Simple Vietnamese Appetizer Recipes for Busy People

If you're looking for quick and delicious bite-sized treat options for your next gathering or snack time, these simple Vietnamese appetizer recipes are perfect for busy people. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that will impress your family and friends.

1. Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

Vietnamese spring rolls are fresh, light, and healthy. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them versatile and customizable.

Ingredients:

  • Rice paper wrappers
  • Cooked shrimp or tofu
  • Rice vermicelli noodles
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
  • Peanut or hoisin sauce for dipping

Instructions:

  1. Soak the rice paper wrappers in warm water for 10-15 seconds until softened.
  2. Place a lettuce leaf, a small amount of vermicelli noodles, shrimp or tofu, and a few herbs on the wrapper.
  3. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
  4. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  5. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

2. Vietnamese Meatballs (Bò Viên)

These flavorful meatballs can be served on skewers for a fun and easy appetizer.

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef or chicken
  • Shallots, minced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Fish sauce
  • Black pepper
  • Wooden skewers

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, and black pepper.
  2. Form the mixture into small balls and thread them onto skewers.
  3. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat, and cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
  4. Serve with a side of lime wedges and chili sauce.

3. Crispy Fried Tofu (Đậu Hũ Chiên Giòn)

Fried tofu is a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

  • Firm tofu, cut into cubes
  • All-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Soy sauce and chili sauce for dipping

Instructions:

  1. Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Coat the tofu pieces in flour or cornstarch.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Add the tofu to the pan and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with soy sauce and chili sauce.

4. Mini Banh Mi Sliders

These mini sliders encapsulate the flavors of a traditional banh mi sandwich in a perfect appetizer-sized portion.

Ingredients:

  • Small baguettes or dinner rolls
  • Grilled pork, chicken, or tofu
  • Picked vegetables (carrots, daikon radish)
  • Cucumber slices
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Mayonnaise and chili sauce

Instructions:

  1. Slice the baguettes or rolls in half and spread mayonnaise and chili sauce on each side.
  2. Layer the grilled meat or tofu, followed by picked vegetables, cucumber slices, and cilantro.
  3. Close the sliders and serve warm.

5. Vietnamese Savory Pancakes (Bánh Xèo)

This crispy pancake filled with meats and vegetables is a