25+ Easy Vietnamese Recipes

Vietnamese cuisine is a symphony of flavors, with a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami notes that set it apart from other Asian cuisines. The country’s rich culinary heritage is characterized by the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, a diverse range of cooking techniques, and a reliance on sauces and condiments to elevate each dish.

From the aromatic flavors of grilled meats to the comforting warmth of savory soups, Vietnamese food offers a world of possibilities for adventurous eaters.The nation’s culinary identity is rooted in its unique ‘five fundamental flavors’ (ngũ vị), which provide a foundation for a wide range of dishes.

Vietnamese Soup with Stuffed Cabbage


In Vietnamese cuisine, no meal is considered complete without a savory soup side dish, known as “Canh.” While some recipes may require a bit of finesse, this straightforward recipe for stuffed cabbage soup proves that simplicity can be just as flavorful. The preparation involves filling ground pork into cabbage leaves and securing the package with green onion, creating a delightful bundle of taste and texture. The broth, meanwhile, is a harmonious blend of pork stock powder, water, pepper, salt, and woodear mushrooms, subtly elevated by the addition of shallot. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability – not only can you substitute ground pork with alternative meats or vegan options like spiced potatoes, but the cabbage package remains a satisfying and filling centerpiece to any meal.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls


Spring rolls are a beloved Vietnamese appetizer, characterized by their delicate rice paper wrapping, which can intimidate some home cooks. However, the reality is that premade rice wrappers are widely available at Asian grocery stores and major supermarkets, making it accessible to most people. The filling typically consists of uncomplicated ingredients like shrimp, cucumber, carrot, vermicelli noodles, mint, lettuce, and more. To take it to the next level, a tangy vinegar-soy dipping sauce is often served on the side. This flavorful condiment combines ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, water, and sesame oil for a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes.

Pok Pok Wings


Indulge in the irresistible allure of Pok Pok’s iconic sticky, crispy, and garlicky wings. This delectable dish begins with a savory marinade featuring Vietnamese fish sauce, sugar, garlic, salt, and water, perfectly balanced to tantalize your taste buds. The chicken wings are then deep-fried to a golden crisp, further enhancing their flavor profile. A subtle sweetness and a hint of saltiness mingle harmoniously on the palate, making it impossible to resist a second (or third) serving.
To replicate this culinary masterpiece at home, you’ll need Vietnamese fish sauce, sugar, garlic, salt, water, and white rice flour for the wings themselves. The accompanying dipping sauce is simply a combination of the marinade and water, with the option to add roasted chili paste (Naam Phrik Phao) for an added layer of depth.

Vietnamese Caramel Sauce


In Vietnamese cuisine, a specific caramel sauce is a common thread that weaves its way through both sweet and savory dishes. This versatile condiment, known as Nước Màu, is a family recipe that can elevate a wide range of recipes beyond traditional Vietnamese cooking. With just two simple ingredients, you can create your own authentic Nước Màu at home. While it’s often used in desserts, its mild sweetness also makes it an excellent addition to meat dishes like chicken, pork, or beef. The sauce’s subtle flavor profile allows it to blend seamlessly with other seasonings, making it a great starting point for BBQ sauces and marinades.

Pho


Pho is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Vietnamese dishes, with its richly flavored broth and hearty accompaniments. The aromatic beef stock, infused with fish sauce, onion, cinnamon, lime, ginger, and a blend of other Asian spices, tantalizes the senses even before taking a bite. A steaming hot bowl typically features tender slices of beef, paired with springy rice noodles, crunchy sprouts, and a pop of color from sliced red chilies. For an added layer of authenticity, consider toasting your spices and charring your ginger and onion – a game-changing move that elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Pandan Waffles


Pandan Waffles is an innovative Vietnamese dessert that has won hearts with its captivating aroma and a tantalizing center that’s both chewy and flavorful. The unique coconut cream filling is the key to unlocking a taste sensation that’s unmistakably Pandan, with subtle hints of vanilla. This delightful treat may not be strictly traditional Vietnamese cuisine, but rather a harmonious blend of European and Asian culinary influences. The waffles’ distinctive light green hue might raise an eyebrow at first, but once you take a bite, you’ll discover the magic behind this tropical treat. Pandan Waffles are truly irresistible.

Peanut Sticky Rice


Imagine a culinary adventure that will take you on a journey beyond the typical Western palate. Introducing Peanut Stick Rice, a dish that harmoniously blends savory, salty, and sweet flavors, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or a quick snack. The key to this recipe lies in the use of glutinous rice, which grants its signature stickiness. The addition of coconut milk takes things up a notch, imbuing the rice with a creamy texture and toasted coconut flavor. Don’t be deterred by the term ‘glutinous rice’ – it simply refers to the crop’s sticky consistency when cooked, not containing gluten. For added flair, top your Peanut Stick Rice with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts mixed with salt and sugar for an explosion of flavors.

