Vietnamese shrimp dishes encapsulate the essence of the country’s culinary landscape, offering a symphony of tastes and textures. Renowned for their meticulous preparation and ingenious combinations of ingredients, these dishes showcase the rich diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.
Vietnamese shrimp dishes represent a captivating journey into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, where the bounty of the sea meets the rich tapestry of aromatic herbs and vibrant flavors. From succulent caramelized shrimp to delicate shrimp spring rolls, the Vietnamese culinary tradition showcases a masterful fusion of textures and tastes that celebrate the country’s coastal abundance. Delve further into the realm of Vietnamese food in this guide.
1. Vietnamese caramelized shrimp (Tom rim)
Vietnamese caramelized shrimp is a flavorful dish that features succulent shrimp bathed in a rich caramel sauce, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness from palm sugar and a depth of flavor from fish sauce. The caramelization process imparts a glossy, amber sheen to the shrimp, making it visually appealing and enhancing the overall dining experience.
To prepare this Vietnamese delicacy, start by marinating fresh shrimp in a mixture of minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, and ground black pepper. In a separate pan, melt palm sugar until it caramelizes, and add fish sauce to create a savory contrast. Cook the shrimp in the mixture until they absorb the rich flavors. Serve the caramelized shrimp over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
2. Vietnamese shrimp spring rolls (Cha gio tom)
Cha gio tom, also called Vietnamese shrimp egg rolls, are a culinary masterpiece that combines the freshness of ingredients with the crunch of perfectly fried rolls. These Vietnamese egg rolls are characterized by a translucent rice paper wrapping that encases a medley of ingredients, with shrimp taking center stage.
The filling typically includes a harmonious mixture of shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and mushrooms, creating a textural symphony that delights the palate. The magic happens when these rolls are gently fried to a golden crispness, resulting in a delectable contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior. Serve these Vietnamese spring rolls with a dipping sauce made from a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili for a satisfying experience.
3. Vietnamese shrimp salad (Goi tom)
Vietnamese shrimp salad, or “goi tom,” is a culinary delight that exemplifies the fresh and invigorating flavors characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. This salad is a vibrant medley of succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all harmoniously brought together by a zesty dressing that consists of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a hint of sweetness.
The shrimp, often poached or grilled, contribute a delicate sweetness to the dish. Combined with shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and bean sprouts, the salad offers a satisfying crunch, while an array of aromatic herbs such as mint and cilantro infuse it with a burst of freshness. Enjoy this Vietnamese salad as a refreshing appetizer or a wholesome main course, along with Vietnamese shrimp crackers or Vietnamese shrimp chips.
4. Vietnamese shrimp cake (Banh tom)
Vietnamese shrimp cake is a delightful and distinctive dish that showcases the culinary finesse of Vietnamese cuisine. These golden-brown fritters are crafted from a batter of sweet potatoes and seasoned with whole shrimp, creating a unique combination of crispy exterior and tender interior.
The dish is not only visually appealing but also boasts a rich flavor profile, with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato complementing the savory essence of the shrimp. Often served with fresh herbs and lettuce and dipped in a tangy, sweet fish sauce, banh tom is a popular street food and a beloved appetizer in Vietnamese culinary traditions.
5. Vietnamese sweet and sour shrimp soup (Canh chua tom)
Vietnamese sweet and sour shrimp soup, known as “Canh chua tom,” is a comforting dish that exemplifies the dynamic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. This soup is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and savory notes, creating a unique culinary experience. The star of the show is the plump and succulent shrimp, which are simmered in a flavorful broth made with tamarind paste, pineapples, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Vietnamese sweet and sour soup with shrimp is often served over steamed rice, creating a hearty meal.
6. Vietnamese shrimp fried rice (Com rang tom)
This Vietnamese fried rice features succulent shrimp, fragrant jasmine rice, and an array of colorful vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection. The dish is elevated with the inclusion of quintessential Vietnamese flavors, such as fish sauce, garlic, and shallots, creating a savory and aromatic profile that makes it a standout in the world of fried rice.
