Noodle bowls are an obsession for the millennial generation. They are healthy, easy and relatively quick to make. Vietnam has many versions of this dish topped with grilled meats, egg rolls, etc. This is our take on the noodle bowl with simple pan fried fish filet that has been quickly marinated with a few herbs and spices. The secret to this dish is the slightly salty, sweet, tangy fish sauce. Make this for your next meal and you will not be disappointed.

Difficulty: Easy / Servings: 2 / Time: 30 – 45 minutes

Ingredients:

3 filet of firm white fish like tilapia or catfish

1/2 teaspoon + 3 tablespoons of fish sauce

3 tablespoons + 1/2 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 teaspoon of minced ginger

1 tablespoon of diced onion

2 and 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic

1 whole clove of garlic

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of sugar

1/2 teaspoon of fresh lime juice

1 cup of Coco Rico coconut soda

1 diced Thai chili

1 seedless cucumber

1 handful of lettuce leaves

A handful of mint

A handful of parsley

1 package of vermicelli noodles (approximately 1 cup of noodles per person)

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Directions:

Marinate the fish filet for 15 minutes with the following ingredients: 1 tablespoon of diced onion, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.

Make the sauce by combining 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 cup of coconut soda, and 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lime juice, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1 diced Thai chili and 1 teaspoon of chili paste (optional).

Boil vermicelli noodles according to directions and rinse with cold water when the noodles are al dente. Julienne the lettuce and cucumber.

Heat the frying pan on high with 3 tablespoons of EVOO with 1 whole clove of garlic. The garlic will flavor the oil. Remove the garlic when it turns brown, otherwise it will burn quickly.

Add the filet and cook each side for 5 minutes until the flesh are white and firm.

Add noodles, lettuce, cucumber, mint and parsley to a large bowl. Place the fish on top and add the sauce. Stir to incorporate everything before consuming.

For more recipes, visit our EAT page or Recipe Index.

Authors: Susan Tran and Chau Hoang