Quick Vietnamese Dinners You Can Make on Weekdays

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, making it a delightful choice for quick weekday dinners. Here are some easy yet delicious recipes that you can whip up in no time, ensuring your meals are both satisfying and healthy.

1. Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)

Pho Bo is a classic Vietnamese dish that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. Start with beef broth or make your own using beef bones, ginger, and spices. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. In a bowl, layer cooked noodles, thinly sliced beef, bean sprouts, and herbs like basil and cilantro. Pour the hot broth over the ingredients and serve with lime wedges and chili for added flavor.

2. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)

This dish features grilled marinated pork, making it a perfect option for a weekday meal. Marinate pork chops with garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes, then grill or pan-fry. Serve the grilled pork over vermicelli noodles, topping it with fresh herbs, shredded lettuce, and crushed peanuts. Drizzle with nuoc cham (a sweet and sour sauce) for a tasty finish.

3. Com Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)

Com Ga is an aromatic dish that combines juicy chicken with fragrant rice. Boil a whole chicken in seasoned water until cooked. Remove the chicken and use the broth to cook jasmine rice, adding ginger for an extra kick. Serve the shredded chicken on top of the rice, garnished with cucumber slices and a side of dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, and chili.

4. Canh Chua (Vietnamese Sour Soup)

For a light and refreshing dinner, try Canh Chua. This sour soup is made with tamarind paste, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as shrimp or fish. Simmer the protein with water, adding tomatoes, pineapple, and bean sprouts for texture. Season with fish sauce and serve hot, topped with fresh herbs.

5. Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)

Fresh spring rolls are a fun and healthy meal option. Soak rice paper wrappers in warm water, then layer them with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and herbs. Roll them tightly and serve with peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping. This dish is perfect for meal prep since they can be wrapped in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.

6. Stir-Fried Vegetables and Tofu

A quick and versatile option is stir-fried vegetables and tofu. Choose your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cube firm tofu and stir-fry it until golden brown. Add the vegetables, stirring until just tender, and season with soy sauce, garlic, and a sprinkle of sesame oil. Serve with steamed rice for a fulfilling meal.

7. Mi Quang (Quang Noodle Salad)

Mi Quang is a flavorful noodle salad that you can prepare quickly. Cook turmeric rice noodles and set aside. In a pan, sauté shrimp or chicken with garlic and a bit of chicken broth. Toss in the cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and sliced vegetables. Serve with crushed peanuts, herbs, and a squeeze of lime for a tantalizing taste.

These quick Vietnamese dinners are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. They make for a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine and are sure to satisfy your weekday cravings. Enjoy a culinary journey at your dining table!