Often sought after for its vibrant flavors and aromas, Vietnamese cuisine has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts around the world. From the popular street food, banh mi to the nutrient-dense spring rolls, the country’s culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. One of the unique aspects of Vietnamese cooking is its emphasis on fresh ingredients, with a focus on vegetables, herbs, and fruits that make it one of the healthiest cuisines globally.
The combination of refreshing flavors and savory spices creates dishes that are not only mouth-watering but also visually stunning. Of course, relying on takeout or delivery can be convenient, but for those who want to truly experience the authentic taste of Vietnam, cooking these dishes at home is the way to go. After all, there’s no better way to connect with a culture than through its food. That’s why I’m excited to share 21 Vietnamese recipes that you can easily make in your own kitchen.
Buckle up and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Vietnam!
Banh Mi
Ruling the streets of Vietnam is the beloved banh mi, a delicious and versatile street food that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Its soft, airy baguette is filled with an assortment of ingredients including meat, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and seasoning, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic. Despite its widespread popularity, there are now countless variations of banh mi emerging in Vietnam and other countries, each with its own unique twist.
This diversity is a testament to the dish’s adaptability and the creativity of its vendors and enthusiasts. This recipe stands out from the crowd by using marinated tofu as a protein substitute, making it an attractive option for vegetarians. Additionally, the addition of mayonnaise and sriracha adds a rich and spicy dimension to the dish, elevating it to new heights.
Pho
Coming across pho in Vietnam is quite a common occurrence – restaurants are abundant, as are street vendors and households alike.
Vietnamese Crepes
Taking centre stage in Vietnamese cuisine are the delicious crepes that have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Typically found in the north, south, and central regions of the country, these crispy treats are a staple food that is savoured by many. When it comes to fillings, pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts are the most popular choices, combining to create a delightful harmony of flavours and textures.
But what truly elevates this dish to new heights is the addition of a refreshing dipping sauce made from lime juice and fish sauce.
Lemongrass Chicken
Not only is Vietnam’s lemongrass chicken considered one of the most delectable chicken dishes globally, but its unique marinade is also what sets it apart from other international cuisine. The combination of lemongrass, fish sauce, sweet chili sauce, and red curry paste provides a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Furthermore, the succulent chicken meat is so juicy and tender that one can’t help but be completely enamored with it.
When paired with coconut-infused jasmine rice, the dish becomes an authentic representation of Asian-style cuisine.
Vietnamese Mango Salad
Looking for a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further! This recipe brings you the authentic flavors of Hanoi street food, carefully balanced to deliver a symphony of sweet and sour notes. What’s more, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort but yielding maximum flavor.
The star of the show is, of course, the ripe mangoes, which are perfectly complemented by the freshness of cilantro, the crunch of shallots, and the nutty goodness of peanuts. And let’s not forget the dressing – a masterful blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and rice wine vinegar that adds depth and brightness to each bite.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Not only do Vietnamese spring rolls showcase the versatility of healthy ingredients, but they also prove that nutritious food can be incredibly satisfying and scrumptious! The combination of colorful veggies, juicy fruits, and protein-rich foods wrapped in rice paper wrappers is both visually appealing and tantalizing. Carrots, cucumbers, avocados, shrimp, and a multitude of other ingredients come together to create a delightful culinary experience.
To assemble these fresh rolls, simply roll them up like a burrito, slice them in half, and serve with a rich and flavorful peanut dipping sauce. These delectable spring rolls are perfect as appetizers or a light meal on a meatless Monday!
Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad
Lighting up the senses with its vibrant flavors, this rice noodle salad is a quintessential Vietnamese dish that exudes healthiness and delectability. The harmonious combination of tender rice noodles, juicy chicken thighs, and crunchy raw vegetables and herbs creates a delightful texture profile. At the heart of this recipe lies the nuoc cham, a classic Vietnamese condiment that expertly balances sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavors in perfect harmony.
What’s more, the beauty of this dish lies in its low-key preparation requirements, as it makes minimal use of the stove, making it an ideal summer treat to prepare even on the hottest days.
Vietnamese Caramel Sauce
Varying in its usage across Vietnam’s culinary scene, caramel sauce – also known as nuoc mau – presents itself as a versatile accompaniment to numerous savory dishes. Its distinct flavor profile, characterized by a balance of smoky and sweet undertones, plays a pivotal role in elevating the overall taste experience.
This particular recipe showcases the simplicity of the sauce’s composition, comprising just three essential ingredients: vinegar, cane sugar, and water, which serves as a thinner to achieve the desired consistency once the sugar and vinegar are combined and heated.
Vietnamese Caramel Shrimp
Cooking up a delicious meal can be as simple as adding a rich and sweet element to your dish, like caramel sauce. This shrimp recipe is a perfect example of how to do just that. By frying the shrimp with aromatics and then cooking it with caramel sauce until thickened, you’ll create a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. To take it up another notch, simply add some fish sauce, black pepper, and scallions for an extra burst of flavor.
The result is one of the tastiest and easiest shrimp dishes you’ll ever make, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Pok Pok Wings
Packed with a delightful blend of flavors and textures, these marinated chicken wings are an absolute game-changer. Deep-fried until oh-so-crispy, they’re then glazed with a rich spiced fish sauce that adds depth to each bite. The result is a culinary experience that will leave you hooked for life! Each wing has a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, while the fried garlic, cilantro, and mint on top add an extra layer of fragrance and crunch, elevating the dish to new heights.