Grilled Lemongrass Chicken


Savoring the flavors of Vietnam, grilled lemongrass chicken is a dish that never fails to impress. The harmonious blend of savory, smoky, and subtly sweet notes makes it an ideal addition to any meal. Whether you’re whipping up a quick salad, crafting a satisfying sandwich, or building a nourishing noodle bowl, this recipe offers endless possibilities.

To bring this Southeast Asian staple to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients: vegetable oil, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, either chopped lemongrass or lemongrass paste, garlic, light or dark brown sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t forget the star of the show – boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to marinate your chicken for up to 24 hours before grilling, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony. If you’re having trouble tracking down lemongrass paste, fear not – it’s widely available in most grocery stores or online.

Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad


Discover the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this delectable Green Papaya Salad recipe! This refreshing and easy-to-make dish is a perfect blend of crunchy textures and zesty flavors, featuring crushed garlic, sweet mango, sliced cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, fragrant basil, and nutty peanuts. Feel free to customize it by adding halved cherry tomatoes and swapping out the basil for coriander if you prefer. This salad pairs exquisitely with boiled or grilled shrimp, poached chicken, or seasoned fried tofu, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.

Vietnamese Caramel Shrimp


The allure of Carmel shrimp is undeniable – it’s a Vietnamese side dish that’s sure to win your heart. This recipe showcases the versatility of homemade caramel sauce, which can be used not only with chicken, pork, and beef but also with fish dishes like shrimp. To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need two pounds of headless peel and tail-on shrimp, along with a blend of seasonings including salt, fish sauce, mushroom or chicken stock powder, white sugar, black pepper, garlic, shallot, and vegetable oil. While MSG and green onions are optional ingredients, they can add an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious recipe.

Vietnamese Mung Bean Dumplings


In Vietnamese cuisine, a beloved snack is the savory Banh It Tran – a type of sticky rice dumpling that’s both filling and addictive. These bite-sized treats are often filled with mashed mung beans or seasoned ground pork, offering a delightful contrast of textures. To elevate their flavor profile, they’re typically paired with a medley of toppings including crispy fried onions, scallion oil, toasted shrimp flakes, fish dipping sauce, and tangy pickles. The possibilities for customization are endless, allowing you to create your own unique variations by experimenting with different fillings.

Banh Mi


While American cuisine is synonymous with hamburgers, Vietnamese food boasts its own beloved classic – the Banh Mi sandwich. This flavorful fusion of textures and tastes begins with a crispy French baguette filled with tender grilled pork, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables, creating an experience unlike any other sandwich. Just as there’s no end to hamburger variations, the possibilities for Banh Mi are endless too. In this recipe, we stick to the essentials, using ingredients like fish sauce-seasoned pork tenderloin, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass, garlic, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The veggies shine with daikon radish and carrots, while mayonnaise, cilantro leaves, thinly sliced cucumbers, and sliced chilies add creamy, crunchy, spicy depth to this incredible sandwich.

Purple Yam Soup


Looking for a conversation starter at the dinner table? Look no further than this unique Purple Yam soup recipe. The vibrant purple hue and savory flavors of ground pork and purple yams are sure to spark a reaction. Traditionally served with steaming hot rice, this dish is a must-try for adventurous eaters. To create this international delight, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: purple yam, pork, shrimp, rice paddy herb, saw-leaf herb, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, monosodium, and fish sauce. The best part? It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, taking only 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Try it out for yourself and experience the excitement of this international cuisine firsthand.

Vietnamese Fish Sauce


Vietnamese fish sauce, affectionately known as ‘awesome sauce,’ is a staple condiment in many Vietnamese households. This ubiquitous sauce is often the unsung hero of various Vietnamese dishes, bringing together flavors and textures in perfect harmony.

While each family may have its own unique recipe, the core ingredients remain largely consistent. Some variations might incorporate different types of vinegar, such as wine or rice-based, while others may add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for added brightness. For our recipe, we’re taking a more straightforward approach by combining sugar, water, lime, fish sauce, garlic, and chilies to create a simple yet mouthwatering dipping sauce perfect for spring rolls and other Vietnamese delights.

Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad


Vietnamese cuisine offers a delightful mix of savory and light dishes, with an array of healthy recipes that burst with flavor. One such recipe is the Vietnamese rice noodle salad, which showcases a colorful medley of fresh ingredients like carrots, cucumbers, peanuts, chile peppers, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, basil, cilantro, and mint. To add a zesty kick, this dish features a simple yet tantalizing dressing crafted from fish sauce, water, lime juice, sugar, and garlic, with optional substitutions for Serrano, Thai, or jalapeno peppers. For the original recipe, visit thevietvegan.com.

