermicelli noodles
You can use vermicelli noodles in noodle soups, noodle salad and in fresh spring rolls.
There are usually two ways to prepare the dried vermicelli noodles. The first way is to cook them in boiling water on the stovetop for 6-7 minutes (depending on brand). After boiling time is over, you will need to rinse them under cold water. The second way is to soak them in hot water and it takes much longer this way.
Where to buy and best vermicelli noodle brands
Asian grocery stores carry dried bun noodles of many brands. My favorite brand is Bamboo Tree. The texture is the most similar to the bun we eat in Vietnam.
Bamboo tree (Ba Cay Tre) vermicelli noodle brand.
If your Asian grocery stores don’t carry this brand, another good one is the Three Ladies brand. The Three Ladies brand can also be purchased from Amazon.
Recipes that use rice vermicelli noodles are:
- Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad (Bun Bo Xao)
- Vietnamese Grilled Pork Meatballs with Noodles (Bun Cha)
- Fish Cake Noodle Soup (Bun Cha Ca)
- Fried Fish Noodle Soup (Bun Ca)
- Hanoi Chicken Vermicelli Noodle Soup (Bun Thang)
- Vietnamese Chicken Vermicelli Noodle Soup (Bun Ga)
- Vietnamese-style Salmon Noodle Soup
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