More Tasty Vietnamese Recipes

Vietnamese cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious and flavorful dishes. From savory stews to fresh salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These 25 Vietnamese recipes will help you bring the tastes of Vietnam into your own kitchen.

You’ll find recipes for popular favorites like pho and banh mi, as well as lesser-known but equally tasty options. Many of these dishes feature fresh herbs, vegetables, and aromatic spices that give Vietnamese food its signature flavors. With a mix of quick weeknight meals and more elaborate weekend projects, you can explore different aspects of this vibrant cuisine.

1. Pho

Pho is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup. You’ll love its rich broth made from beef bones, spices, and aromatics. The soup simmers for hours to develop deep flavors.

To make pho, start by roasting beef bones and onions. Then simmer them with ginger, cinnamon, star anise, and other spices. Add fish sauce and rock sugar for balance.

Serve your pho with rice noodles and thinly sliced beef. Top it with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. You can customize your bowl with sriracha or hoisin sauce for extra flavor.

2. Banh Mi

Banh mi is a tasty Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and Vietnamese flavors. You’ll love the mix of crispy baguette, savory meats, and fresh veggies.

To make banh mi, start with a crusty baguette. Spread mayo or pâté on the bread. Add your choice of meat – pork belly, chicken, or tofu work well.

Top with pickled carrots, daikon radish, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro. A few dashes of soy sauce or Maggi seasoning give it extra punch.

For a quick version, use leftovers or rotisserie chicken. Assemble your sandwich and enjoy this portable, flavorful meal.

3. Goi Cuon

Goi Cuon, or Vietnamese spring rolls, are a fresh and tasty snack. You can make them with pork, shrimp, rice noodles, and veggies. They’re wrapped in rice paper for a light texture.

To prepare Goi Cuon, cook the pork and shrimp first. Slice the pork thinly after it cools. Cook the rice noodles and set them aside.

Wet the rice paper quickly and add your fillings. Fold the sides in and roll it up tightly. You can add a sprig of chive for extra flavor.

These rolls are low in calories and make a healthy choice. Serve them with a peanut dipping sauce for a delicious meal or appetizer.

4. Bun Cha

Bun cha is a popular Vietnamese dish from Hanoi. It features grilled pork patties and pork belly served with rice noodles and herbs.

To make bun cha, you’ll mix ground pork with fish sauce, sugar, and spices. Shape the mixture into small patties and grill them until charred.

The dipping sauce is key. Combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water. Add some chopped garlic and chili for extra flavor.

Serve the grilled pork with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables. Dip everything in the sauce for a perfect bite.

Bun cha is best enjoyed as a refreshing lunch on a hot day. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a Vietnamese favorite.

5. Cao Lau

Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish from Hoi An, Vietnam. It features thick rice noodles, pork, and fresh herbs.

To make Cao Lau, start by marinating pork in spices and soy sauce. Cook the pork until tender and slice it thinly.

Prepare the noodles by briefly immersing them in boiling water. Add bean sprouts for extra crunch.

Assemble the dish by combining the noodles and pork. Top with lettuce, green onions, basil, and cilantro.

Cao Lau’s distinct flavor comes from its special noodles and the mix of herbs. You can enjoy this tasty meal any time of day.

6. Com Tam

Com Tam is a popular Vietnamese dish made with broken rice. This unique rice has a slightly different texture than whole-grain rice.

To make Com Tam, rinse the broken rice and cook it in a pot with water and salt. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

You can serve Com Tam with grilled pork, fried egg, and pickled vegetables. It’s often topped with scallion oil and served with fish sauce on the side.

This dish is a great way to use up broken rice grains and create a tasty, filling meal. Try making Com Tam at home for a taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

7. Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue is a spicy Vietnamese beef noodle soup from the city of Hue. It features a rich beef broth flavored with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili oil.

The soup contains rice vermicelli noodles, tender slices of beef and pork, and cubes of congealed pig blood. It’s often garnished with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs.

To make the broth, simmer beef bones and meat for hours. Add aromatics like lemongrass and onions. The key is the spicy sate sauce made with chili, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots.

You can adjust the spice level to your taste. For a quicker version, use store-bought beef broth and add Bun Bo Hue seasonings.