To prepare this dish, begin by cooking rice and allowing it to cool, ensuring the grains are separate and ready for stir-frying. In a wok or large pan, sauté minced garlic and shallots in oil until aromatic, then add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink and opaque. Incorporate the cooked rice and a medley of vegetables like peas, carrots, and scallions, allowing them to absorb the savory flavors of the dish. Com rang tom is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a delightful accompaniment to other Vietnamese favorites.
7. Vietnamese summer rolls with shrimp and pork (Goi cuon tom thit)
Vietnamese summer rolls with shrimp and pork, known as “Goi cuon tom thit,” are a fresh and flavorful delicacy that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. They are filled with a medley of ingredients, including succulent shrimp, thinly sliced pork, rice vermicelli, crisp lettuce, aromatic herbs like mint and cilantro, and sometimes crunchy bean sprouts. What makes these rolls truly distinctive is the delicate balance they strike between textures and flavors, creating a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather or as a healthy appetizer.
8. Vietnamese shrimp vermicelli noodles (Bun tom)
This Vietnamese culinary gem embodies the balance of textures and flavors that characterize the country’s cuisine. The dish typically includes tender shrimp that can be grilled or sautéed, resulting in a delightful smokiness that complements the other elements.
To prepare bun tom, start by cooking the Vietnamese vermicelli noodles until they achieve a perfect, springy texture. The shrimp are then seasoned and cooked to perfection, adding a savory and slightly sweet element to the dish. The vermicelli is topped with an assortment of crisp vegetables such as bean sprouts, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs like mint and cilantro, creating a vibrant and visually appealing ensemble.
9. Vietnamese shrimp dumplings (Banh bot loc)
Vietnamese shrimp dumplings, known as “Banh bot loc,” are translucent parcels of delight that showcase the meticulous artistry of Vietnamese cuisine. These dumplings are made from a chewy tapioca flour dough that turns translucent once cooked, encasing a filling of minced shrimp, pork, and aromatic ingredients. They are then steamed, resulting in a delightful texture that is both tender and slightly chewy.
Banh bot loc is often served with a side of nuoc mam, a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili. The result is a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, with the tender, chewy dumpling exterior giving way to the savory and aromatic filling. These Vietnamese dumplings exemplify the intricate craftsmanship that is a hallmark of Vietnamese culinary traditions.
10. Vietnamese shrimp mousse on sticks (Chao tom)
“Chao tom” is a unique dish that showcases the creativity and culinary finesse of Vietnamese cuisine. This dish features a shrimp mousse that is skillfully shaped onto sugarcane sticks and then grilled or deep-fried to perfection. The result is a combination of a flavorful, aromatic shrimp interior with a crispy and slightly caramelized exterior.
To prepare it, shrimp is typically processed into a smooth paste along with ingredients like garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and sugar. This is then carefully molded onto sugarcane sticks, creating a distinctive cylindrical shape. The sticks are grilled or deep-fried until the shrimp mousse cooks through, acquiring a delicious smokiness.
Chao tom is often served as part of a larger meal, accompanied by fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, and rice paper for wrapping. A typical dipping sauce might include nuoc cham, a classic Vietnamese sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
11. Vietnamese tamarind shrimp (Tom rang me)
Vietnamese tamarind shrimp, or “Tom rang me,” is a tantalizing dish that beautifully combines the sweet and sour flavors of tamarind with succulent shrimp. To make it, begin by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of tamarind paste, sugar, fish sauce, and garlic. This allows the shrimp to absorb the sweet and savory notes before cooking. In a hot pan, the marinated shrimp are sautéed until they become tender and infused with the rich tamarind flavor. Vietnamese tamarind shrimp is commonly served over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the flavorful tamarind sauce to complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
12. Vietnamese shrimp toast (Banh mi chien tom)
Vietnamese shrimp toast, known as “Banh mi chien tom,” is a crispy Vietnamese street food that showcases the savory combination of minced shrimp spread onto slices of baguette, coated in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried to golden perfection. To prepare banh mi chien tom, a paste is typically made by blending minced shrimp with garlic and shallots. The shrimp paste is generously spread onto slices of baguette, which are then coated in breadcrumbs, providing a crunchy exterior when deep-fried. The result is a golden toast with a savory shrimp filling that is incredibly satisfying.
