
This rice noodle salad is a delightful journey through Asian flavors. The perfect balance of silky noodles, crisp vegetables, and aromatic sauce creates a signature dish that captures authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. The secret lies in the nokoss sauce - a fragrant blend that ties all the elements together into a harmonious whole.
Essential Ingredients
- Rice Vermicelli: 200g - Choose thin noodles that absorb sauce well
- Fish Sauce: 150ml - Select premium quality for best flavor
- Shrimp: 300g - Raw shrimp maintain better texture
- Black Mushrooms: 50g - Dried mushrooms add rich umami flavor
- Fresh Cilantro: 2 bunches - Essential for authentic taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Basic Preparation
- Soak black mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes. Boil water for vermicelli, turn off heat, add noodles and soak 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Nokoss Sauce Base
- Pound garlic and onion in mortar. Gradually add chili, adjusting heat level. Finish with pepper to balance flavors.
- Step 3: Dressing
- Mix fish sauce with fresh lime juice. Add nokoss paste gradually, testing flavor. Balance with sugar to taste.
- Step 4: Cooking Shrimp
- Boil shrimp 2-3 minutes until pink. Immediately cool in ice water to maintain texture.
- Step 5: Vegetable Prep
- Finely grate carrots, slice green onions diagonally, chop cilantro including stems, slice rehydrated mushrooms thinly.
Creative Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use crumbled smoked tofu
- Spicy Version: Double chili in nokoss sauce
- Fresh Version: Add cucumber and mint
- Protein-Rich: Include soy-marinated shredded chicken

Perfect Pairings
- Fresh spring rolls
- Crispy spring rolls
- Sweet chili sauce
- Lettuce leaves for wrapping
Chef's Notes
- Prepare extra sauce as noodles absorb generously
- Reserve fresh herbs for serving
- Use a wok or large pan for mixing
Final Thoughts
This vermicelli salad embodies Asian cuisine's philosophy of balanced flavors and textures. Each preparation brings alive memories of bustling Bangkok markets and Saigon street stalls, preserving traditional culinary heritage.
Recipe Tips
- → Can I make this salad early?
- Definitely! Preparing it a day before helps the flavors come together beautifully.
- → What can I substitute for shrimp?
- Swap with sliced chicken, tofu, or thin strips of beef for variety.
- → How do I control the spice level?
- Adjust the amount of chili you add to the garlic and onion mix to match your taste.
- → Which kind of vermicelli works best?
- Both rice noodles and mung bean vermicelli are great options, so choose the one whose texture you prefer.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days.