Name: Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: ½ package thin rice vermicelli noodles; ½ tsp freshly chopped garlic; ½ tsp fish sauce; 2 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp chili garlic sauce; ¼ tsp granulated garlic; 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil; 1 pound flank steak; Chopped green onions (to taste); Cilantro (to taste); Bean sprouts (to taste); Basil (to taste); Shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg, to taste); Pickled daikon radish & carrots (to taste); Vietnamese salad dressing or nước chấm (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 73 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent, this Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe has got you covered. It’s a vibrant combination of tender, marinated flank steak grilled to perfection and nestled on a bed of delicate rice vermicelli noodles, all brightened up with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables. What makes this dish so irresistible is how every bite blends smoky, savory, sweet, and tangy notes, creating a harmony that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a game-changer that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two small dark bowls filled with thin strips of white and orange vegetables, likely pickled daikon and carrots, sit on a blue and white striped cloth with a white marbled texture underneath. The top bowl contains more curly, softer looking vegetable strips stacked loosely, while the bottom bowl has straighter, thicker slices arranged in a neat pile. A pair of brown wooden chopsticks lies next to the bowls on the cloth. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe right is all about balancing simple, quality ingredients that bring incredible flavor, texture, and color to every mouthful. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the savory marinade that brings the beef to life or the fresh herbs and crisp veggies that add brightness and crunch.

Thin rice vermicelli noodles: These delicate noodles soak up all the amazing juices and keep the bowl light and refreshing.
Freshly chopped garlic (½ tsp): Adds a subtle punch of aromatic warmth to the marinade.
Fish sauce (½ tsp): A classic umami boost that deepens the marinade’s savory character.
Sugar (2 tsp): Balances salty and spicy flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Brings a rich, salty backbone to the marinade.
Pepper (1 tsp): Offers a mild heat that elevates all the other flavors.
Chili garlic sauce (1 tsp): Gives the marinade a gentle kick and a little complexity.
Granulated garlic (¼ tsp): Enhances garlic flavor consistently throughout the beef.
Vegetable or canola oil (2 tbsp): Helps the marinade coat the beef evenly and aids in grilling.
Flank steak (1 pound): The star of the dish, perfect for grilling and soaking up all those bold flavors.
Chopped green onions: Bright, fresh and slightly pungent garnish to add crunch and color.
Cilantro: A must-have for its herbaceous lift and fresh aroma.
Bean sprouts: Adds fabulous texture and crispness to every bite.
Basil: Provides a sweet, peppery note that complements the beef beautifully.
Shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg): Adds crispness and a refreshing green base.
Pickled daikon radish & carrots: Brings a delightful tang and crunch to the bowl.
Vietnamese salad dressing or nước chấm: The secret to tying all the flavors together with a bright, balanced dressing.

How to Make Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by mixing garlic, fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, pepper, chili garlic sauce, granulated garlic, and oil in a bowl. This marinade is a beautiful blend of salty, sweet, spicy, and fragrant flavors that will transform your flank steak. Coat the beef thoroughly and let it rest for at least 30 minutes — or even better, a couple of hours in the fridge — so it can soak up all those mouthwatering tastes.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

While the beef marinates, cook the thin rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, usually soaking them in hot water until tender but still slightly chewy. Rinse with cool water afterward to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking. This simple step sets the foundation for the perfect noodle bowl texture.

Step 3: Grill the Beef

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the marinated flank steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, aiming for a nice char on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy inside. Rest the beef for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain, which will ensure every bite is tender and easy to eat.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

In each bowl, place a generous bed of the prepared rice noodles, then layer on shredded lettuce, pickled daikon and carrots, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and green onions. Top it all off with the sliced grilled beef, and don’t forget to drizzle plenty of Vietnamese salad dressing or nước chấm over everything for that signature tangy finish.

How to Serve Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe

A white bowl filled with several layers of food sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is soft white rice noodles, topped with a layer of thin, brown grilled meat slices arranged side by side on the right side. To the left of the meat, there are long white bean sprouts. Next to the sprouts, there is a mix of thinly sliced white and orange pickled vegetables, likely daikon and carrots, with a slightly wet texture. Fresh green herbs, including dark green basil leaves and cilantro, cover the top left of the bowl. Small sliced red chili peppers and green onions are sprinkled over the grilled meat, adding color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes are what bring this Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe to life; fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add vibrant color and flavor, while crunchy bean sprouts and pickled vegetables add contrast to the tender beef and soft noodles. A sprinkle of chopped green onions finishes off this bowl perfectly, making every bite exciting and fresh.

Side Dishes

Pair your noodle bowl with light, complementary sides like crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar. These accompaniments add additional textures and flavors without overshadowing the star of the show, keeping the meal balanced and truly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a relaxed gathering, serve the noodles and garnishes separately on a platter alongside the grilled beef and dressing, allowing everyone to build their own bowls. This not only makes it interactive but also ensures each person gets exactly what they want. You can also layer the ingredients in pretty glass jars for a grab-and-go lunch or picnic option that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover grilled beef and noodles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps the beef stay juicy and the noodles firm without getting soggy. Store the fresh herbs and vegetables separately to maintain their crispness.

Freezing

While not ideal for noodles or fresh veggies, the marinated beef can be frozen before cooking. Freeze it flat in a sealed bag for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. This allows you to prep ahead without losing any marinated flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warm but avoid overcooking, which can make it tough. Noodles should be enjoyed cold or at room temperature to keep their texture intact, so assemble your bowl fresh if possible or add a splash of water or dressing to loosen the noodles if they’ve clumped together.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for this recipe due to its flavor and texture, skirt steak or sirloin can also work well. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you’re sensitive to fish sauce, try using soy sauce with a splash of lime juice or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative for that umami kick without the seafood flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

The chili garlic sauce adds a gentle heat, but you can customize the spice level by adjusting how much you use or omitting it altogether for a milder version that still packs plenty of flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and all the other ingredients such as rice noodles and fish sauce are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to enjoy leftovers?

Leftover grilled beef noodle bowls are fantastic when served cold or at room temperature with fresh herbs and veggies added just before eating. It’s a perfect quick lunch or light dinner option.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe is such a rewarding dish to make — it’s fresh, flavorful, and filled with textures that keep you coming back for more. It’s one of those recipes that feels both special and approachable, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying any day of the week. Once you try it, I bet it will become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire too!

Grilled Beef Noodle Bowl Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need