8. Cha Ca La Vong

Cha Ca La Vong is a famous fish dish from Hanoi, Vietnam. You’ll love its unique blend of flavors and textures.

To make it, you’ll need white fish like monkfish, haddock, or catfish. Cut the fish into chunks and marinate it with turmeric, fish sauce, and spices.

Next, fry the fish until golden brown. Then sauté it with dill and green onions for added aroma.

Serve Cha Ca La Vong over vermicelli noodles. Add peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce to complete the meal.

This dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to try something new. It’s a tasty way to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at home.

9. Banh Xeo

Banh xeo are crispy Vietnamese crepes that will delight your taste buds. These golden pancakes are filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.

To make banh xeo, you’ll create a batter using rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. Pour it into a hot pan to form a thin, crispy shell.

Add your fillings and cook until the edges turn golden brown. Fold the crepe in half and serve it hot.

Enjoy banh xeo by wrapping pieces in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs. Dip it in nuoc cham sauce for extra flavor.

10. Nem Ran

Nem ran, also known as cha gio, are crispy Vietnamese spring rolls. You’ll love these savory treats filled with a mix of ground pork, vegetables, and noodles.

To make nem ran, start by combining minced pork with shredded carrots, wood ear mushrooms, and glass noodles. Add some finely chopped onions and season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper.

Wrap the filling in rice paper, then fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve nem ran hot with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

These rolls are perfect as an appetizer or part of a larger Vietnamese meal. They’re crunchy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside.

11. Banh Cuon

Banh cuon are delicate Vietnamese rice rolls filled with savory goodness. To make them, you’ll need a thin batter of rice flour, tapioca flour, and water.

Spread the batter thinly on a hot pan and steam it briefly. Then add a tasty pork and mushroom filling.

Gently roll up the rice sheet using a spatula. The rolls should be soft and translucent.

Serve your banh cuon with fresh herbs, cucumber slices, and a dipping sauce. You can also top them with crispy fried shallots for extra flavor and crunch.

These light and flavorful rolls make a great appetizer or light meal. With some practice, you’ll be making restaurant-quality banh cuon at home.

12. Bun Thit Nuong

Bun Thit Nuong is a tasty Vietnamese dish with grilled pork and rice noodles. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this meal.

To make it, you marinate thin slices of pork with lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce. Then grill the meat until it’s nicely charred.

Serve the pork over a bed of rice noodles with fresh herbs and veggies. Add some crispy spring rolls on top if you like.

Pour nuoc cham sauce over everything for extra flavor. This tangy dressing ties all the ingredients together perfectly.

13. Ca Kho To

Ca Kho To is a popular Vietnamese dish of caramelized and braised fish. You’ll love this flavorful meal that combines catfish with a rich, savory-sweet sauce.

To make Ca Kho To, start by marinating catfish steaks in fish sauce and sugar. Then, create a caramel base in a clay pot or skillet by heating oil and sugar until amber-colored.

Add garlic, onions, and the marinated fish to the pot. Pour in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and water. Simmer the fish for about 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the fish.

The result is a tender, flaky fish with a glossy, caramelized exterior. Serve Ca Kho To hot with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

14. Mi Quang

Mi Quang is a beloved noodle dish from central Vietnam. It features wide rice noodles with a vibrant yellow hue from turmeric. The dish is served with a small amount of flavorful broth.

You’ll find Mi Quang topped with pork, shrimp, or chicken. Fresh herbs and vegetables add crunch and flavor. Crushed peanuts and sesame crackers provide texture.

To make Mi Quang, cook the noodles briefly. Add your chosen protein and veggies to a bowl. Pour a ladleful of savory broth over the top. Garnish with peanuts and crackers before serving.

15. Xoi Xeo

Xoi Xeo is a popular Vietnamese sticky rice dish. You’ll love its unique combination of flavors and textures.

To make Xoi Xeo, you start by cooking sticky rice until soft. You can add coconut milk for extra richness.

The dish gets its signature yellow color from mung beans. You cook and mash the beans, then spread them over the rice.

Fried shallots are sprinkled on top, adding a delicious crunch. Some recipes include a touch of sugar and fragrant oil for extra flavor.

Xoi Xeo is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. You can find it at street food stalls throughout Vietnam.

16. Bo Luc Lac

Bo Luc Lac is a tasty Vietnamese dish also known as “shaking beef.” It features cubes of tender beef cooked quickly over high heat.

