Phở Cuốn
Ăn vặt • Việt Nam
Về Phở Cuốn
Phở noodle sheets rolled with beef and herbs — Hanoi invention, dipped in fish sauce
How to Make Phở Cuốn (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Phở Cuốn is a popular Vietnamese snack originating from Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam’s culinary traditions. Unlike the classic phở soup, Phở Cuốn features delicate rice noodle sheets rolled around aromatic beef, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, creating a refreshing and light bite. Its taste is balanced with savory, herbal, and slightly sweet notes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The dish embodies the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine—fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor—while offering a healthy alternative to heavier street foods. Vietnamese Phở Cuốn is celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. The rolls are typically enjoyed during warmer months, as their cool, fresh ingredients make them ideal for a light meal or snack. The dish reflects Vietnam’s cultural reverence for fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, which enhance both taste and nutritional value. Phở Cuốn is often served with a tangy dipping sauce (nước chấm) that perfectly complements the tender beef and crisp vegetables, making it a sensory delight for anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors. Its versatility and health-conscious composition have made it a staple in Vietnamese households, particularly in the northern regions.
Ingredients(for 3-4 rolls per person)
- 8 sheets Rice noodle sheets (Bánh phở cuốn)
- 200g Beef sirloin (Thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Fresh mint (Vietnamese mint (rau thơm))
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (Vietnamese cilantro (ngò))
- 1 cup Lettuce (Romaine or local variety)
- 1 small Carrot (Julienned)
- 1/2 Cucumber (Julienned)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce (Nước mắm)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Sugar (For dipping sauce)
- 1 small Chili (Sliced, optional) - optional
- 1 tbsp Cooking oil (For stir-frying beef)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the rice noodle sheets by carefully separating them and placing on a clean surface.
3 minutes
Keep sheets moist to prevent cracking.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, then add thinly sliced beef. Cook until beef is just done, about 3-4 minutes.
5 minutes
Avoid overcooking beef to maintain tenderness.
- 3
Wash and dry mint, cilantro, and lettuce. Julienne carrot and cucumber.
5 minutes
Use paper towels to keep herbs crisp.
- 4
Lay a rice noodle sheet flat. Add lettuce, mint, cilantro, carrot, cucumber, and a spoonful of cooked beef. Roll tightly, folding in the sides to seal.
5 minutes
Do not overfill to ensure neat rolls.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Vietnamese snack is a health-conscious choice thanks to its fresh ingredients, minimal oil, and lean protein. Unlike fried snacks, Phở Cuốn is steamed or served fresh, reducing saturated fats and calories. Its abundance of herbs and vegetables boosts fiber and micronutrients, making it ideal for weight management and gut health. The moderate portion size helps prevent overeating while keeping you full.
Phở Cuốn is rich in lean protein from beef, vitamins A and C from fresh vegetables, and essential minerals from herbs. The rice noodle sheets provide moderate carbohydrates, while the absence of deep-frying keeps the fat content low. Mint and cilantro are natural sources of antioxidants, supporting immune function and digestion. The dish’s balance of macronutrients makes it suitable for calorie-conscious diets and provides sustained energy.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Keep rice noodle sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- 💡Tip 2: Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust dipping sauce flavors to suit your taste—more lime for tang, more sugar for sweetness.
Storage & Serving
Store Phở Cuốn rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep dipping sauce separate. Best consumed fresh, as rice sheets can dry out.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 115.0 kcal |
| Protein | 7.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14.0 g |
| Total Fat | 3.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
