Sample Vietnamese Cuisine

Prepare the meat the night before and let it marinate overnight, then cook and combine with cooked noodles and thinly sliced red chiles for a one-bowl dinner that's packed with the bright Asian flavors of sake, star anise, ginger, and fish sauce. Users raved that this recipe topped the dishes they get at traditional Vietnamese restaurants. Recipe:Vietnamese Beef-Noodle Bowl

Make a no-cook dish that can work as an appetizer (1 roll) or main dish (2 rolls). Bean sprouts and threads, shredded carrots, and lettuce add a memorable crunch to the shrimp rolls. Don't forget the five-ingredient dipping sauce–it's the star of this recipe. Recipe:Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Pair seafood with lots of fresh herbs in traditional Vietnamese style. The bright, fresh flavor of parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint perfectly complement the rich, lightly-fried squid. Buy frozen, cleaned calamari to save time and get this dish on the table in about 30 minutes. Recipe:Vietnamese Calamari Herb Salad

Marinate shrimp in a spicy mixture of lemon grass, garlic, red chili sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice before skewering and grilling for about three minutes on each side. Remember to soak the empty skewers in water before putting them on the grill to prevent burning. Take this recipe inside and cook on a grill pan or under a broiler, if you prefer. Recipe:Peppery Grilled Shrimp

Traditional Vietnamese sandwiches are spread with a thin layer of chicken-live pate, so feel free to spread a little on your baguette before topping with turkey, veggies, and chili paste, for a little heat. Serve for an inspired weekday lunch or light dinner. Recipe:Vietnamese-style Turkey Subs

At your next cocktail party, serve a twist on the traditional spring roll by dishing up spicy lettuce wraps packed with plump shrimp, crispy cellophane noodles, and a spicy lime sauce, for dipping. You can find cellophane noodles in Asian grocery stores, or substitute rice if you prefer. Recipe:Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

Stir-fry tofu in a simple sauce of oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and olive oil. Garnish with cilantro and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve with rice of over noodle salad for a meatless one-bowl meal. Recipe:Sauteed Tofu

Bring the tastes of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter to the table all in one dish to get your taste buds dancing. A respectable dose of sugar balances the savory fish sauce, tart vinegar, and lime juice, and bitter fresh herbs. This fresh-tasting dish is sure to make your regular rotation. Recipe:Vietnamese Caramelized Pork and Rice Noodle Salad

The sauce in this dish, nuoc cham, is a staple in every Vietnamese meal. Drizzle it over meats, rice, or noodles. The raw ingredients make this dish ideal for summer dining, but enjoy it year round with shrimp, beef, chicken, or pork. Recipe:Lemongrass Shrimp over Rice Vermicelli and Vegetables