To make it, you’ll marinate beef chunks in garlic, sugar, and soy sauce. Then sear the meat in a hot pan until browned on all sides.

The dish gets its name from the shaking motion used to cook the beef. You can serve it over a bed of lettuce, watercress, and sliced tomatoes or cucumbers.

A lime-salt-pepper dipping sauce often accompanies Bo Luc Lac. This adds a tangy, zesty flavor to complement the rich beef.

17. Che

Che is a sweet Vietnamese dessert soup enjoyed throughout the country. You’ll find many varieties of this refreshing treat, from simple to elaborate.

Some popular che recipes include che thai, a colorful fruit cocktail with coconut milk. Another favorite is che chuoi, made with bananas, tapioca pearls, and coconut cream.

For a unique texture, try che banh lot with pandan jelly noodles. Or sample che ba mau, the “three color dessert” with layers of beans, jelly, and coconut milk.

You can easily make che at home or find it sold by street vendors. It’s often served chilled, making it perfect for hot days.

18. Canh Chua

Canh Chua is a tasty Vietnamese sour soup you’ll love. It blends sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in one dish.

The soup usually has fish like catfish. It also includes pineapple, tomatoes, and herbs. Tamarind gives it a sour kick.

You can make Canh Chua with other proteins too. Shrimp or pork are good options. The soup goes great with steamed rice.

It’s easy to cook and perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it on a cold day or as a light summer dish.

19. Nem Nuong

Nem nuong is a tasty Vietnamese grilled pork sausage. You make it by grinding pork with spices and flavorings.

The meat mix often includes garlic, shallots, sugar, and fish sauce. Some recipes add rice powder or cornstarch for texture.

You can shape the pork into small patties or meatballs. Then grill or pan-fry them until cooked through.

Nem nuong is usually served with rice noodles, herbs, and vegetables. A special dipping sauce adds extra flavor.

This dish is popular at Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls. You can also make it at home for a delicious meal.

20. Goi Ngo Sen

Goi Ngo Sen is a refreshing Vietnamese salad that stars crunchy lotus root. This dish combines thinly sliced lotus root with shrimp and pork for a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

To make Goi Ngo Sen, you’ll pickle the lotus root in a mixture of vinegar, water, and sugar. This gives it a tangy taste that balances the savory meats.

The salad is then tossed with fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Vietnamese coriander. Chopped peanuts add a pleasant crunch.

Before serving, mix everything with a zesty nuoc cham dipping sauce. This light yet flavorful salad is perfect for warm days when you want something crisp and cool.

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21. Goi Du Du

Goi Du Du is a tasty Vietnamese green papaya salad. It’s a light and refreshing dish perfect for hot days.

The main ingredient is unripe green papaya, shredded into thin strips. You mix it with herbs like Thai basil and mint.

The salad often includes beef jerky for extra flavor and protein. A tangy dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar adds zest.

To make Goi Du Du, you need to peel and shred the papaya. Then toss it with the other ingredients and dressing. It’s quick and easy to prepare.

This salad is crunchy, sweet, sour, and savory all at once. It’s a great appetizer or side dish for Vietnamese meals.

22. Banh Bao

Banh Bao is a popular Vietnamese steamed bun filled with savory pork. The soft, fluffy dough wraps around a flavorful mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and onions.

To make Banh Bao, you’ll prepare the dough using flour, sugar, and milk. While it rests, mix ground pork with seasonings like oyster sauce and black pepper.

Form the dough into circles and place a ball of filling in the center. Carefully fold and pleat the edges to seal the bun. Steam the buns for about 15 minutes until they puff up.

Serve these tasty pork buns hot as a snack or meal. You can also add extras like quail eggs or Chinese sausage to the filling for more variety.

23. Hu Tieu

Hu tieu is a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup. It features a savory pork and seafood broth that’s both light and satisfying.

The soup typically includes rice noodles, pork slices, and various seafood like shrimp or squid. You’ll often find it garnished with bean sprouts, herbs, and crispy fried shallots.

To make hu tieu at home, start by simmering pork bones to create a rich broth. Add aromatics like onions and dried shrimp for extra depth. Cook the noodles separately and prepare your choice of toppings.

