10 Best Sauces for Vermicelli Bowls (Easy Vermicelli Bowl Sauces)

Vermicelli bowl sauces are the secret to elevating the flavors of this popular Vietnamese dish.

Whether you’re a fan of meat, seafood, or vegetarian options, finding the perfect sauce can take your vermicelli bowl to a whole new level.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best sauces for vermicelli bowls that are easy to make and will satisfy your taste buds.

10 Best Vermicelli Bowl Sauce Recipes

From tangy and spicy to creamy and savory, these vermicelli bowl sauces are sure to jazz up your next meal.

1. Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Fish Sauce)

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Nuoc Cham is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and the go-to sauce for vermicelli bowls. Made with fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, and chili peppers, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

The fish sauce provides a depth of umami while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy kick. This sauce complements grilled meats, tofu, or vegetables, bringing out the best in every ingredient.

2. Peanut Sauce

Creamy and rich, peanut sauce adds a delightful nuttiness to your vermicelli bowl. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness, this sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a fusion of savory and sweet flavors.

It can be thinned out with water or coconut milk to achieve the desired consistency. Drizzle it over your vermicelli bowls for a luscious and indulgent sauce.

3. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce offers a thick and sweet flavor profile with hints of garlic, soybean paste, and various spices. Its unique taste is both savory and slightly tangy, making it an excellent addition to vermicelli bowls.

With its distinct umami flavor, hoisin sauce complements grilled meats, shrimp, or tofu, while adding a touch of sweetness to your dish.

4. Soy Sauce

While simple, soy sauce packs a punch of flavor and is often used as a dipping sauce in vermicelli bowls.

The fermented soybean product offers a salty and savory taste that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. It pairs well with almost anything in vermicelli bowls, from freshly grilled meats to stir-fried vegetables and tofu.

5. Sriracha Mayo

For those who enjoy a little heat and creaminess, sriracha mayo is the perfect sauce for vermicelli bowls. Combining the zingy spiciness of sriracha with the smoothness of mayonnaise, this sauce offers a delightful blend of flavors. Drizzle it over your vermicelli bowls to add a kick of heat and a creamy texture.

6. Sweet Chili Sauce

With its enticing balance of sweet and spicy, sweet chili sauce is a fantastic choice for vermicelli bowls.

Made with chili peppers, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and often a hint of tangy lime, this sauce delivers a burst of flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, giving your vermicelli bowl a pleasant heat and sweetness.

7. Ginger Scallion Sauce

Zesty and refreshing, ginger scallion sauce adds a vibrant kick to vermicelli bowls. Combining finely chopped ginger, scallions, garlic, oil, and soy sauce, this sauce provides a burst of aroma and freshness to your dish.

It works well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, adding a lively and aromatic element to your vermicelli bowls.

8. Lemongrass Sauce

Infused with the fragrant and citrusy notes of lemongrass, this sauce brings a unique twist to vermicelli bowls. Made with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, it offers a combination of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.

This sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats or tofu, creating a refreshing and aromatic experience.

9. Sesame Peanut Dressing

Combining the nutty flavors of sesame and peanuts, this dressing is both rich and versatile. Made with toasted sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness, it adds depth and complexity to vermicelli bowls.

The creamy consistency and the umami flavors pair perfectly with grilled proteins and crisp vegetables.

10. Spicy Garlic Sauce

For those who love a bold and fiery kick, spicy garlic sauce is the answer.

Made with minced garlic, chili peppers, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, it introduces a burst of heat and garlicky goodness to vermicelli bowls. This sauce complements grilled meats, tofu, or vegetables, adding a fiery accent to your meal. Just beware, a little goes a long way!

FAQs

Are vermicelli noodle bowls healthy?

Vermicelli noodle bowls can be a healthy choice depending on the ingredients and sauces used. Vermicelli noodles themselves are low in fat and have a relatively low calorie content.

However, the overall healthiness depends on the protein source (such as grilled chicken or tofu), the amount of vegetables included, and the type of sauce used. Opting for lean proteins, plenty of vegetables, and sauces that are lower in sugar and sodium can make vermicelli noodle bowls a nutritious and balanced meal.

How do you eat Vietnamese vermicelli bowls?

To eat Vietnamese vermicelli bowls, start by mixing all the ingredients together. Use chopsticks or a fork to toss the vermicelli noodles, protein (grilled meat, shrimp, tofu, etc.), and vegetables together.

Then, add your desired sauce or combination of sauces and mix well. Vietnamese vermicelli bowls are typically eaten by using chopsticks to pick up small portions and then using a spoon to scoop up the noodles and sauce. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

How is Vietnamese fish sauce made?

Traditional Vietnamese fish sauce, known as nuoc mam, is made by fermenting fish, usually anchovies, with salt. The fish are layered in large vats along with sea salt and left to ferment for months or even years. During the fermentation process, enzymes break down the fish and produce a liquid that is then drained and aged for further development of flavor.

The resulting fish sauce is a dark, amber-colored liquid with a strong, pungent aroma and distinctive umami taste that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Why is vermicelli so high in calories?

Vermicelli noodles, made from rice flour, are higher in calories compared to some other types of noodles like wheat or soba noodles. This is because rice is naturally more calorie-dense than grains like wheat. Additionally, vermicelli noodles are often cooked and served in larger quantities compared to other types of noodles.

This can contribute to the overall calorie content of a vermicelli bowl. However, the high calorie content can be balanced by choosing healthier protein options and reducing the amount of high-calorie sauces used.