Looking to add some flavor to your dinner routine? Then look no further! In this article, we will be exploring quick and easy Vietnamese recipes that are guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, we’ve got a recipe that will surely satisfy your cravings. From classic dishes like pho and banh mi to lesser-known gems, you’re bound to find a Vietnamese recipe that will become a go-to in your culinary repertoire. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the secrets to creating a delectable Vietnamese dinner in no time.
Appetizers
Fresh Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls, also known as summer rolls, are a refreshing and healthy Vietnamese appetizer. These delightful rolls are made by wrapping a mixture of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes shrimp or pork in translucent rice paper. The result is a beautiful and vibrant roll that bursts with flavors and textures. To make your own fresh spring rolls, simply soak the rice paper in warm water for a few seconds, then fill it with a selection of finely sliced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and fresh herbs like mint or basil. You can also add protein like cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier option. Dip your spring rolls in a tangy peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
Crispy Vietnamese Dumplings
Crispy Vietnamese dumplings, or banh goi, are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. These savory parcels are filled with a delightful mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, and spices, all wrapped in thin rice paper and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and flavorful dumpling that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. To make your own crispy Vietnamese dumplings, start by preparing the filling by sautéing the ground pork with garlic, mushrooms, and seasonings. Then, assemble the dumplings by placing a spoonful of the filling onto a sheet of rice paper, folding it into a triangle, and sealing the edges with water. Finally, deep-fry the dumplings until golden brown and serve them with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce. These dumplings are not only delicious but also fun to make and share with your loved ones.
Soups
Pho
Pho is arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish and is loved by people all over the world. This aromatic and flavorful noodle soup is made with a rich and fragrant beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of beef or chicken. The broth is simmered for hours with a selection of herbs and spices like star anise, ginger, and cinnamon, which infuse it with a deep and complex flavor. To serve, the cooked noodles and meat are placed in a bowl and topped with a ladle of the hot broth. Garnish your pho with bean sprouts, fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro, sliced chilies, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness and zing. Pho is not only nourishing, but it also brings comfort and warmth to your soul, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day.
Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a spicy and flavorful Vietnamese soup that originated from the city of Hue in Central Vietnam. Unlike pho, which has a lighter and milder broth, Bun Bo Hue features a robust and spicy beef broth that is infused with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili oil. The soup is traditionally served with vermicelli noodles, tender slices of beef and pork, and various toppings like bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges. To make this delicious soup, start by simmering beef bones with lemongrass and spices to create a flavorful broth. Add sliced beef and pork, shrimp paste, and chili oil for an added kick of spiciness. Cook the vermicelli noodles separately and portion them into bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles and top with your favorite garnishes. Bun Bo Hue is a must-try for those who love bold and spicy flavors.
Chicken Congee
Chicken congee, also known as rice porridge, is a comforting and nourishing Vietnamese soup that is often enjoyed as a light meal or for breakfast. This simple yet delicious dish is made by slowly simmering rice with chicken broth until it breaks down into a smooth and creamy texture. The congee is then flavored with shredded chicken, ginger, garlic, and a touch of fish sauce. It can be served plain or garnished with toppings like sliced green onions, fried shallots, and cilantro for added flavor and texture. Chicken congee is not only easy to make, but it is also incredibly soothing and comforting, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold or rainy day.
Main Courses
Banh Mi Sandwich
Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that is known for its fusion of flavors and textures. This delicious creation is made by filling a crusty baguette with a combination of various ingredients, including pickled vegetables, thinly sliced or grilled meats like pork or chicken, fresh cilantro, and mayonnaise or pate. The result is a mouthwatering sandwich that is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. The banh mi sandwich is not only satisfying but also extremely versatile, as you can customize it with your favorite ingredients and fillings. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or as a quick snack, the banh mi sandwich is sure to leave you craving for more.
Caramelized Pork with Egg
Caramelized pork with egg, or thit kho, is a classic Vietnamese dish that is enjoyed by many families on a regular basis. This hearty and flavorful dish consists of tender chunks of pork belly that are slowly braised in a savory caramel sauce until they become succulent and meltingly tender. The dish is then finished off by adding hard-boiled eggs into the pot, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. Caramelized pork with egg is typically served over a bed of steamed rice, allowing you to enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. This dish is not only simple to make, but it also brings comfort and satisfaction to your palate.
