Fresh vermicelli noodles topped with beautifully marinated steak, vibrant herbs, and a sweet and spicy fish sauce—this Asian-inspired dish brings flavors and textures together beautifully. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress your family or guests!
Budget information
The total cost to make this recipe is approximately $15.00. That brings the cost per serving to just about $3.75 if serving four people. A satisfying, flavorful dish that won’t break the bank? Yes, please!
Why This Recipe Works
This dish works so well because it perfectly balances flavors and textures! The tender steak is bathed in a delightful marinade that has notes of sweet and savory, while the fresh herbs provide a bright kick. Plus, the vermicelli noodles soak up all those delicious flavors, making every bite a delightful experience! Not to mention, it’s a fabulous make-ahead meal that you can prep in advance without sacrificing freshness.
Ingredients + optional substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish:
- 8 ounces vermicelli noodles – $2.00
- 1 pound steak (flank or sirloin work beautifully) – $9.00
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced – $1.50 (or use lime zest if lemongrass isn’t available)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – $0.50 (can substitute with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons sherry – $1.00 (optional, but adds depth; can replace with rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – $0.20
- 5 cloves garlic, minced – $0.50
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – $0.30 (soy sauce can replace if avoiding fish)
- 1-2 Thai peppers, sliced – $0.50
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro) – $2.00
- 1 cup bean sprouts – $1.00
Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand!
Step-by-step recipe instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. This excitement builds as the water dances! Once boiling, add the vermicelli noodles and let them cook until soft, which should take about 12 minutes. As they cook, give them a gentle stir occasionally so they don’t stick together. After they are soft, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water—this shuts down their cooking process and cools them down. Set these aside for later; they’ll be the base of your dish, ready to soak up all those scrumptious flavors!
Step 2: While the noodles are cooling, grab a mixing bowl and add the minced lemongrass, soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, and three cloves of minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Place your chosen steak in the marinade and give it a good toss to make sure each piece is coated in that flavorful goodness. Now, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak into the meat nicely.
Step 3: While the steak is marinading, let’s whip up a delightful sauce! In another medium bowl, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of white sugar, and the juice of one lemon; mix until the sugar is fully dissolved. Now, add the fish sauce, sliced Thai peppers, and two more cloves of minced garlic. Taste your sauce and feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Set this aside; the flavors are going to be an incredible finishing touch on the dish.
Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. This is where the magic happens! Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off before adding it to the hot skillet. Cook the steak for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until it’s nice and slightly pink in the center, making sure to perk up your senses as that delicious aroma fills the air.
Step 5: Once the steaks are done, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, divide your cool vermicelli noodles amongst four bowls. Top each bowl with slices of that perfectly cooked steak. Pile on the fresh Thai basil leaves, cilantro, and crunchy bean sprouts. Don’t forget the grand finale—drizzle your sweetened fish sauce over everything to serve. Dive in!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 480
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 850mg
Storage and reheating tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as that can dry out the steak! You might want to add a splash of water to keep things moist when reheating.
Serving suggestions
This dish shines brightly on its own, but if you’d like to elevate the meal even more, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. A side of pickled vegetables can also provide a delightful crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the steak beautifully!
Reader tips or helpful notes
Adjust the garlic and soy sauce quantities in the marinade for a flavor that suits your palate! Sometimes a bit more or less can make all the difference. And if making the sweetened fish sauce ahead of time (which you totally can), refrigerate it in a jar. It’ll keep for up to a week, ready to be used whenever you need that burst of umami flavor! Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor—after all, they’re the star of this vibrant dish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This dish is versatile. Chicken, pork, or even tofu could be fantastic alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
It packs a mild to medium heat due to the Thai peppers. You can adjust the amount or omit them based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! The noodles and sauce can be prepared in advance, and the steak can be marinated a few hours ahead, making assembly quick and easy.
What can I use instead of vermicelli noodles?
You can use rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option!
