Lemongrass SHIITAKE noodle salad

Fragrant lemongrass marinated pulled shiitake takes center stage in this Vietnamese-inspired noodle salad, paired with a zingy nuoc cham dressing

Makes 10-12 portions

Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 10 mins

INGREDIENTS

2.2lb (1kg) bag of Fable Pulled Shiitake Mushrooms, thawed

For lemongrass marinade:

1 cup oyster sauce

¼ cup tamari (soy sauce)

¼ cup sesame oil

¼ cup lemon juice

4 tsp maple syrup or sugar

4 stalks of fresh lemongrass (white part)

4 brown onions, cut in half, thinly sliced lengthwise

12 garlic cloves, minced

Nuoc cham dressing:

½ cup warm water

2 tbsp sugar

¼ cup fish sauce

¼ cup white or rice vinegar 

2 tbsp lime juice

1 minced chili

To serve (1 bowl):

90g lemongrass Fable protein

50g Vermicelli rice noodles

70-80g shredded lettuce

Handful mint and cilantro (coriander), finely chopped

50g cucumber, julienned 

Handful bean sprouts 

Optional garnishes:

Chopped roasted peanuts

Fried shallots

Sliced fresh chili

METHOD

To make nuoc cham dressing, combine the sugar and warm water until dissolved. Then add the remaining ingredients and whisk together.

Bash lemongrass stalks with a pestle or rolling pin, then roughly chop. In a food processor, whiz the lemongrass into fine shreds. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the wet ingredients for the lemongrass marinade and stir until well combined. Add onion, minced garlic and lemongrass.

Shred Fable into smaller bits and add them into the wet mixture. Combine and ensure Fable is evenly coated. Heat oil in a large pan until hot and add Fable mixture, and fry for about 10 mins until onion and Fable are nicely browned.

To serve:

Cook vermicelli noodles according to their pack instructions, rise with cold water and strain. For each bowl, combine shredded lettuce and chopped Asian herbs. Then layer with noodles, pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber sticks, fried lemongrass Fable and bean sprouts. 

Top with peanuts, fried shallots, chili slices and extra Asian herbs. Portion 2 heaping tbsps of nuoc cham dressing and serve on the side.

Tips & suggestions:

  • Batch make the nuoc cham dressing and store for up to 7 days.

  • Lemongrass Fable protein can be used across several formats - rice bowls, Banh Mi or even a salad without the noodles.

  • If your kitchen has a hot wok or skillet, we definitely recommend this to amplify the caramelization and char of the Fable.

Bowl of mixed Asian-style salad with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, chopped red chili peppers, cilantro, chopped onions, and dark marinated meat, with a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on the side.
Bowls of Vietnamese noodle salad topped with herbs, vegetables, chopped peanuts, and sliced red chili, with a small bowl of dipping sauce