Vietnamese Garlic Butter Noodles
Elevating weeknight meals to the next level is this 20-minute noodle dish that combines garlicky and buttery flavors in perfect harmony. The al dente egg noodles are tossed in a rich garlic-butter sauce infused with subtle notes from fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce.A non-traditional yet indulgent touch is added by sprinkling parmesan cheese on top, giving the dish a more sophisticated flair.
Peanut Sticky Rice
Combining the traditional Thai flavors of sweet and salty, sticky rice with peanuts has become a popular dish worldwide. Its unique blend of flavors is what sets it apart from other simple rice dishes.The subtle sweetness of the coconut milk pairs perfectly with the crunch of roasted peanuts.For added texture and flavor, shredded coconut and toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on top.The mixture of sugar and salt brings out the best in this dish, making it a great choice for breakfast or snacks.
Vietnamese Boiled Cabbage
Welcoming a burst of flavor to your meal has never been easier than with boiled cabbage, a staple in almost every Vietnamese household. While the simplicity of this dish may lead you to assume it’s nothing out of the ordinary, the fact remains that the key to its success lies not only in the boiled cabbage itself but also in its accompaniment – a delicious and uniquely flavored dipping sauce.
This sauce is crafted with care, combining mashed hard-boiled egg with the zesty tang of lime juice, the pungency of fish sauce, and the subtle heat of chili peppers.
Vietnamese Papaya Salad
Creating a well-rounded and refreshing salad can be achieved by combining various ingredients. Crunchy elements such as peanuts and fried onions pair perfectly with the juicy sweetness of orange papaya. The addition of raw vegetables enhances the overall texture, while a lightly spiced lime dressing brings out the freshness and zest required to balance out the flavours in this salad.
Vietnamese Mung Bean Dumplings
Beneath the crunchy exterior of many Asian-style treats lies a delicate and tender filling that’s worth discovering. These perfectly tender dumplings feature a mung bean filling that’s both savory and sweet, with a flavor profile that’s elevated by salt, pepper, and onions. Unlike traditional mung bean dumplings, which often include shrimp or pork, these can be easily veganized by omitting the animal products.
Pandan Waffles
Beyond its mouth-watering taste and delightful aroma, one of the standout features of pandan waffles is their unique texture. The blissful surprise comes from the chewy center that adds a delightful contrast to the crispy exterior. Each bite is also infused with a subtle coconut flavor courtesy of the coconut cream added to the batter.
Purple Yam Soup
Understated elegance defines the unique characteristics of purple yam soup, making it a standout in culinary offerings. The vibrant purple hue is a notable feature, but its appeal extends far beyond visual aesthetics. In addition to its striking color, the soup boasts an impressive combination of succulent prawns and delicate fish slices. At the foundation of this delectable dish lies a rich chicken stock base, which serves as a robust flavor enhancer.
To further elevate the experience, a carefully selected blend of fresh spices and herbs is incorporated, resulting in a truly aromatic and satisfying culinary creation.
Vietnamese Fish Sauce
Culinary enthusiasts often rave about the diverse range of sauces found in Vietnam, but one condiment stands out from the rest: fish sauce.
This pungent liquid is an essential component of many traditional Vietnamese dishes, including rice noodles, spring rolls, and even delicate Vietnamese crepes.
To create a classic dipping sauce, simply combine pure fish sauce with sugar, water, and a squeeze of lemonade for a balanced flavor profile.
Vietnamese Shrimp Tacos
Garnishing these tacos with marinated shrimp, Asian-style salsa, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables will surely elevate your Taco Tuesdays to a new level. The marinating process for the shrimp involves a combination of zesty lime juice, a touch of coconut sugar, and traditional Vietnamese spices that complement each other perfectly.
At the same time, the vibrant flavors of the salsa and pickled vegetables – a delightful mix of spicy and tangy notes – will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Prawn and Sweet Potato Fritters
Delighting in street food from around the world is one of life’s greatest pleasures. In Vietnam, particularly in the northern regions, prawn and sweet potato fritters are a beloved snack that offers a perfect balance of crunch and flavor. When it comes to making these tasty treats, achieving the ideal batter consistency is key.
Fortunately, with just a few common pantry ingredients, you can create a batter that’s similar to pancake mix, yet firm enough to hold together the prawn and sweet potato sticks without being too thick. To take your fritter game to the next level, consider pairing it with fresh lettuce, herbs, and a side of fish sauce for dipping, creating a truly satisfying meal.
Vietnamese Fried Tofu
Want to spice up your meal routine and try something new? Vietnamese fried tofu is an excellent choice! This recipe is quick to make and ready in just 20 minutes or less, making it perfect for a busy day. To prepare this dish, simply fry the tofu pieces until they are crispy on the outside while keeping the inside soft. Once cooked, dip them in a delicious scallion-fish sauce mixture that adds an extra layer of flavor.
Serve the fried tofu with rice or enjoy it on its own – either way, it’s sure to become a favorite! Print
21 Simple Vietnamese Recipe Collection
Just like many cultures around the world, Vietnamese cuisine has its own unique and diverse offerings that can easily impress even the most discerning palates. When looking for recipes to create a feast for the family, consider exploring popular dishes such as banh mi, which is a staple of Vietnamese street food. These delicious sandwiches are made with a variety of fillings including grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, all served on a crispy baguette.
Alternatively, spring rolls offer a refreshing and healthy option, packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like shrimp, carrots, and bean sprouts, wrapped in rice paper and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Instructions
Start by choosing a simple yet flavorful Vietnamese recipe that can be prepared in no time, ideally within 30 minutes or even less. Next, make sure to have all the necessary ingredients at your fingertips.
