How to Make Delicious Vietnamese Mezes from Scratch

Vietnamese mezes, also known as “ăn vặt,” are delightful snacks that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Making them from scratch not only brings out the authentic flavors but also allows you to customize them according to your preferences. In this article, we will explore some popular Vietnamese mezes and the steps to prepare them.

1. Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

These fresh spring rolls are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. They are light, delicious, and perfect for dipping.

Ingredients:

  • Rice paper wrappers
  • Shrimp, cooked and sliced
  • Pork, cooked and sliced
  • Vermicelli noodles
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Mint and cilantro leaves
  • Peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for serving

Instructions:

  1. Soak a rice paper wrapper in warm water for about 10 seconds until soft.
  2. Place the wrapper on a clean surface. Lay a piece of lettuce, a handful of vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, and some herbs in the center.
  3. Fold the sides in and roll tightly from the bottom up, ensuring all ingredients are securely enclosed.
  4. Serve with peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping.

2. Vietnamese Egg Rolls (Chả Giò)

Crispy and flavorful, egg rolls are a popular Vietnamese meze that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

  • Rice paper or egg roll wrappers
  • Ground pork or chicken
  • Shredded carrots
  • Shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
  • Vermicelli noodles, softened
  • Garlic and onion, minced
  • Fish sauce, salt, and pepper for seasoning

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, carrots, mushrooms, vermicelli, garlic, onion, fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
  2. Lay out the wrapper and place a spoonful of the filling at one edge.
  3. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it tightly until you reach the end. Seal with a little water.
  4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

3. Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Nướng)

These grilled skewers are aromatic and packed with flavor; they make an excellent companion for rice or as a snack on their own.

Ingredients:

  • Ground pork
  • Garlic, minced
  • Shallots, minced
  • Sugar
  • Fish sauce
  • Skewers (bamboo or metal)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the ground pork with garlic, shallots, sugar, and fish sauce.
  2. Divide the mixture into small portions and mold them onto skewers.
  3. Grill the skewers over medium heat until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Serve with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.

4. Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables (Đồ Chua)

These tangy and sweet pickled vegetables are often served as a side dish, adding a refreshing contrast to savory mezes.

Ingredients:

  • Carrots, julienned
  • Daikon radish, julienned
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Water

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and water to create the pickling solution.
  2. Add the julienned carrots and daikon to the mixture and stir well.
  3. Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Making Vietnamese mezes from scratch is not only rewarding but also a fun way to connect with delicious flavors. Enjoy these delightful snacks at gatherings or as