Vietnamese Thanksgiving Dishes with Exotic Flavors
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, reflecting on gratitude while sharing delicious food. With the popularity of fusion cuisine, many families are looking to bring new flavors to the holiday table, and incorporating Vietnamese-inspired dishes is a fantastic way to add a fresh twist to the classic Thanksgiving meal. Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes combine vibrant Southeast Asian flavors, balanced spices, and fresh ingredients, perfectly complementing traditional Thanksgiving staples.
This article explores an array of Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes that infuse authentic Vietnamese recipes with Thanksgiving essentials. From turkey brined in lemongrass to lotus stem salads and sticky rice stuffing, these dishes offer a unique and exciting take on holiday classics.
Contents
Vietnamese-Style Turkey: Lemongrass & Fish Sauce Brined Roast Turkey
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving dinner is undoubtedly the turkey, and this Vietnamese Thanksgiving dish brings an exotic flavor profile to the classic roast. Marinating the turkey in a mixture of lemongrass, fish sauce (nuoc mam), soy sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a juicy and flavorful bird that brings out a Southeast Asian aroma with every bite.
Ingredients:
- Turkey (10-12 pounds)
- Lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro)
Preparation Tips:
- Brining: The turkey should be brined overnight to ensure maximum flavor infusion. Brine in a mix of fish sauce, lemongrass, and soy sauce to add moisture and enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Roasting: Roast the turkey at 350°F until the skin turns golden brown, frequently basting it with the marinade for a rich, crispy skin.
- Serving: Serve with a side of lime wedges and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and chili. This Vietnamese Thanksgiving dish pairs beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce, balancing the savory roast with a hint of sweetness and spice.
Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls) as Thanksgiving Appetizers
Vietnamese fried spring rolls, or cha gio, make for an excellent appetizer that brings a light, crunchy start to the meal. Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes often include small bites like cha gio, which are perfect for sharing and easy to pair with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients:
- Ground pork or shredded turkey (for a Thanksgiving twist)
- Shrimp, finely chopped
- Vermicelli noodles
- Wood ear mushrooms, chopped
- Rice paper wrappers
- Fish sauce dipping sauce
Cooking Tips:
- Assembly: Mix ground pork or turkey, shrimp, vermicelli, and mushrooms. Wrap in rice paper and roll tightly.
- Frying: Fry the rolls until golden and crispy. Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy rolls.
- Serving: Serve with a traditional fish sauce dipping sauce mixed with lime juice, sugar, and garlic. Alternatively, add cranberry sauce for a fusion dipping option.
Vietnamese Fusion Stuffing: Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage and Mushrooms
Replace traditional bread-based stuffing with a fragrant sticky rice version, incorporating ingredients like Chinese sausage (lap xuong) and mushrooms. This stuffing is a popular Vietnamese Thanksgiving dish that adds a unique and hearty side to the table, infusing Thanksgiving with Asian aromas.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- Chinese sausage (lap xuong), sliced
- Shiitake mushrooms, diced
- Garlic and shallots
- Fresh cilantro and scallions
Cooking Tips:
- Cooking Sticky Rice: Steam the sticky rice until tender, using a clay pot if available to create a slightly crispy bottom layer.
- Mixing: In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms, sausage, garlic, and shallots, then combine with the sticky rice. Add fresh herbs for color and aroma.
- Presentation: Serve in a large dish, garnished with chopped scallions and cilantro for a vibrant touch. This Vietnamese Thanksgiving dish adds depth, flavor, and texture, perfect for a unique holiday experience.
Goi Ngo Sen (Lotus Stem Salad) – A Fresh and Crisp Side Dish
For a light and refreshing option, lotus stem salad, or goi ngo sen, provides a crunchy contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes. This salad is a favorite in Vietnamese cuisine and serves as a delicious addition to Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients:
- Lotus stem, julienned
- Shrimp, boiled and sliced
- Pork slices, boiled
- Carrots and fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
- Fish sauce dressing with lime juice, sugar, and chili
Preparation Tips:
- Dressing: Create a simple dressing using fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili to balance sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
- Assembly: Combine lotus stem, shrimp, pork, carrots, and herbs in a large bowl, tossing gently with the dressing.
- Garnish: Top with crushed peanuts and fried shallots for extra texture. Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes like this one are not only colorful but also add a refreshing, palate-cleansing taste to the meal.
