Hey there, food enthusiasts! Ever found yourself craving the rich and delightful taste of Vietnamese cuisine? Well, you’re in for a treat!
In this article, we’re diving headfirst into the kitchen to whip up some incredible vegan Vietnamese recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of Vietnam.
Join us on this culinary escapade as we explore 13 mouthwatering dishes, from the comforting warmth of a bowl of Vegan Pho to the crispy goodness of Banh Mi Chay.
No need to be a master chef; we’re keeping it easy, fun, and absolutely delicious. Picture aromatic herbs, bold spices, and the perfect balance of flavors – all vegan and ready to be recreated in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen rookie, these recipes are crafted for you.
So, grab your apron, prep those ingredients, and let’s embark on a tasty journey together. Get ready to bring the vibrant and authentic taste of Vietnam right to your dining table. Let’s start cooking!
The first recipe up on our list is a vegan twist on the classic Vietnamese pho. This dish boasts aromatic spices, rice noodles, and savory tofu. This heartwarming soup is a bowlful of comfort, capturing the essence of Vietnamese street food.
Cooking Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, simmer the spices – cinnamon, star anise, and cloves – in the broth for an extended period.
Pairing Dish: Pair your pho chay with fresh vegan spring rolls. The crisp textures and vibrant flavors complement the warmth of the pho, creating a delightful balance in each bite.
Bun cha gio is a delightful combination of vermicelli noodles, crisp-fried spring rolls, and an array of fresh vegetables. It’s a Vietnamese street food favorite, providing a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavors.
Cooking Tip: Ensure your spring rolls achieve the perfect crispiness by frying at a consistent temperature. The goal is a golden brown exterior with a satisfying crunch.
Pairing Dish: Serve this meal alongside a side of green papaya salad. The salad’s zesty freshness adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the fried spring rolls.
This next meal on the list is a vegan rendition of the classic crab noodle soup featuring a flavorful tomato-based broth, tofu “crab” cakes, and rice vermicelli. It’s a comforting bowl that captures the essence of Vietnamese home-cooked meals.
Cooking Tip: Enhance the umami in your broth by adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of miso.
Pairing Dish: Pair this bun rieu chay with red coconut sticky rice. The sweet and coconutty notes provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup, creating a well-rounded meal.
Banh Xeo, the crispy and savory Vietnamese crêpes, is filled with stir-fried tofu, bean sprouts, and herbs. These golden delights are a sensory experience, combining crunch, chewiness, and bursts of flavor.
Cooking Tip: Achieve the perfect crispiness by ensuring your pan is very hot before pouring the batter.
Pairing Dish: Sever banh xeo with a side of mung bean dumplings. The dumplings’ subtle sweetness complements the savory crêpes, creating a balanced and delightful meal.
The next recipe we’re looking at is bun bo hue chay. This is a spicy and aromatic vegan noodle soup featuring lemongrass-flavored broth, rice vermicelli, tofu, and mushrooms. It’s a bowlful of Vietnamese comfort with a kick.
Cooking Tip: Infuse the broth with lemongrass by bruising the stalks before adding them to the pot. It releases aromatic oils, enhancing the soups’ flavors.
Pairing Dish: Pair this meal with vegan banh mi. The crusty bread and flavorful fillings complement the soup’s spiciness, creating a satisfying contrast.
Cà ri is a comforting sweet potato noodle soup with a blend of aromatic spices and coconut milk. This vegan twist on a Vietnamese classic brings warmth and flavor to every spoonful.
Cooking Tip: You can create a velvety texture by adding coconut milk gradually and stirring continuously. This method ensures a smooth and rich consistency.
Com Chay is fragrant Japanese rice served with stir-fried tofu and mixed vegetables. This simple yet flavorful dish captures the essence of Vietnamese home-cooked meals.
Cooking Tip: Achieve the perfect fluffiness by rinsing the jasmine rice thoroughly before cooking. It removes excess starch for light and separates grains.
Pairing Dish: Pair com chay with vegan pho. The rice serves as a perfect accompaniment to the noodle soup, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Banh mi chay, a Vietnamese baguette filled with marinated tofu, pickled vegetables, and vegan may, offers a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s a handheld delight, perfect for on-the-go satisfaction.
Cooking Tip: Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors fully.
Pairing Dish: Enjoy banh mi chay with a side of vegan spring rolls. The freshness and crunch of the spring rolls complement the heartiness of the banh mi, creating a satisfying combination.
This next dish is a sticky sweet rice topped with coconut milk, creating a vibrant and flavorful dessert. This vegan treat is both visually appealing and a delightful way to end a Vietnamese meal.
Cooking Tip: Achieve a rich red color by using gac fruit. It adds a unique hue and imparts a subtle sweetness to the sticky rice.
Pairing Dish: Pair xoi gac with a side of mung bean dumplings.
The perfect pairing dish for xoi gac, banh it tran is mung bean dumplings. These are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. These sweet dumplings are a delightful Vietnamese treat.
Cooking Tip: Ensure the banana leaves are softened before wrapping to prevent tearing.
Pairing Dish: If you don’t want to pair banh it tran with xoi gac, then you can also pair it with Vietnamese crêpes.
Gỏi Cuốn, or vegan spring rolls, are rice paper rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, tofu, fresh herbs, and vegetables. These refreshing rolls are perfect as appetizers or light meals.
Cooking Tip: Dip the rice paper sheets briefly in warm water for a few seconds in order to make them pliable but not too soft.
Pairing Dish: These spring rolls will go perfectly with vegan pho.
Gio du du kho quet is a shredded green papaya salad with carrots, herbs, peanuts, and a zesty dressing. This refreshing and crunchy salad adds a burst of flavor to your Vietnamese spread.
Cooking Tip: Use a julienne peeler for uniform and thin papaya strips.
Pairing Dish: Pair this salad with fried spring rolls for a delightful combination.
Bún Chả Giò Chay features a bowl of noodles topped with crispy fried spring rolls, offering a medley of textures and flavors. This dish is both comforting and satisfying.
Cooking Tip: To keep the spring rolls crispy until serving, let them drain on a wire rack rather than a paper towel.
Pairing Dish: This dish will go really well with a vegan banh mi.
Final Thoughts
That’s a wrap on our exploration through vegan Vietnamese recipes. From the soul-soothing bowls of pho chay to the crispy perfection of banh xeo chay, we’ve savored the diverse flavors of Vietnam, all from the comfort of our own kitchens.
Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating something special, and these dishes are no exception.
So, whether you’re planning a cozy night in or hosting friends, these recipes are your ticket to a Vietnamese feast that’s not only delicious but also entirely plant-based.
As you savor each bite of your culinary masterpieces, think about the journey that these recipes have made. All the way from Vietnam to your dinner table, gaining wisdom from all the hands that the recipes have passed through on the way.
FAQs
How many people are vegan in Vietnam?
A study from 2011 found that 10% of Vietnam identified as either vegetarian or vegan.
Is Vietnamese food good for vegans?
Generally, yes, Vietnamese cuisine is pretty accessible to people on a plant-based diet, due to the prevalence of noodle, rice, and vegetable-based dishes. Although it is easy to get foods without meat, you will have to be specific about the other foods you don’t eat if you want to be sure that it’s vegan.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