When serving, place the noodles and toppings in a bowl. Pour the hot broth over everything just before eating. You can also try a “dry” version where the broth is served on the side.

24. Banh It Tran

Banh It Tran is a tasty Vietnamese dumpling filled with savory ingredients. These sticky rice dumplings are a popular treat you’ll want to try.

To make them, you’ll need glutinous rice flour, rice flour, and salt for the dough. Mix these with hot water to form a soft, pliable texture.

For the filling, cook mung beans until soft and mash them. Sauté onions and add them to the mashed beans for extra flavor.

Shape the dough into small balls, flatten them, and add the filling. Wrap the dough around the filling to form dumplings.

Cook the dumplings in boiling water until they float. Serve them warm with a drizzle of onion oil for a delicious Vietnamese snack.

25. Banh Beo

Banh Beo are delicate Vietnamese steamed rice cakes. You’ll love these small, savory bites topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients.

To make Banh Beo, you mix rice flour with water and steam the batter in small dishes. The result is a soft, slightly chewy texture.

Popular toppings include dried shrimp, scallion oil, and mung bean paste. You can also add crispy pork rinds or pickles for extra crunch.

Serve these tasty morsels with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and lime juice. This adds a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Essential Ingredients for Vietnamese Cooking

Vietnamese cuisine relies on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Key herbs, spices, sauces, and condiments form the foundation of many dishes. These ingredients create the unique tastes and aromas that make Vietnamese food so special.

Key Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs play a big role in Vietnamese cooking. Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add bright flavors to many dishes. You’ll often see them served on the side for diners to add as they like.

Lemongrass gives a citrusy aroma to soups and stir-fries. Ginger and garlic provide a savory base for many recipes.

Spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves add warmth to broths and marinades. Bird’s eye chilis bring heat to dipping sauces and stir-fries.

Staple Sauces and Condiments

Fish sauce is essential in Vietnamese cooking. This salty, umami-rich liquid adds depth to marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces.

Nuoc cham, a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili, is a common dipping sauce. You’ll find it served with spring rolls and grilled meats.

Rice vinegar brings tang to pickled vegetables and dressings. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness to pho and other noodle soups.

Shrimp paste gives a rich, briny flavor to some dishes. Use it sparingly as its taste is strong.

Cooking Techniques Specific to Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cooking uses unique methods to create its signature flavors and textures. These techniques bring out the best in fresh ingredients and create balanced, aromatic dishes.

Pho Broth Preparation

To make pho broth, start by charring onions and ginger over an open flame. This adds smoky depth to the soup. Next, toast spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves to release their oils.

Add beef bones and simmer for hours to extract flavor and nutrients. Skim off any scum that forms on top for a clear broth.

Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust until you reach the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami.

Strain the finished broth through cheesecloth for a clean, clear soup. Serve piping hot over rice noodles with fresh herbs and meat.

Spring Roll Wrapping

Soften rice paper wrappers by dipping them in warm water for a few seconds. Place on a damp towel to keep pliable.

Arrange fillings like shrimp, pork, herbs, and vegetables in a line near the bottom edge of the wrapper. Leave space on the sides.

Fold the bottom over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly from the bottom up, tucking as you go.

The rice paper will stick to itself, sealing the roll. For best results, wrap rolls just before serving so they stay fresh and don’t get soggy.

Serve with nuoc cham dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili.

Health Benefits of Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese food offers many health advantages. It uses fresh ingredients and light cooking methods to create nutritious dishes.

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients

Vietnamese cuisine relies on nutrient-rich foods. Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and lemongrass add flavor and vitamins. Vegetables such as bean sprouts, water spinach, and bok choy provide fiber and minerals.

Lean proteins like chicken and shrimp appear in many dishes. These offer essential amino acids without excess fat.

Brown rice is a common ingredient. It contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice. This helps you feel full and may aid in weight management.

Low-Calorie Cooking Methods

Vietnamese cooking often uses light techniques. Steaming and boiling are popular methods that don’t add extra fat.

Many dishes involve raw or lightly cooked vegetables. This preserves nutrients that can be lost with high-heat cooking.

Soups and salads make up a large part of Vietnamese meals. These tend to be low in calories but high in flavor and nutrition.

Grilling is another common technique. It allows fat to drip away from meats, resulting in leaner dishes.