Creating a delightful Vietnamese-inspired meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
In fact, there are several quick and easy recipes that you can whip up in just 5 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
These dishes are not only delicious but also diet-friendly, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will satisfy your taste buds without compromising your health goals.
From refreshing salads to flavorful stir-fries, here are seven of the best 5-minute Vietnamese diet-friendly cooking recipes for some family fun in the kitchen.
1. Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Shredded lettuce
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- Julienne carrots
- Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and Thai basil)
- Cooked shrimp or tofu (optional)
- Rice vermicelli noodles (cooked and cooled)
- Peanut dipping sauce or nuoc cham for serving
Instructions:
Fill a shallow dish with warm water.
Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water, rotating it until it softens.
Place the softened wrapper on a clean surface and arrange a small amount of shredded lettuce, cucumber, carrots, herbs, protein (if using), and noodles in the center.
Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll tightly to seal.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Serve the spring rolls with your choice of dipping sauce.
2. Vietnamese Beef Pho Soup
Ingredients:
- Beef or vegetable broth
- Cooked rice noodles
- Thinly sliced cooked beef, chicken, or tofu
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, and mint)
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha for serving
Instructions:
Heat the broth in a saucepan until simmering.
Divide the cooked rice noodles and sliced meat or tofu among serving bowls.
Pour the hot broth over the noodles and meat.
Serve with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime wedges, sliced jalapenos, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side for customization.
3. Vietnamese Shrimp Salad
Ingredients:
- Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- Julienne carrots
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, and Thai basil)
- Lime vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, shredded lettuce, cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, red onions, and fresh herbs.
Drizzle the lime vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve immediately as a light and refreshing meal.
4. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu
- Chopped lemongrass
- Minced garlic
- Sliced onions
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced carrots
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Brown sugar
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
In a skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken or tofu and cook until browned and cooked through.
Stir in the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, sliced onions, bell peppers, and carrots.
In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Pour over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and coated in the sauce.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
5. Vietnamese Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Chopped fresh herbs (cilantro and mint)
- Crushed peanuts
- Rice vinegar
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, chopped herbs, and crushed peanuts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
6. Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad Rolls
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Cooked and cooled rice vermicelli noodles
- Shredded lettuce
- Julienne carrots
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, and Thai basil)
- Cooked shrimp or tofu (optional)
- Peanut dipping sauce or nuoc cham for serving
Instructions:
Prepare a shallow dish of warm water.
Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water, rotating until softened.
Place the softened wrapper on a clean surface and arrange a small amount of rice vermicelli noodles, shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber, herbs, and protein (if using) in the center.
Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll tightly to seal.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Serve the salad rolls with your choice of dipping sauce.
7. Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced pork shoulder or loin
- Chopped lemongrass
- Minced garlic
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and vegetable oil to make the marinade.
Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the marinated pork slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and charred on the edges.
Serve the grilled lemongrass pork with steamed rice and your favorite Vietnamese dipping sauce.
These 5-minute Vietnamese diet-friendly cooking recipes offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures while being quick and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or rich and satisfying, these recipes are sure to please the whole family.