Vietnamese Fried Tofu in Tomato Sauce


For vegans seeking a meatless Vietnamese culinary experience, consider whipping up a dish like Dau Hu Sot Ca, which translates to fried tofu with tomato sauce. This plant-based alternative to traditional fried fish recipes is surprisingly simple to prepare and leverages a few key ingredients to deliver authentic flavor. Tamari plays a crucial role, replicating the umami taste often associated with fish sauce, while aromatics like garlic, onions, and shallots contribute depth. To add an extra layer of complexity, try incorporating fire-roasted tomatoes, which bring a rich, smoky sweetness to the dish.

Vietnamese Crepes


Get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Vietnam with this scrumptious recipe for Banh Xeo, also known as sizzling cake. This beloved dish is a fusion of traditional rice pancakes and an array of fresh ingredients like sprouts, succulent shrimp, leafy greens, and fragrant herbs. The perfect accompaniment to this savory delight is a drizzle of nuoc cham, a fish dipping sauce that adds a depth of flavor.The best part? This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, including cornstarch, rice flour, turmeric powder, salt, coconut milk, water, and vegetable oil. Simply combine these elements with sautéed onion, shrimp, bean sprouts, mint, cilantro, and your preferred leafy greens.Assemble the filling ingredients within the crepe mixture, then sit back and savor each bite with a side of sweet and savory fish dipping sauce. Your taste buds will thank you for this culinary adventure.

Vietnamese Banh Mi Tacos


Indulge in the bold fusion of Mexican street tacos and Vietnamese cuisine! A unique twist on traditional tacos is achieved by marinating diced chicken thighs in a pungent Banh Mi-inspired mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, jalapenos, and garlic before crisping them up to perfection. The star of this show is then wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and accompanied by an ensemble of crunchy vegetables – carrots, cucumber, radishes, jalapenos, and fresh mint (or cilantro). To elevate this delectable combination, finish it off with a homemade spicy mayo sauce crafted from the harmonious union of mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sugar, and sriracha. The finishing touch comes in the form of a nod to its Southeast Asian roots through the use of fish sauce and other distinct ingredients, as inspired by Vietnam’s culinary landscape.

Prawn and Sweet Potato Fritters


Get ready for a flavor adventure! The unique taste of these shrimp and sweet potato fritters will leave you wanting more. Imagine crispy fried sweet potato hash wrapped in a delicate batter made from rice flour, all-purpose flour, water, sugar, salt, turmeric powder, and baking powder – or even two beaten eggs for added richness. Meanwhile, the succulent shrimp are seasoned to perfection with pepper, salt, chicken stock, minced garlic, and vegetable oil, then pan-fried to a golden crisp. To complete this culinary masterpiece, serve it with a refreshing mix of fresh greens like lettuce or mint, cucumber, pickled carrots, green papaya, and a tangy fish dipping sauce – the perfect combination that will leave you hooked.

Vietnamese Garlic Butter Noodles


In the heart of Vietnamese cuisine lies a delightful dish called Mi Xao Toi, also known as garlic butter noodles. This mouthwatering accompaniment perfectly complements a variety of popular Vietnamese dishes. You might have already savored these flavorful noodles at your go-to Asian eatery, and now you can easily recreate them at home with this authentic Vietnamese recipe. The star ingredient, undoubtedly, is garlic, but it’s the parmesan cheese that adds an undeniable depth to these noodles. As the cheese melts into the pasta, it not only infuses a rich flavor but also transforms the texture into a smooth and silky delight. However, it’s crucial to strike the right balance with the parmesan addition – just enough to impart a subtle yet satisfying boost of flavor. While traditional Mi Xao Toi employs thick egg noodles commonly used in chow mien preparations, you can equally use other noodle varieties like spaghetti or rice noodles.

Vietnamese Mango Fruit Salad


Indulge in the sweetness and freshness of Vietnam-inspired fruit salad, crafted with a harmonious blend of ingredients. Fresh mango slices are the star of the show, paired with zesty lime juice, a drizzle of honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of cayenne pepper for added depth. To add texture and crunch, toasted coconut chips provide a satisfying contrast to the luscious fruit. A sprinkle of cilantro adds a pop of freshness, while Maldon sea salt enhances the natural sweetness. This delightful treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Vietnamese Noodles with Spiced Braised Pork


Our culinary journey concludes with a mouth-watering Spiced Braised Pork with noodles recipe, where the harmonious union of lemongrass, shallots, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice noodles, and an array of other ingredients comes together in perfect balance. This dish is sure to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Vietnam.For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Vietnamese cuisine, we recommend checking out this informative video for additional cooking tips and techniques.

Final Words

These recipes are designed to delight a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, these dishes are sure to satisfy. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on them!

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