Teresa's Recipes
Bun Dau Mam Tom
Bun Dau Mam Tom is a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese dish that beautifully combines the delicate textures of rice vermicelli noodles with the crispy delight of fried tofu, fresh herbs, and a unique fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it's a sensory experience, showcasing the balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors that define Vietnamese cuisine. Traditionally served as a street food favorite, Bun Dau Mam Tom is often enjoyed in warm gatherings, reflecting the communal spirit of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this dish is sure to impress with its freshness and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 block, sliced into bite-sized pieces Fried tofu
- 1 cup (mint, perilla, and lettuce, mixed) Fresh herbs
- 2, thinly sliced Chili peppers
- 1, cut into wedges Lime
- 1/2 cup (for the sauce) Water
- 2 tablespoons Fermented shrimp paste (mam tom)
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 41g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fermented shrimp paste, minced garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and 1/2 cup of water until well combined. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed; it should be a pourable sauce.
- Slice the fried tofu into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving plate with the cooked rice vermicelli noodles.
- Add the fresh herbs and sliced chili peppers around the noodles and tofu, creating a colorful and inviting presentation.
- Serve the bun dau mam tom with the dipping sauce on the side, along with lime wedges and extra fresh herbs for garnish.
- To enjoy, take a small portion of noodles, a piece of tofu, and some herbs. Dip them into the shrimp paste sauce and savor the explosion of flavors.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
- Feel free to add additional toppings such as sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of fermented shrimp paste and add more lime juice for brightness.