If you think you don’t like tofu, this might just change your mind. This sweet and salty method of cooking is often used for pork, chicken or fish. Here is a satisfyingly chewy tofu version. Choose a very firm tofu for this recipe. Place the tofu on a plate and cover with another plate. Weigh…… Continue reading vietnamese caramel tofu
Tag: vietnamese food
squid and water spinach salad
Water spinach (water morning glory, water convolvulus or in South East Asia kangkong) is a semi-aquatic plant which grows in tropical climates and is eaten as a vegetable all over Asia. I’ve used it in many cooked dishes but I also like it raw. Here it’s paired with tender poached squid in a salad with a…… Continue reading squid and water spinach salad
bún-chả with bbq pork balls
These Vietnamese pork balls are packed with flavour and wonderful when served as a complete meal with a fresh and delicious rice vermicelli salad and Nuoc Cham. I could eat this any time. For the pork balls, you will need 450g (1 lb) of pork mince. Place ¼ of the mince in a small food…… Continue reading bún-chả with bbq pork balls
ginger braised duck
Classic Vietnamese flavours, lots of ginger and a little chilli make this braised duck truly tasty. Use duck legs, thighs or wings for this recipe. Start by browning 6 pieces of duck in some hot oil for a few minutes. Slice a generous amount of ginger into fine slivers and add it to the duck pieces.…… Continue reading ginger braised duck
prawn omelette with fresh herbs
This thin omelette with prawn (shrimp) filling is an adaptation of a Vietnamese favourite. For the omelette whisk 4 eggs with some water, salt and a little rice flour. For the filling dice 225g (½ lb) of raw prawns and add a few cloves of finely diced garlic, a few sliced spring onions, some fish sauce and…… Continue reading prawn omelette with fresh herbs
vietnamese pork skewers
Try these Vietnamese delights next time you’re having a barbecue. Combine 450g (1 lb) of minced pork with ½ a cup of Vietnamese fish sauce (Thai fish sauce is much stronger), 4 tablespoons of dark soy or caramel sauce (available from Asian stores), 2-3 finely diced brown shallots, 12 finely sliced garlic chives and 1 tablespoon of…… Continue reading vietnamese pork skewers
phổ
Cooking club again. This time we made Phổ, a Vietnamese soup with beef and flat rice noodles, which is popular for breakfast all over Vietnam and any time of day in the north. Normally the stock is cooked overnight but because of time constraints we made a pressure cooker version adapted from various recipes. To make enough stock to fill…… Continue reading phổ
grilled turkey meatballs
In Vietnam these grilled meatballs are made of minced pork but less traditional turkey ones are delicious too. In a food processor combine 225g (½ lb) of turkey mince with 4 finely diced shallots, 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese fish sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Process to a sticky paste…… Continue reading grilled turkey meatballs
purple sweet potato noodle salad
I found noodles made from purple sweet potatoes in my local Asian supermarket. Not only did they inspire this pretty salad but they also turned out to have a delightfully chewy texture. First cook the noodles according to instructions or just test until you like them. Cool them under cold water then cut them into shorter lengths…… Continue reading purple sweet potato noodle salad
fish cooked in banana leaves
Cooked in Vietnamese style this fish dish is delightfully fragrant and succulent. If you can’t find a banana tree you can find fresh vacuum-packed banana leaves at Asian stores. If there are too many for one occasion they freeze well. Cut 900g (2lbs) of Ling (or a similar firm-fleshed white fish) into 4 large pieces. In a…… Continue reading fish cooked in banana leaves
michelle picker cooks 