Lemongrass Chicken
Lemongrass chicken is a zesty and fragrant Vietnamese dish that is packed with bold flavors. The dish features succulent pieces of chicken that are marinated in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and spices, then grilled or stir-fried until they are cooked through and slightly charred. The resulting chicken is tender, moist, and infused with the aromatic flavors of lemongrass and spices. Lemongrass chicken is often served with steamed rice or as a filling in banh mi sandwiches, adding a burst of tangy and refreshing flavors to your meal. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Vietnamese Shaking Beef
Vietnamese shaking beef, or bo luc lac, is a popular dish that is loved for its tender and flavorful beef cubes that are seared to perfection and tossed in a savory sauce. The name “shaking beef” comes from the traditional method of cooking the beef by shaking the pan to evenly distribute the heat and ensure that each piece is cooked to the desired level of doneness. The beef is typically marinated in a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and black pepper, which imparts a rich and savory flavor. The meat is then quickly seared in a hot pan until it develops a caramelized crust while remaining tender and juicy inside. Vietnamese shaking beef is often served with a side of steamed rice or a bed of mixed greens, allowing you to enjoy the succulent beef and savory sauce in every bite.
Grilled Fish with Turmeric
Grilled fish with turmeric, or ca nuong xa, is a delicious and healthy Vietnamese dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This dish features a whole fish marinated with a mixture of turmeric, fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and lime juice, which imparts a vibrant yellow color and a tangy flavor. The fish is then grilled until it becomes crispy on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside. Grilled fish with turmeric is often served with a side of rice noodles or steamed rice, accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs, lettuce, and dipping sauces. This dish not only showcases the natural flavors of the fish but also highlights the aromatic and fragrant qualities of Vietnamese cuisine.
Side Dishes
Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables
Vietnamese pickled vegetables, or do chua, are a versatile and delicious side dish that adds a burst of tangy and crunchy flavors to any meal. These pickled vegetables are made by marinating a combination of carrots and daikon radish in a sweet and tangy vinegar brine, allowing them to develop a vibrant color and a refreshing taste. The pickled vegetables can be used as a topping for banh mi sandwiches, a side dish for grilled meats, or even enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack. The pickled vegetables are not only easy to make, but they also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Green Papaya Salad
Green papaya salad, or goi du du, is a fresh and light side dish that is popular in Vietnamese cuisine. This salad features shredded green papaya that is tossed with a combination of herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chilies, resulting in a refreshing and tangy flavor profile. The salad is often garnished with peanuts and dried shrimp for added texture and depth of flavor. Green papaya salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or served as a refreshing appetizer on its own. The combination of crisp papaya, zesty lime juice, and aromatic herbs makes this dish a refreshing and healthy addition to your Vietnamese meal.
Noodle Dishes
Beef Pho
Beef pho is a classic Vietnamese noodle dish that is beloved by many for its comforting and aromatic qualities. This dish features tender slices of beef, rice noodles, and a fragrant beef broth that is simmered for hours with a blend of herbs and spices. The broth is the star of the show, as it is the base that infuses the dish with its rich and complex flavors. To make a delicious bowl of beef pho, start by simmering beef bones with aromatics like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves to create a flavorful broth. Cook the rice noodles separately, then assemble the dish by placing the noodles in a bowl, topping them with slices of beef, and ladling the hot broth over the top. Garnish your pho with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, sliced chilies, and lime wedges for an added burst of freshness and flavor. Beef pho is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying as a nourishing meal at any time.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a popular Vietnamese noodle dish that originated from Hanoi. This dish features grilled pork patties, vermicelli noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce. The pork patties are made by combining ground pork with garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and seasonings, then grilling them until they develop a caramelized crust. The noodles are cooked separately and served cold, providing a refreshing contrast to the hot grilled meat. To assemble the dish, simply place the cooked noodles in a bowl, top them with the grilled pork patties, and drizzle the dish with a generous amount of the tangy dipping sauce. Garnish your bun cha with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, sliced cucumbers, and bean sprouts for added freshness and crunch. Bun Cha is a light and flavorful noodle dish that is perfect for warm summer days or as a quick and satisfying meal.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular Thai-inspired noodle dish that has become a favorite among many Vietnamese food lovers. This dish features stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, eggs, and a combination of savory and tangy flavors. The noodles are cooked until tender, then stir-fried with a mixture of fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, garlic, and chili for a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The dish is often garnished with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Pad Thai is a versatile and customizable dish that can be enjoyed with various proteins and a variety of vegetables, making it a perfect option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Rice Dishes
Com Ga
Com Ga, or Vietnamese chicken rice, is a simple yet delicious dish that is loved by many for its versatility and comforting flavors. This dish features tender poached chicken that is served over fragrant jasmine rice, which has been cooked in chicken broth and infused with flavors like garlic and ginger. The chicken is typically seasoned with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and various spices, resulting in a flavorful and succulent meat. Com Ga is often accompanied by a side of chicken broth or a tangy dipping sauce, allowing you to enjoy the delicate flavors of the chicken and rice. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to make, making it a great option for a hearty and wholesome meal.
