Looking for a quick and nutritious meal that bursts with the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine? Look no further! In this article, we explore various 20-minute healthy Vietnamese recipes that are sure to tickle your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. From fragrant pho to zesty summer rolls, these dishes are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to dabble in Vietnamese cuisine, get ready to discover your new go-to recipe that will leave you wanting more in no time! If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, Vietnamese cuisine has got you covered. With its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, Vietnamese cooking is perfect for those who want to eat healthily without compromising on taste. In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite Vietnamese recipes that you can make in no time. So grab your apron and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of Vietnamese cuisine!
Bun Chay – Vegetarian Vietnamese Noodle Salad
If you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a light and refreshing meal, Bun Chay is the perfect choice. This vibrant noodle salad is packed with fresh veggies and herbs, making it a healthy and satisfying option. To make Bun Chay, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs (such as mint, basil, and cilantro)
- Crushed peanuts
- Soy sauce or fish sauce (for dressing)
- Lime juice
- Chili garlic sauce (optional, for extra spice)
To assemble the salad, start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine the noodles with the cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. Toss everything together and add the crushed peanuts on top. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or fish sauce), lime juice, and chili garlic sauce (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well. Enjoy your Bun Chay!
Goi Cuon – Fresh Spring Rolls
Goi Cuon, also known as fresh spring rolls, are a popular Vietnamese appetizer that is both healthy and delicious. These rice paper rolls are filled with a variety of fresh ingredients and are perfect for a light lunch or snack. To make Goi Cuon, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Lettuce leaves
- Cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise
- Vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled
- Fresh herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint)
- Carrot, julienned
- Cucumber, julienned
- Peanut dipping sauce (store-bought or homemade)
To assemble the spring rolls, start by dipping a rice paper wrapper into a shallow dish of warm water until it softens. Place the wrapper on a clean surface and layer a lettuce leaf on top. Add a few slices of shrimp, some vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, carrot, and cucumber. Carefully fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll it up tightly. Repeat this process until all the filling is used. Serve the spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce on the side and enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Cha Gio – Crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls
If you’re in the mood for something crispy and flavorful, Cha Gio is the perfect dish for you. These deep-fried Vietnamese spring rolls are filled with a savory mixture of ingredients and are often served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. To make Cha Gio, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Ground pork or shrimp
- Wood ear mushrooms, finely chopped
- Glass noodles, soaked and cut into small pieces
- Carrot, grated
- Shallots, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
To start, combine the ground pork or shrimp with the wood ear mushrooms, glass noodles, carrot, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. Dip a rice paper wrapper into warm water until it softens, then place a spoonful of the filling onto the wrapper. Roll up the wrapper tightly, making sure to fold in the sides as you go. Repeat this process until all the filling is used. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the spring rolls into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the spring rolls from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Serve hot and enjoy the crunchiness of these delicious Vietnamese spring rolls!
Pho Ga – Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup
When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, Pho is undoubtedly the star of the show. This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and rice noodles, making it the ultimate comfort food. To make Pho Ga, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or bone-in chicken pieces
- Chicken broth
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
To start, bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a large pot. Add the chicken breasts or bone-in chicken pieces and cook until the meat is cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding or slicing it. Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. To assemble the soup, place a portion of rice noodles into a bowl and top it with shredded or sliced chicken. Ladle the hot chicken broth over the noodles and chicken. Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce to taste. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Pho Ga!
Banh Mi – Vietnamese Sandwich
If you’re a fan of sandwiches, you’ll love Banh Mi. This Vietnamese-style sandwich is a fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering combination of crusty bread, savory fillings, and tangy pickles. To make Banh Mi, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Baguette or French bread
- Mayonnaise
- Pickled carrots and daikon radishes
- Cilantro sprigs
- Sliced cucumber
- Thinly sliced roast pork or grilled chicken
- Soy sauce or fish sauce (for marinating the meat)
To assemble the sandwich, start by marinating your choice of meat in soy sauce or fish sauce for a few minutes. While the meat is marinating, slice the baguette or French bread in half lengthwise and toast it until it’s crispy on the outside. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on both sides of the bread. Layer the pickled carrots and daikon radishes, cilantro sprigs, sliced cucumber, and the marinated meat on one side of the bread. Close the sandwich and press it gently to help the flavors meld together. Slice the Banh Mi into smaller portions and enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite!
