Vietnamese recipes
Vietnamese food is fresh, herby and light, with lots of crunch and a bright dipping sauce on the side. This page has quick takes on favorites like banh mi, noodle salad bowls, rice paper rolls, caramelized pork or chicken, and shortcut pho. Every recipe takes 20 minutes or less.
10 recipes, quickest first.
9 minVietnamese iced coffee
15 minVietnamese chicken salad (goi ga)
17 minShrimp, mango and rice noodle salad
18 minBanh mi hot dogs
18 minVietnamese caramel pork rice bowls
18 minVietnamese shaking beef
19 minLemongrass chicken banh mi
19 minLemongrass tofu noodle bowls
19 minShrimp and avocado rice paper rolls
20 minQuick beef pho
Fish sauce, rice vinegar, limes, rice noodles, rice paper and plenty of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro and Thai basil are the backbone of the cuisine. Many of these recipes are good for warm weather or lighter weeknights. Check the tips for make-ahead dipping sauces, quick pickled vegetables and vegetarian swaps.
Common questions
What is nuoc cham?
Nuoc cham is the classic Vietnamese dipping sauce, made by mixing fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic and fresh chile. It should taste balanced: salty, sour, sweet and a little spicy. Use it on noodle salads, rice paper rolls and grilled meat. It keeps for about a week in the fridge.
Can I make pho quickly?
Traditional pho broth simmers for hours, but a quick version is possible. Simmer good store-bought beef or chicken stock with charred onion and ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves and a little fish sauce for about 15 minutes. Pour it over rice noodles and thinly sliced beef or cooked chicken, then add herbs and lime.
How do I keep rice paper rolls from tearing?
Dip each sheet in warm water for just a few seconds; it will keep softening on the board. Work on a damp cutting board or plate, avoid overfilling, and roll snugly, folding in the sides like a burrito. Lettuce on the outside of the filling protects the wrapper from sharp edges.