Banh Sung: Cold Rice Vermicelli Salad Recipe

Cambodia has many noodle dishes, but Banh Sung is a hidden gem. It’s a cold rice vermicelli salad that’s not as well-known as some others. But it’s going to make your taste buds happy with its special mix of flavors and textures.

Banh Sung is made with noodles from rice and tapioca flour. It’s different from the thin noodles in bún chả giò. These noodles are chewier and bouncier, which goes well with fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and savory toppings. You’re about to start a flavor adventure by making this Cambodian dish at home.

Unveiling the Delightful Flavors of Banh Sung

Banh Sung is a Vietnamese noodle dish loved for its tasty flavors and interesting story. It comes from Cambodia and shows the rich food traditions of Southeast Asia.

What is Banh Sung?

Banh Sung is a cold rice noodle salad. It starts with cooked noodles that are lightly oiled to stop them from sticking together. Then, they mix in shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions.

These veggies are stir-fried with oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. This makes the dish very tasty.

The Origins of Banh Sung

It’s not clear where Banh Sung came from, but many think it’s from Cambodia. The dish uses vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs and veggies. This is common in both Cambodian and Vietnamese food.

This shows that there was a sharing of food traditions between the two countries.

Banh Sung’s mix of flavors and textures has won over food lovers all over the world. It’s a favorite Vietnamese noodle dish that keeps bringing joy and new tastes to people.

The Tantalizing Ingredients

The rice vermicelli noodles are key to the banh sung dish. They’re cooked just right and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. This makes a soft base for the other flavors to shine.

Rice Vermicelli Noodles: The Foundation

The rice vermicelli noodles are the core of banh sung. They let the fresh herbs and veggies mix well together. These thin noodles are a must in Vietnamese food. They soak up the dish’s flavors perfectly.

Fresh Herbs and Veggies: Adding Vibrant Flavors

• Stinky fish herbs: These pungent herbs add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Thai basil: The fragrant and slightly licorice-like flavor of Thai basil is a perfect complement to the rice vermicelli noodles.
• Vietnamese coriander: Also known as rau ram, this herb brings a refreshing, citrusy note to the mix.
• Shredded carrots: Crisp and sweet, the carrots provide a crunchy texture and pop of color.
• Slivers of cucumbers: The cool, juicy crunch of cucumbers helps balance the other ingredients.

These fresh herbs and veggies make the banh sung look and taste amazing. It’s a treat for your senses.

Banh Sung (Cold Rice Vermicelli Salad) recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing Banh Sung, or cold rice vermicelli salad, is fun. Let’s make this Vietnamese dish at home step by step.

First, make the spring rolls. Stir-fry shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Once it cools, wrap it in spring roll wrappers. Fry half and keep the other half unfried.

Then, cook the rice vermicelli noodles as the package says. Mix the noodles with fresh herbs, crisp veggies, the spring rolls, and your chosen protein, like grilled pork.

1. Prepare the spring roll filling by stir-frying shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions.
2. Wrap the cooled filling in spring roll wrappers, then fry half and leave the other half unfried.
3. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles and toss them with the spring rolls, herbs, vegetables, and protein.

With this guide, you can make Banh Sung (cold rice vermicelli salad) at home. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Vietnam at your table.

Preparing the Flavorful Accompaniments

Banh sung is a cold rice vermicelli salad. It gets even better with two tasty sides: nuoc cham dressing and coconut milk-based condiment. These sides make eating banh sung a joy.

Nuoc Cham Dressing: The Perfect Pairing

Nuoc cham dressing is a key part of Vietnamese food. It goes well with banh sung’s cold noodles. This sauce is tangy and a bit sweet, made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.

Coconut Milk-Based Condiment: A Refreshing Twist

The coconut milk condiment adds a creamy touch to banh sung. First, green onions are fried in oil. Then, they’re cooked in coconut milk with a bit of salt. This makes a smooth, tasty side that goes great with the noodles and herbs.

The nuoc cham and coconut milk condiment make banh sung even better. They mix well together, creating a mix of flavors that’s exciting. These banh sung accompaniments turn the dish into a memorable meal.

Assembling the Ultimate Banh Sung Bowl

Making the perfect banh sung dish is fun. It lets you show off the bright tastes and textures of this Vietnamese cold rice vermicelli salad. Here’s how to make the ultimate banh sung bowl:

1. Begin by putting cooked vermicelli noodles in a bowl. These noodles will be the base of your banh sung.
2. Then, add fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil on top. These herbs make your dish taste great.
3. Put crisp, fresh veggies next. Carrots, cucumbers, and bean sprouts are great choices for assembling banh sung or building banh sung bowl.
4. If you like, add your favorite protein like grilled pork, shrimp, or tofu. This makes your meal more filling.
5. Then, pour the tasty nuoc cham dressing and coconut milk-based sauce over everything. This spreads the flavors well.
6. Finally, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a nice crunch.

By doing these steps, you’ll make a banh sung bowl that looks great and tastes amazing. It will satisfy your craving for a cool and real Vietnamese dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Banh sung is a tasty Vietnamese cold rice vermicelli salad. It’s perfect as a light main dish or a side to other Vietnamese foods. You can make it your own by trying different proteins with the herbs and veggies.

Protein Options to Complement Banh Sung

Classic choices like grilled pork or shrimp are great. But you can also try marinated chicken or beef for more flavor. For a vegetarian choice, pan-seared or baked tofu works well with the salad’s fresh taste.

• Grilled Pork
• Sautéed Shrimp
• Marinated Chicken
• Grilled Beef
• Pan-Seared Tofu

There are many ways to serve banh sung. Try different proteins to find your favorite mix. This way, you can enjoy a fulfilling and tasty meal.

Conclusion

Banh sung, the tasty Vietnamese cold rice vermicelli salad, is a treat. It has bouncy noodles, fresh herbs, and veggies. The dressing and coconut milk add sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

This dish is perfect for hot summer days. It’s refreshing and makes you feel good.

We showed you how to make banh sung at home. You learned about its origins and how to cook it right. This article was for both fans and newbies of this dish.

Next time you want a cool, tasty meal, try making banh sung. Enjoy the flavors and the fun of cooking this dish. Happy cooking!