Ca Kho To – Vietnamese Braised Fish
If you’re a seafood lover, Ca Kho To is a must-try Vietnamese dish. This caramelized fish in a clay pot is sweet, savory, and packed with umami flavors. To make Ca Kho To, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Fish fillets (such as catfish or basa)
- Fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Shallots, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, sliced
- Black pepper
- Green onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil
To start, marinate the fish fillets in fish sauce, brown sugar, minced shallots, minced garlic, sliced ginger, black pepper, and chopped green onions for at least 30 minutes. In a large skillet or a clay pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated fish fillets and cook until they are browned on both sides. Reduce the heat to low and add water to the pot until the fish is just covered. Simmer the fish in the sauce until the sauce has thickened and the fish is cooked through. Serve the Ca Kho To with steamed rice and enjoy the rich and flavorful fish dish!
Goi Du Du – Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad
For a refreshing and healthy salad with a tropical twist, Goi Du Du is the way to go. This Vietnamese green papaya salad combines the sweetness of ripe papaya with the tanginess of lime juice, creating a vibrant and delicious dish. To make Goi Du Du, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Green papaya, peeled and grated
- Carrot, peeled and grated
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint)
- Roasted peanuts, crushed
- Lime juice
- Fish sauce or soy sauce
- Sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Thai chili, minced (optional, for extra spice)
To assemble the salad, combine the grated green papaya, grated carrot, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts in a mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), sugar, minced garlic, and minced Thai chili (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the Goi Du Du as a side dish or as a light meal on its own. It’s the perfect salad to cool down on a hot summer day!
Bun Bo Xao – Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef Noodles
For a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly, Bun Bo Xao is the way to go. This stir-fried lemongrass beef served with vermicelli noodles is a popular Vietnamese dish that is both healthy and delicious. To make Bun Bo Xao, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- Lemongrass, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Fresh herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
To start, marinate the thinly sliced beef in minced lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar for at least 30 minutes. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the skillet or wok and set it aside. Meanwhile, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. To assemble the dish, place a portion of rice vermicelli noodles into a bowl and top it with the stir-fried beef. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy the bold flavors and textures of Bun Bo Xao!
Cari Ga – Vietnamese Chicken Curry
For a comforting and aromatic meal, look no further than Cari Ga. This Vietnamese chicken curry is rich and creamy, with a delicate balance of spices and flavors. To make Cari Ga, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (such as chicken thighs or drumsticks)
- Curry powder
- Coconut milk
- Chicken broth
- Onion, sliced
- Carrot, sliced
- Potatoes, cubed
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
To start, heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. Sprinkle curry powder over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, sliced carrot, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Season with fish sauce and sugar to taste. Cover the pot and simmer the curry for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the Cari Ga with steamed rice and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Vietnamese curry!
Stir-fried Morning Glory
For a quick and easy side dish that is both nutritious and delicious, stir-fried morning glory is the way to go. This simple yet flavorful dish is made by stir-frying morning glory with garlic and seasonings, resulting in a vibrant and healthy addition to any meal. To make stir-fried morning glory, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Morning glory (also known as water spinach), washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce or fish sauce
- Vegetable oil
To start, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Add the chopped morning glory to the skillet or wok and stir-fry until it wilts and becomes tender. Season with soy sauce or fish sauce to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the stir-fried morning glory to a serving dish and enjoy this simple yet flavorful side dish!
With this collection of 20-minute Vietnamese recipes, you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. From refreshing salads to hearty soups and flavorful stir-fries, Vietnamese cuisine offers a wide range of options to suit your taste buds. So why not give these recipes a try and discover the wonderful flavors of Vietnam in the comfort of your own home? Happy cooking!