Nuoc Cham Cranberry Sauce
Traditional cranberry sauce gets a Vietnamese twist with nuoc cham, a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. This unique blend creates one of the best Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes, marrying sweet, tangy, and umami flavors that pair perfectly with turkey.
Ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Sugar
- Chili, finely chopped
Preparation Tips:
- Cranberry Sauce Base: Cook fresh cranberries with a bit of water until they burst, then blend until smooth.
- Adding Nuoc Cham: Mix fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar into the cranberry sauce, adding chili for heat if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile sauce complements turkey, pork, or stuffing, adding a bold, complex flavor to any Thanksgiving spread.
Roasted Kabocha Squash with Coconut and Scallion Oil
Kabocha squash is a common ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and works beautifully as a Thanksgiving side. This roasted squash with coconut and scallion oil adds a rich, creamy element to Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes, making it a unique alternative to pumpkin.
Ingredients:
- Kabocha squash, sliced
- Coconut milk
- Scallion oil (scallions fried in oil)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Preparation Tips:
- Roasting the Squash: Brush kabocha slices with coconut milk and roast until tender.
- Adding Scallion Oil: Drizzle scallion oil over the squash for a burst of flavor, adding a savory, nutty note.
- Garnishing: Sprinkle sesame seeds for a toasty, crunchy finish, balancing the smooth texture of the squash. This is one of the Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes that are both nutritious and visually appealing.
Day-After Pho with Turkey Broth and Leftover Meat
The day after Thanksgiving calls for a comforting bowl of pho, making great use of leftover turkey and bones to create a rich, aromatic broth. Among various Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes, this one is ideal for turning holiday leftovers into a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Turkey carcass and leftover meat
- Onion, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro)
- Bean sprouts, lime, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha for garnish
Preparation Tips:
- Making the Broth: Simmer the turkey carcass with ginger, onion, star anise, and cinnamon to create a flavorful pho broth.
- Adding Noodles and Herbs: Cook rice noodles separately, then add to the broth with leftover turkey meat.
- Serving: Serve with a side of fresh herbs, lime wedges, and sauces for flavor customization. This pho offers a warm, comforting option for the day after Thanksgiving.
Vietnamese-Style Green Bean Salad with Lime and Fish Sauce
Green beans are a Thanksgiving staple, but this Vietnamese-style salad gives them a fresh twist. Tossed in a light lime and fish sauce vinaigrette, this Vietnamese Thanksgiving dish is an easy side that adds a burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients:
- Green beans, blanched
- Lime juice
- Fish sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Fried shallots or cashews for garnish
Preparation Tips:
- Blanching Green Beans: Briefly blanch the green beans to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Tossing in Dressing: Mix lime juice, fish sauce, and garlic to create a simple vinaigrette, tossing with the beans just before serving.
- Garnishing: Top with fried shallots or cashews for added crunch. This Vietnamese Thanksgiving dish adds a refreshing, tangy side to balance richer dishes.
Banh Chuoi (Vietnamese Banana Cake) – A Perfect Dessert
End the meal on a sweet note with Banh Chuoi, a traditional Vietnamese banana cake made with coconut milk and tapioca flour. This dessert brings a light, tropical touch to our Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes and serves as a delightful alternative to pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas, mashed
- Coconut milk
- Tapioca flour
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Preparation Tips:
- Mixing the Batter: Combine mashed bananas with coconut milk and tapioca flour for a smooth, creamy batter.
- Baking or Steaming: Bake or steam the cake until set, creating a moist, chewy texture.
- Serving: Garnish with sesame seeds and drizzle with coconut cream for added richness. This Vietnamese Thanksgiving dish offers a unique dessert that’s sweet, satisfying, and perfect for the holiday table.
Conclusion: Bringing Vietnamese Flavors to the Thanksgiving Table
Incorporating Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes into your holiday meal adds a layer of excitement and warmth, celebrating the essence of both Vietnamese and American traditions. From lemongrass-brined turkey to lotus stem salad and banana cake, each dish offers a unique fusion of flavors that enhances the Thanksgiving experience, bringing loved ones together around a memorable feast.
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To explore more flavor options, visit Tastesmiths’ website to find additional meal kits that complement your culinary vision. Be sure to use these Tastesmiths coupons for the best prices, making it even easier to bring a taste of Southeast Asia to your Thanksgiving celebration.
These recipe ideas of Vietnamese Thanksgiving dishes encourage family and friends to come together, savoring a unique, memorable meal that honors the essence of both cuisines.
