Simple Vietnamese Dinner Recipes for Beginners

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy options. If you're a beginner looking to impress at dinner with simple yet delicious Vietnamese recipes, this guide is perfect for you. Here are three easy-to-make dinner recipes that will take you on a culinary journey through Vietnam.

1. Vietnamese Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên)

This simple dish is a staple in Vietnamese households. It's a versatile recipe where you can use leftover rice and any vegetables or proteins you have on hand.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
  3. Push vegetables to one side and crack the eggs into the pan, scrambling them until cooked.
  4. Add in the cooked rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, and mix thoroughly.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with green onions before serving.

2. Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

These fresh spring rolls are healthy, light, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish. They are filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and your choice of protein.

Ingredients:

  • 8 rice paper wrappers
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp or tofu
  • 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Fresh cilantro and mint leaves
  • Peanut dipping sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

  1. Soak the rice paper wrappers in warm water until soft.
  2. Place a wrapper on a clean surface and layer some shrimp or tofu, vermicelli noodles, cucumber, carrot, cilantro, and mint in the center.
  3. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling and roll tightly.
  4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  5. Serve with peanut dipping sauce.

3. Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Phở Bò)

Phở is a beloved Vietnamese dish that can be made at home with simple ingredients. Although traditionally simmered for hours, this quick version will still bring incredible flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 package of rice noodles (bánh phở)
  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro) for garnish
  • Lime wedges and bean sprouts for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil with sliced onion and star anise.
  2. Add fish sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and divide them into serving bowls.
  4. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and top with raw beef slices, allowing them to cook in the hot broth.
  5. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts.

These simple Vietnamese dinner recipes are perfect for beginners looking to explore the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also create delightful meals that everyone will enjoy. Give them a try and bring a taste of Vietnam to your dinner table!