Com Tam
Com Tam, or broken rice, is a popular street food dish in Vietnam that is renowned for its unique and vibrant flavors. This dish features broken rice, which is rice grains that have been broken during the milling process, cooked until fluffy and served with a variety of toppings. Com Tam is traditionally served with grilled pork chops, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce-based dipping sauce. The combination of the flavorful and tender pork chops, fragrant rice, and tangy pickled vegetables creates a harmonious and satisfying dish. Com Tam is a versatile dish that can be customized with different proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it a popular choice for Vietnamese food enthusiasts.
Vegetarian Options
Vietnamese Tofu Stir-Fry
Vietnamese tofu stir-fry is a delicious and healthy vegetarian option that is packed with a medley of flavors and textures. This dish features cubes of tofu that are stir-fried with a selection of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms, along with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and seasonings. The tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce and becomes crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside. Vietnamese tofu stir-fry is often served with steamed rice or noodles, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
Vegetable Pho
For those looking for a vegetarian twist on the classic pho, vegetable pho is a flavorful and nourishing option. This dish replaces the traditional beef or chicken with an assortment of fresh vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, and bean sprouts, which are simmered in a fragrant vegetable broth. The broth is infused with aromatic herbs and spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, creating a rich and flavorful base. The vegetables are cooked until tender, and the dish is assembled by placing the vegetables and cooked noodles in a bowl, then ladling the hot broth over the top. Garnish your vegetable pho with herbs, sliced chilies, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness and zest. Vegetable pho is a nourishing and satisfying dish that showcases the natural flavors of the vegetables and brings comfort to your taste buds.
Desserts
Che Chuoi
Che Chuoi is a delightful Vietnamese dessert that is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. This dessert features bananas that are cooked in coconut milk, then served with a topping of sticky rice, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sweet syrup. The bananas become soft and sweet after being simmered in the rich and creamy coconut milk, creating a luscious and comforting dessert. Che Chuoi is often enjoyed warm and can be served as a dessert on its own or as a sweet ending to a meal.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice, or Xoi Nuoc Cot Dua, is a popular dessert in Vietnamese cuisine that showcases the flavors of ripe mangoes and sticky rice. This dessert features a bed of warm sticky rice that is infused with coconut milk and sugar, then topped with sweet slices of ripe mango. The combination of the soft and slightly chewy sticky rice, the creamy coconut milk, and the sweet and juicy mango creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Mango sticky rice is not only visually appealing but also a refreshing and satisfying dessert that is perfect for indulging in during the summer months.
Beverages
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Vietnamese iced coffee, or ca phe sua da, is a popular and invigorating beverage that is enjoyed by coffee lovers all over the world. This drink features strong and aromatic Vietnamese coffee that is brewed using a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over a glass of ice. The result is a rich and creamy coffee beverage that is both refreshing and energizing. Vietnamese iced coffee is perfect for a hot summer day or as a pick-me-up anytime you need a caffeine boost. The combination of the smooth coffee and the sweetness of the condensed milk creates a unique and addictive flavor that is sure to satisfy your coffee cravings.
Jasmine Green Tea
Jasmine green tea is a fragrant and soothing beverage that is often enjoyed alongside a meal or as a means of relaxation. This tea features delicate green tea leaves that have been scented with jasmine flowers, allowing the floral and soothing aroma to infuse into the tea. Jasmine green tea is typically brewed using loose tea leaves or tea bags, and the brewing time can be adjusted based on personal preference, allowing you to customize the strength and flavor of your cup of tea. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, jasmine green tea offers a refreshing and calming experience that is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a moment of tranquility.
With this comprehensive array of Vietnamese dishes, you now have a wide array of options to choose from for your next delicious and authentic Vietnamese meal. Whether you prefer light and refreshing appetizers like fresh spring rolls or crispy Vietnamese dumplings, comforting soups like pho or chicken congee, flavorful main courses like banh mi sandwich or caramelized pork with egg, or delectable desserts like che chuoi or mango sticky rice, Vietnamese cuisine is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold and exciting flavors. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or a fragrant cup of jasmine green tea. Enjoy exploring the vibrant and diverse world of Vietnamese cuisine!