The Best Vietnamese Appetizer Recipes to Try

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a favorite among food lovers. Appetizers, or "bánh khai vị," are key components of Vietnamese meals, offering a delightful start to any dining experience. In this article, we will explore some of the best Vietnamese appetizer recipes you can try at home.

1. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Gỏi cuốn, also known as fresh spring rolls, are a popular Vietnamese appetizer made with rice paper, fresh vegetables, herbs, and proteins such as shrimp, pork, or tofu. They are typically served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. To make gỏi cuốn:

Soak rice paper in warm water until soft.
Layer fresh herbs, shrimp, and rice vermicelli on the rice paper.
Roll tightly and serve with dipping sauce.

2. Chả Giò (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)

Chả giò are crispy fried spring rolls filled with a mix of ground meat, vegetables, and glass noodles. Unlike gỏi cuốn, these rolls are deep-fried to a golden perfection. Here’s how to prepare chả giò:

Mix ground pork, shrimp, carrots, and noodles in a bowl.
Wrap the mixture in rice paper and seal the edges.
Fry until golden brown and serve with fish sauce for dipping.

3. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes)

Bánh xèo, or Vietnamese sizzling pancakes, are savory crepes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. They're filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded and served with fresh herbs. To make bánh xèo:

Prepare the batter with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk.
Pour batter into a hot pan and add filling ingredients.
Cook until crispy and serve with lettuce and dipping sauce.

4. Xôi Gà (Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Chicken)

Xôi gà, or sticky rice with chicken, is a popular street food that makes for an excellent appetizer. The sticky rice is cooked with coconut milk and served with seasoned chicken. To create this dish:

Steam glutinous rice and mix with coconut milk for flavor.
Prepare boiled or grilled chicken and season with soy sauce and spices.
Serve the chicken atop the sticky rice with fresh herbs.

5. Nem Nướng (Grilled Pork Meatballs)

Nem nướng are grilled pork meatballs, often served on skewers with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauce. These meatballs are flavorful and a perfect finger food. To make nem nướng:

Mix ground pork with garlic, shallots, and spices.
Shape the mixture into balls or patties and grill them until cooked through.
Serve with rice paper, herbs, and a sweet fish sauce.

6. Bánh Bao (Steamed Pork Buns)

Bánh bao are soft, fluffy buns steamed to perfection, filled with marinated pork and vegetables. They are filling and delicious, making them a perfect appetizer. To make bánh bao:

Prepare a dough using flour, yeast, and sugar.
Fill the dough with a savory pork mixture.
Steam the buns until fluffy and serve with soy sauce.

7. Đậu Hũ Chiên (Fried Tofu)

Fried tofu, or đậu hũ chiên, is a simple yet delicious vegetarian appetizer. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it's often served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. To prepare fried tofu:

Cut firm tofu into cubes and marinate with spices.
Deep-fry the cubes until golden brown.
Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice.

These Vietnamese appetizer recipes are not only delightful but also easy to prepare, bringing a taste of Vietnam to your home. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for something new to try