18 Homemade Vietnamese Chili Paste Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, and homemade chili paste is a staple condiment in many Vietnamese households. This fiery sauce adds a kick of heat and depth of flavor to dishes such as pho, banh mi, and stir-fries. While store-bought chili paste is readily available, making your own at home allows for customization and ensures the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. In this article, we will provide you with a professional and well-organized recipe for homemade Vietnamese chili paste, guaranteed to elevate your cooking and impress your taste buds.
If you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, then you know that pho soup is a must-try dish. This flavorful and aromatic soup is made with a savory broth, tender noodles, and various toppings such as herbs, bean sprouts, and meat. It's the perfect comfort food for any time of the year, and it's also surprisingly easy to make at home.
For a tasty twist on traditional meatballs, try making them with a Vietnamese flair. These chicken meatballs are packed with flavor from a combination of herbs and spices such as lemongrass, ginger, and cilantro. They're perfect for adding to pho soup, serving as an appetizer, or even as a main dish served with rice and veggies.
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Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Oil, Minced Garlic, Hoisin Sauce, Peanut Butter
No Vietnamese meal is complete without a delicious peanut sauce for dipping or drizzling. This sauce is a combination of creamy peanut butter, tangy lime juice, and a hint of heat from chili paste. It's perfect for adding to spring rolls, grilled meats, or noodles for an extra burst of flavor.
Speaking of spring rolls, this Vietnamese version is a must-try. These fresh and light rolls are filled with a combination of veggies, herbs, and protein, and then wrapped in delicate rice paper. They're perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer for a dinner party.
Main Ingredients: Pork Blade Steaks, Light Brown Sugar, Chopped Garlic
One of the most popular dishes at Vietnamese restaurants is grilled lemongrass pork. This savory and slightly sweet dish is made with marinated pork that is grilled to perfection and served with rice, veggies, and a side of dipping sauce. With this recipe, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home.
For a unique and delicious chicken dish, try making Vietnamese caramel chicken. This dish is made with tender chicken pieces that are cooked in a caramelized sauce made from fish sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. It's a sweet and savory combination that will have your taste buds begging for more.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried spring rolls, then these fresh Vietnamese spring rolls are the perfect option. These rolls are filled with a variety of fresh veggies, herbs, and protein, and then rolled in rice paper. They're crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping in a flavorful sauce.
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Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Lemongrass, Garlic, Thai Chili
Lemongrass chicken is another popular Vietnamese dish that is packed with flavor. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, and spices, and then grilled to perfection. It's a simple yet delicious dish that can be served with rice or in a sandwich for a Vietnamese-inspired banh mi.
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Grilled Vietnamese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Green Onions, Lime
If you're a fan of grilled chicken, then you have to try this Vietnamese version. The chicken is marinated in a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and garlic, and then grilled to perfection. The marinade adds a depth of flavor to the chicken, making it a standout dish for any summer BBQ.
Of course, no list of Vietnamese recipes would be complete without including the iconic dish of pho. This flavorful and aromatic soup is made with a rich broth, tender noodles, and various toppings such as beef, herbs, and bean sprouts. It's a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is a must-try for any food lover.
Eggrolls are a popular appetizer in many cuisines, and the Vietnamese version is no exception. These crispy and flavorful rolls are filled with a mixture of meat, veggies, and spices, and then deep-fried to perfection. They're perfect for dipping in a flavorful sauce and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Thai Chili Paste Cashew Nut Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Red Bell Pepper, Green Onion, Yellow
This Thai-inspired dish is a popular option at many Vietnamese restaurants. The chicken is cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce made from chili paste, soy sauce, and cashew nuts. It's a delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, and is perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
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Fresh and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad
Main Ingredients: Vermicelli Noodles, Carrots, Cucumbers, Green Onion
This noodle salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for hot summer days. It's made with a combination of rice noodles, fresh veggies, herbs, and protein, and then tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho (Pho Bo)
Main Ingredients: Beef, Oxtail, Water, Yellow Onions, Fresh Ginger Root
If you want to try your hand at making authentic pho soup at home, then this recipe is a must-try. The broth is made from a combination of beef bones, spices, and aromatics, and is simmered for hours to create a rich and flavorful base. It's then served with tender slices of beef, noodles, and various toppings for a truly authentic experience.
