Vietnamese Vegetarian Recipes for Beginners

Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and colors. With its emphasis on fresh herbs, rice, and vegetables, it offers an abundance of dishes that are both healthy and satisfying. If you're a beginner looking to explore this vibrant cuisine, here are some delicious Vietnamese vegetarian recipes to get you started.

1. Phở Chay (Vegetarian Noodle Soup)

Phở is a beloved Vietnamese dish, and the vegetarian version is just as flavorful. To make phở chay, you'll need:

  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 200g rice noodles
  • 200g tofu, sliced
  • Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
  • Lime wedges
  • Bean sprouts

In a pot, simmer the vegetable broth with star anise, cinnamon, and onion for about 30 minutes. Strain the broth, return it to the pot, and add the tofu. Cook the rice noodles separately and serve with broth, topped with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.

2. Gỏi Cuốn Chay (Vegetarian Spring Rolls)

These fresh spring rolls are not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing. Ingredients include:

  • Rice paper wrappers
  • 100g vermicelli noodles
  • Carrots, julienned
  • Cucumber, julienned
  • Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach)
  • Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)

Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water until soft. Dip rice paper wrappers in warm water to soften them. On each wrapper, layer noodles, vegetables, and herbs. Roll tightly and serve with peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping.

3. Canh Chua (Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup)

This soup is a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, perfect for a refreshing meal. You will need:

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 200g tofu, cubed
  • 1 tomato, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil)
  • Lime juice to taste

In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add tofu, tomato, and pineapple, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in bean sprouts and fresh herbs just before serving. Adjust the taste with lime juice for that tangy kick.

4. Bánh Xèo Chay (Vegetarian Vietnamese Pancakes)

Bánh xèo is a savory crepe that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. For a vegetarian version, use:

  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • Turmeric powder
  • 300g assorted vegetables (mushrooms, bean sprouts, bell peppers)
  • Fresh herbs for serving

Mix rice flour, coconut milk, water, and turmeric to create a batter. Heat a non-stick pan and add a little oil, pour in the batter, and add vegetables on top. Cook until crispy and fold. Serve with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce of soy sauce mixed with chili.

5. Chả Giò Chay (Vegetarian Fried Spring Rolls)

These crispy rolls make a great snack or appetizer. Ingredients include:

  • Rice paper wrappers
  • 100g glass noodles
  • Carrots, grated
  • Shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Soak glass noodles in hot water until soft, then chop them. Mix noodles with carrots, mushrooms, and onions. Place the filling on rice paper, roll tightly, and seal the edges.