Recipes

20 Vietnamese-Inspired Recipes That Think Outside of the Noodle Bowl

From spicy Vietnamese pork chops to quick pho, we've got just enough recipes to satisfy your craving.
Image may contain Food Dish Meal and Plant
Alex Lau

Vietnamese cuisine is world-renowned for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, an exquisite use of spices, and a sense of balance in all dishes. It's no wonder you see slurp-able pho and pork belly-stuffed bahn mi on menus from Ho Chi Minh City to Portland: It's delicious. And with a handful of pantry staples, you can make it at home. Try your hand at some banh xeo or satiate a desperate cau lau noodle craving with these Vietnamese-inspired recipes.

  • Image may contain Plant Fruit Citrus Fruit Food and Lime
    1/20

    Vietnamese Pork Chops

    Go light on the salt when seasoning these chops; the marinade is fairly salty, especially after it reduces.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Food Produce and Vegetable
    Christopher Baker
    2/20

    Quick Pork Pho

    A few spices (and a cool skillet move) turn store-bought broth into something deeply satisfying.

    View Recipe
  • Bowl of Vermicelli with Chicken and Nuoc Cham
    Photo by Christina Holmes
    5/20

    Rice Vermicelli with Chicken and Nuoc Cham

    Nuoc cham, the Vietnamese condiment that dresses this crunchy noodle salad, is made with lime juice, fish sauce, chiles, and sugar. The addictive mix of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors is also great as a dipping sauce for grilled meats.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Food Sandwich and Burger
    Jason Lowe
    6/20

    Crisp Hoi An Pancakes

    These hot and crunchy filled crepes are known as banh xeo in Vietnam.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Food Bread Plant and Produce
    Jason Lowe
    9/20

    Nuoc Cham

    This ubiquitous and essential condiment is a bright and spicy mix of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Bowl Food and Vegetable
    Jason Lowe
    10/20

    Pickled Whole Shallots

    Next to fried shallots, these are the single greatest condiment of all time. They’re an ideal counterbalance to rich, fatty, or spiced foods, or as a zingy garnish for a cold noodle salad.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Animal Lobster Seafood Food Sea Life Produce Sprout Vegetable and Bean Sprout
    Jason Lowe
    11/20

    Bean Sprout Pickle

    These crisp, fresh pickles are often offered along with fresh herbs at the table. Tuck them into a lettuce-leaf wrapper or use them to doctor brothy soup.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Food Produce Seasoning Sesame Vegetable Bean Sprout Sprout Bread and Burger
    Jason Lowe
    12/20

    Chicken and Green Papaya Salad

    The difference between this papaya salad and a Thai-style one comes down to spice and sugar, says chef and author David Tanis. The Vietnamese one is sweeter and less hot. Have all the ingredients assembled, but dress the salad just before serving.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Food Meal Dish Produce Sprout Bowl Vegetable and Bean Sprout
    15/20

    Faux Pho Ga

    Our take on this street-food classic finds heat from hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and a jalapeño garnish.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Food Lunch and Meal
    Ted Cavanaugh
    16/20

    Turkey Pho Dip

    You’re familiar with French dip, of course. This is pho dip! In a stroke of holiday genius, you’ll use the turkey carcass to make an aromatic broth.

    View Recipe
Explore Bon AppétitVietnamese