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Fresh Chili Paste
Main Ingredients: Chili Peppers, Garlic Cloves, Shallots, Olive Oil
This fresh chili paste is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is used in many dishes to add a spicy kick. It's made with a combination of fresh chilies, garlic, and other aromatics, and can be customized to your preferred level of heat. It's perfect for adding to marinades, sauces, or using as a condiment.
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Vietnamese Pho (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Onions, Ginger, Beef Shin, Beef Brisket, Star Anise
If you're looking for a shortcut to making pho soup at home, then this recipe is for you. It uses store-bought beef broth and adds in traditional Vietnamese spices and aromatics to create a flavorful and delicious broth. It's a quick and easy way to satisfy your pho cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another popular option for spring rolls in Vietnamese cuisine is this fried version. These rolls are filled with a combination of meat, veggies, and spices, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden. They're perfect for dipping in a flavorful sauce and are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
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Calabrian Chili Paste
Main Ingredients: Calabrian Chilies, Garlic Cloves, Olive Oil, Salt
This spicy and flavorful chili paste hails from the Calabrian region of Italy, but is also a popular ingredient in Vietnamese cooking. It's made with Calabrian chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil, and is perfect for adding a fiery kick to any dish. Add it to stir-fries, marinades, or even as a topping for pizza.
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Habanero Chili Paste
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Parsley, Fresh Cilantro, Garlic, Salt
If you're a fan of heat, then this habanero chili paste is a must-try. It's made with fiery habanero peppers, garlic, and vinegar, and can be used in a variety of dishes to add a spicy kick. Just a little bit goes a long way, so use it sparingly to add a burst of heat to your favorite Vietnamese dishes.
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Homemade Chili Paste
Main Ingredients: Poblano Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Chili Peppers
If you want to have complete control over the level of heat in your chili paste, then making it at home is the way to go. This recipe allows you to customize the level of spice and add in your preferred aromatics for a truly personalized chili paste. Use it in all your favorite Vietnamese dishes for a burst of flavor and heat.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, it's important to have all the necessary ingredients at hand. The main ingredient in Vietnamese chili paste is, of course, chili peppers. While many different varieties of chili peppers can be used, the most commonly used in Vietnam are Thai bird's eye chilis or red finger chilis. Other key ingredients include garlic, shallots, and a tangy element such as vinegar or lime juice. You can also add in additional spices and herbs such as ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of your chili paste.
Choosing the Right Chili Peppers
When it comes to chili peppers, the level of heat can vary greatly depending on the variety and the amount used. If you prefer a milder chili paste, opt for a less spicy chili pepper such as red bell peppers or poblano peppers. For those who enjoy a fiery kick, Thai bird's eye chilis or habanero peppers are great options. It's also important to note that the heat of the chili peppers can be reduced by removing the seeds and membranes before using them in the recipe.
Using Fresh Ingredients
For the best results, it's important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients in your homemade chili paste. This includes using fresh garlic and shallots instead of dried varieties. The freshness of these ingredients will greatly impact the overall flavor and aroma of your chili paste. Additionally, using fresh chili peppers that are in season will ensure the best flavor and heat level for your paste.
The Recipe
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to make your own homemade Vietnamese chili paste. Here is a simple and straightforward recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
1 cup of Thai bird's eye chilis or red finger chilis (or a combination of both)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lime juice
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of sugar
Salt to taste
Instructions:
In a food processor, blend together the chili peppers, garlic, and shallots until a smooth paste forms.
In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and add the chili paste.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paste darkens in color and becomes fragrant.
Add in the vinegar or lime juice, sugar, and salt, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the chili paste cool before transferring it to a jar or airtight container.
Your homemade Vietnamese chili paste is now ready to use and can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
In Conclusion
Making your own homemade Vietnamese chili paste is a great way to add a personal touch to your cooking and elevate the flavors of your dishes. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and following a simple recipe, you can create a fiery and flavorful condiment that will become a staple in your kitchen. So why not give it a try and add some homemade Vietnamese chili paste to your next meal? Your taste buds will thank you.
