Savory Vietnamese Beef Vermicelli

Step 1

In skillet over medium-high, heat the 3 tbs of light olive oil.

Step 2

Add thinly sliced shallots and garlic and cook for about 1 minute.

Step 3

Turn heat down to medium and continue to cook shallots and garlic, stirring frequently so that they do not burn.

Step 4

Cook until the shallots and garlic become a light golden color, about 8 minutes. Watch them carefully.

Step 5

Remove shallots and garlic from pan with a slotted spoon and let drain and cool on a paper towel. Set aside until ready to use. (Shallots and garlic will crisp up as they cool.)

Step 6

Reserve the shallot and garlic flavored oil in the skillet.

Step 7

Arrange chopped lettuce with any other garnishings in bowls or plates; set aside.

Step 8

Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup and mix well. Set aside.

Step 9

Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions.

Step 10

Rinse under cool water and drain well.

Step 11

Divide evenly among bowls/dishes, placing a mound of noodles on top of the chopped lettuce.

Step 12

In the same skillet you used for the shallots and garlic, heat the reserved oil over medium-high heat.

Step 13

Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until nicely browned.

Step 14

Divide cooked beef to each dish, topping the vermicelli noodles.

Step 15

Add any garnishes to each bowl, as desired.

Step 16

Stir sauce ingredients once more before adding to hot skillet, scraping any bits from the pan and incorporating into the sauce.

Step 17

Spoon the sauce over the beef and vermicelli noodles.

Step 18

Top with fried garlic and shallots, chopped peanuts, and green onions, if desired.

Step 19

Serve immediately.