My husband and I love Vietnamese food. Honestly, our love of pho came from curing hangovers originally (this truly works, if you want to know.) But our love has expanded and grown over the years. Learning how to make our own Vietnamese food has always been on our bucket list. We’ve attempted many dishes, but always seem unsuccessful – and I’m a pretty good cook! Now I’ve decided it might be time to grab a cookbook before I decide to embark on another journey through Vietnamese cuisine.
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Mango and Peppercorns: A Memoir of Food, an Unlikely Family, and the American Dream
The Mango and Peppercorns: A Memoir of Food, an Unlikely Family, and the American Dream cookbook is number one so far this year for Vietnamese cooking! This is beyond a cookbook – it’s also a family’s memoir of their escape from Saigon and their taking refuge in the United States. Some of you may recognize the award-winning restaurant Hy Vong in Miami. These critically acclaimed chefs have now shared some of their family food secrets, and also their personal story. The author, Tung Nguyen, landed in Katherine Manning’s home. This relationship built into what we see today – one of the most successful restaurants in the United States.
The twenty recipes in this book coordinate with the fascinating story in Mango and Peppercorns: A Memoir of Food, an Unlikely Family, and the American Dream. This is a nonfiction literary culinary adventure that is worth a look.
I wish there were more photos, but overall everything sounds incredible!
Real Vietnamese Cooking: Everyday Favorites from the Street to the Kitchen
I am looking forward to flipping through the Real Vietnamese Cooking: Everyday Favorites from the Street to the Kitchen cookbook. It’s incredibly visual with instructions, the dish itself, and even sides.
We will learn the basics of Vietnamese cooking and what French influences have contributed to each dish. I appreciate that this cookbook explains many of the very notable and distinct flavors in Vietnamese cuisine. It also touches on how it is different than other Southeast Asian cuisine.
I enjoy that there are sidebars that talk about the culinary culture and history throughout the book.
Real Vietnamese Cooking: Everyday Favorites from the Street to the Kitchen has 88 recipes with breakdowns for each. Not only are the recipes broken down step by step, but there are tips and tricks on almost every recipe. The author pops up as a caricature to graciously offer some insights on what to do for each recipe.
You will find all kinds of Vietnamese favorites and classics. It is divided into sections about rice paper dishes, rice noodle, stir fry, pho, sandwiches, desserts, and more. They even have a recipe for one of my favorite Vietnamese “dishes” and that is Vietnamese coffee – yum!
Vietnamese: Simple Vietnamese Food to Cook at Home
I am a huge fan of making quick and easy food at home. The Vietnamese: Simple Vietnamese Food to Cook at Home cookbook demystifies the complexities of Vietnamese cuisine. Many of these recipes can easily be put together on busy weekdays!
There are eight chapters that are laid out in a unique fashion:
1) Things to Eat With Rice
2) Sharing Vegetables
3) Proper Salads Vietnamese Style
4) Feasting
5) Heavenly Noodle Soups
6) Quick Midweek Meals
7) Sweet Things
8) Basics
I am surprised that the “Basics” are toward the back of the cookbook!
Some of these recipes are totally new to me, which I am very excited about. Examples of those are pandan swiss rolls with mango and cream, wontons, and even a Vietnamese style omelet.
Truly these dishes are incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are not only fairly common, but throwing everything together doesn’t require a bunch of effort. I enjoy the little notes on some of the recipes that give us some helpful tips or even suggestions on substitutions for some of the ingredients.
I love the illustrations and photography – everything looks so modern and clean. I can’t wait to dig in!
Super Easy Vietnamese Cooking Recipes: Everyday Vietnamese Food. All Quick and Simple Recipes to Master Vietnamese Dishes
While perusing Super Easy Vietnamese Cooking Recipes: Everyday Vietnamese Food. All Quick and Simple Recipes to Master Vietnamese Dishes cookbook I’m seeing all kinds of new recipes! I love that there has hardly been any overlap with these cookbooks.
Kylie Nguyen has gifted us with some of her personal recipes that she has been experimenting with for many, many years. Her mother-in-law taught her all she knows, but she continued to put her own flair on each dish.
Her goal is to inspire others to go and learn anew the wonders of cooking! Vietnamese cuisine is so unique and flavorful that it is so easy to fall in love with. Many of her dishes are easy to make, which is perfect for those who have big and busy families.
Some dishes that you will find are grilled lemongrass pork chops, Vietnamese steamed buns, even a delicious rice porridge or congee.
The pictures are glorious!
Complete Pho Cookbook: Authentic Vietnamese’s Easy Made Soup and Noodles
Of course we cannot look away from this cookbook: Complete Pho Cookbook: Authentic Vietnamese’s Easy Made Soup and Noodles. Most everyone, when they think about Vietnamese food, thinks about pho. It’s also the one thing I haven’t been able to successfully make at home! It’s never the same as the restaurant.
Not only are there recipes to show you exactly how to concoct the perfect soup, but also a manual for suggestions on fixings and ways of creating your own Vietnamese dish on your own. Mostly, I cannot wait to try all the different soups beyond pho!
What are some of your favorite Vietnamese dishes? Now that spring and summer are slowly approaching, a Vietnamese noodle salad is so tasty and refreshing!
~Kaiti
