Indulge in the vibrant culinary scene of Vietnam by exploring our curated list of mouth-watering appetizers. These delectable dishes are characterized by their bold flavors and minimal use of spices, making them a perfect introduction to the country’s gastronomic delights. From fermented pork and various types of rolls to fresh salads and soups, the options are endless.
For those seeking simplicity, Vietnamese salads like Crunchy Chicken Salad, Papaya Salad, or Green Mango Salad With Shrimp provide a refreshing respite from the usual weekday routine. Alternatively, try Pho rolls, Fried Spring Rolls, or Rice Paper Rolls for a satisfying snack. Grilled pork and beef wrapped in betel leaf are also great options for those looking to explore the grilled side of Vietnamese cuisine.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and familiar or unique and adventurous, our selection of Vietnamese appetizers has got you covered.
Fried Spring Rolls
A delectable and effortless appetizer that requires minimal cooking skills can be prepared using this simple recipe. Even those who struggle to boil noodles can quickly whip up this dish with ease. The combination of mungbean and pork provides a tangy flavor profile, which can be further enhanced by adding shrimp for an added layer of complexity.
The filling is comprised of a harmonious blend of pork, wood ear mushrooms, vegetables, and glass noodles, all of which are carefully wrapped in a single roll. A sweet and sour nuoc cham dipping sauce adds an extra dimension to the dish, while the refried outer crust provides a satisfying crunch. With all the spices packed into one convenient package, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Pork Recipe
A culinary masterpiece that goes by various names, including Vietnamese BBQ Pork meal and Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork, is undoubtedly a showstopper. The harmonious blend of spices such as cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and cardamom infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements tender meat. The crowning glory is the addition of lemongrass and sesame seeds, which elevates the aroma to new heights.
To truly experience this mouthwatering delicacy, serve it alongside rice noodles or egg rolls, allowing the tangy flavors to meld together in a culinary symphony.
Pho Rolls
In Vietnam, Pho is a culinary staple that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of locals and tourists alike. This iconic dish is characterized by its vibrant medley of colorful vegetables, rich savory broth, and aromatic freshness. A harmonious blend of noodles, broths, fresh herbs, chili peppers, and pungent garlic creates a mouthwatering experience that transcends cultural boundaries.
Grilled Beef Wrapped In Betel Leaf
For those seeking a culinary fusion of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, consider Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaf. The aroma emanating from this dish is incredibly enticing, making it a strong contender for regular rotation on your dinner menu. A medley of zesty sauces, including fish sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, and scallion oil, combines to create an explosion of flavors. The marinated meat can be wrapped in Betel leaves or served as rolls, offering a versatile culinary experience.
Additionally, the dish can be cooked on grilled bamboo skewers or in a frying pan for a slightly different twist.
Meat Pastries
Imagine a delightful fusion of savory flavors and flaky pastry sheets, all coming together in just 15 minutes. To create these scrumptious treats, you’ll need a few key ingredients: pastry sheets, fish sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, ground turkey, and butter. Feel free to experiment with chicken, shrimp, or salmon to add more depth to the flavors. Once you’ve assembled your pastries, pop them in the oven and wait for the magic to happen.
The result will be a mouthwatering appetizer that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, including kids who’ll devour these buttery treats before moving on to the main course.
Green Mango Salad With Shrimp
When it comes to starting a dinner, few options are as satisfying as a well-crafted salad. To create this flavorful delight, gather just a handful of essential ingredients: diced mangoes, minced shallots, chopped cilantro, and peanuts infused with aromatic herbs. The crowning touch is the crunch from the sprinkled peanuts on top, while the harmonious union of fresh lime juice and rice wine vinegar adds a tangy depth to the dish.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese and a handful of blueberries to give your salad a refreshing spin.
Hot & Sour Shrimp Soup
Hot & Sour Shrimp Soup is an adaptable appetizer that effortlessly transitions between seasons. Its simplicity lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients, including succulent shrimp, rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, earthy mushrooms, sweet pineapple, and crisp white cabbage. To elevate this dish to new heights, a trifecta of Thai red chilies, pungent fried garlic, and savory fish sauce work together in perfect synergy.
Additionally, the option to incorporate pork or turkey creates a comprehensive menu ideal for any gathering.
