Vietnamese Vegetable Snacks You Can Make at Home

Vietnamese cuisine is well-known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and one of the delightful components of this cuisine includes a variety of vegetable snacks. These snacks not only offer a delicious way to enjoy healthy vegetables but are also easy to prepare at home. Below are some popular Vietnamese vegetable snacks, along with simple recipes to make them yourself.

1. Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

Spring rolls are a classic Vietnamese snack that can be filled with a variety of fresh vegetables. They are often served with a tangy dipping sauce, making them a refreshing treat.

Ingredients: Rice paper, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, mint leaves, cilantro, and your choice of protein (tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian option).

Instructions:

Soak a rice paper wrapper in warm water for about 10 seconds until soft.
Place a lettuce leaf, a few sticks of cucumber and carrots, and herbs in the center.
Add the protein, if using, and fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling.
Roll tightly from the bottom up to create the spring roll.

Serve with peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping.

2. Vietnamese Fried Vegetable Fritters (Bánh Khoai)

These crispy fritters are packed with flavors and can be made with any combination of your favorite vegetables. They are a perfect snack for gatherings or as a side dish.

Ingredients: All-purpose flour, rice flour, water, diced sweet potatoes, mung beans, chopped green onions, and herbs.

Instructions:

Mix the all-purpose flour and rice flour with water to create a batter.
Add diced sweet potatoes, mung beans, and chopped green onions to the batter.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Pour a scoop of the batter into the hot oil, flattening it slightly. Fry until golden brown on both sides.

Enjoy with a soy or fish sauce dip!

3. Stuffed Bitter Melon (Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt)

While bitter melon might not be everyone's favorite, stuffing it with a savory mixture turns it into a delightful snack. This version uses vegetables, making it a unique vegetarian option.

Ingredients: Bitter melons, mushrooms, minced tofu, green onions, and seasoning (salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce).

Instructions:

Cut the bitter melons in half and scoop out the seeds.
In a bowl, mix minced tofu, chopped mushrooms, green onions, and seasoning.
Stuff the mixture into each half of the bitter melon.
Steam for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Slice and serve warm as a healthy snack!

4. Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables (Đồ Chua)

This tangy and sweet pickled vegetable dish is a staple in many Vietnamese meals and is often served alongside other snacks. It is simple to make and can be prepared in advance for added flavor.

Ingredients: Carrots, daikon radish, sugar, salt, and vinegar.

Instructions:

Julienne carrots and daikon radish.
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, salt, and vinegar to create a brine.
Add the vegetables to the brine and mix well.
Let it sit for at least an hour, or refrigerate for more flavor.

Great as a crunchy, zesty garnish or snack on its own.

5. Sweet Potato Chips (Khoai Lang Chiên)

For a healthy alternative to potato chips, try making sweet potato chips. They are naturally sweet and can be baked or fried for a satisfying snack.

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice sweet potatoes thinly