Rice Paper Rolls
When it comes to paper rolls, you’ll find they’re a staple at many dinner tables. And for good reason – their visually appealing composition of lettuce, bean sprouts, vermicelli noodles, prawns, and mint leaves is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The harmonious balance of textures and vibrant colors, including the pop of green from the mint and orange from the prawns, make these appetizers a crowd-pleaser.
Crunchy Vietnamese Chicken Salad
The allure of chicken lies not only in its delectable taste but also its satisfying texture. Its versatility makes it an excellent starting point for any meal. If you find yourself lacking a particular ingredient, rest assured that substitutions can be made without compromising the dish’s flavor profile. A pinch of magic can be added by incorporating a medley of spices and herbs, ultimately elevating this dish to a sumptuous experience ready for serving.
Shrimp & Sweet Potato Fritters
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Sweet Potato Fritters, perfect for any meal – lunch, dinner, or brunch. To create this mouth-watering snack, combine a mixture of corn flour and plain flour with baking powder, then add in shrimp, sweet potatoes, and a robust turmeric flavor. Form into bite-sized balls, fry until crispy, and enjoy the savory delight. For an added touch, top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a hint of spring onion before serving.
Papaya Salad
To elevate your snack game, consider whipping up a Papaya Salad that’s as easy as it is impressive. The recipe requires just a few fresh ingredients: green papaya, cucumber, and green beans – the perfect base for a medley of flavors. Add in some juicy red cherry tomatoes, a pungent kick from red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice to tie everything together. But here’s the best part: this salad is ridiculously versatile.
Feel free to mix things up by adding protein-rich elements like salmon, prawns, turkey, or chicken – making it an ideal choice for even the pickiest eaters. With its bold flavors and endless customization options, Papaya Salad is sure to leave a lasting impression.
French Hot Pastry Pie
When hosting a dinner party, a delightful appetizer option is French Hot Pastry Pie, which offers a satisfying combination of crunchy and flaky texture with savory pork flavors. The pie’s shell provides a perfect vessel for salty pork treats, while the blend of seasonings adds warmth to the dish. A unique flavor profile emerges when black pepper and fish sauce are mixed with pork, making it an excellent choice as a starter for any gathering.
This recipe utilizes frozen puff pastry, simplifying the preparation process.
Sugar Cane Shrimp
Indulge your guests in a delightful culinary experience with the Sugar Cane Shrimp, an appetizer that’s sure to impress. The simplicity of its two main ingredients – succulent shrimp and crunchy sugar cane sticks – belies the depth of flavor it delivers. A tangy and savory combination of shrimp paste mixed with fish sauce adds a satisfying crunch, making it impossible to stop at just one bite. With this easy-to-make yet impressive dish, you’ll be the star of your gathering.
Vietnamese Little Cake
Impress your loved ones with a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to win hearts. The harmonious fusion of flavors and vibrant colors in this rice flour meatball recipe is a true showstopper. By wrapping the meatballs in banana leaves, you’ll create a stunning visual presentation that will leave everyone wanting more.
To add an extra layer of complexity and depth to this dish, combine your rice flour meatballs with vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, and your choice of protein – whether it’s succulent shrimps, flavorful salmon, or tender turkey.
Nem Chua (Fermented/Cured Pork)
This indulgent appetizer is a symphony of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your palate. To achieve the perfect balance, use tenderloin meat with minimal tendon content, ensuring it’s properly ground before serving. The curing process involves a proprietary seasoning blend, Nem, which imparts a depth of saltiness and nitrite notes to the pork and pork skin.
A trifecta of white peppercorns, garlic, and chili adds an irresistible allure, while the pink hue provides a visually appealing touch. Interestingly, Puerto Rican tamales can be wrapped in banana leaves as an alternative to corn husks, yielding a comparable steaming experience. The best part? This dish can be frozen for up to 14 days, making it a convenient option when time is of the essence or you’re short on time.
Whether hosting special guests or facing a busy day, simply thaw and reheat the cured pork in the microwave, serving it with fish sauce for a quick and impressive presentation.
The bottom line
Indulge in the vibrant world of Vietnamese appetizers, where an array of finger foods, refreshing salads, savory soups, and mouth-watering barbecue dishes await. By incorporating these delightful options into your dinner table, you’ll create a visually appealing spread that’s sure to impress your friends and family. For those seeking something truly unique with harmonious flavors, we’ve curated 15 effortless Vietnamese appetizers that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.