19 Vietnamese Dish Com Tam Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Vietnamese cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors, and one of the most popular dishes is com tam, or broken rice. This delicious and fragrant meal has been a staple in Vietnamese households for generations, and it has gained popularity all over the world in recent years. The secret to its unique taste and aroma lies in the perfect combination of ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques. In this article, we will dive into the world of com tam and share with you a mouthwatering recipe that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam. So get ready to discover the rich culture and flavors of Vietnam through this traditional dish.
One of the most beloved chicken dishes in India, butter chicken is a rich and creamy dish that is perfect for a special dinner. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice, then cooked in a tandoor oven until tender and juicy. It is then simmered in a tomato-based sauce with butter and cream for a truly indulgent flavor. Serve with naan bread or basmati rice for a complete meal that will impress your guests.
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Chicken Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Light Brown Sugar, Fresh
This popular Japanese dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake. The chicken is then grilled or broiled until it is slightly charred and caramelized. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a well-balanced meal that is sure to please both kids and adults.
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Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Butter, Eggs, Medium Carrots, White Onion, Frozen Peas
A classic Chinese dish, fried rice is a quick and easy way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. Simply stir-fry chopped chicken, scrambled eggs, and vegetables in a wok with soy sauce and oyster sauce, then add in the rice and stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Add in some sesame oil and green onions for extra flavor and serve as a side or a main dish.
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Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Rice, Ground Beef
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a flavorful and filling meal by stuffing them with a chicken and rice mixture. The chicken is cooked with onion, garlic, and tomato sauce before being mixed with cooked rice and cheese. The peppers are then filled with the mixture and baked until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender. Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for added flavor.
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Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Vidalia Onion, Boneless Skinless Chicken
A fragrant and flavorful dish, Thai chicken coconut curry is a delicious combination of coconut milk, curry paste, and chicken. The chicken is cooked in the curry sauce until it is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve over jasmine rice and top with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
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Brazilian Shrimp Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Rice, Red Pepper
This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in Brazilian cuisine. Made with shrimp, coconut milk, tomatoes, and chicken broth, it is a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Serve with white rice and plantains for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Main Ingredients: Cream Of Chicken Soup, Mayo, Milk, Lemon Juice, Curry
A comforting and delicious casserole that is perfect for a weeknight dinner, chicken broccoli casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish. The chicken and broccoli are mixed with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with bread crumbs for a crispy texture. Bake in the oven until golden and serve with a side of garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
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Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Medium Egg, Garlic Salt, Cold Water
A popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, orange chicken is a delicious blend of crispy chicken and a tangy orange sauce. The chicken is coated in a batter and fried until crisp, then tossed in the sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, and honey. Serve over white rice and garnish with orange slices for a visually appealing and tasty meal.
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Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Crispy Tofu
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Mint, Vermicelli
A healthier twist on the traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, this version features crispy tofu as the main filling. The tofu is marinated in a soy sauce and sesame oil mixture before being fried until golden and crispy. Wrap the tofu in rice paper along with fresh herbs, vegetables, and rice vermicelli for a light and flavorful meal.
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Korean Ground Turkey & Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Rice, Garlic, Honey, Soy Sauce, Sesame
A simple and flavorful dish, Korean ground turkey and rice bowls are a perfect option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The ground turkey is cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then served over cooked rice and topped with green onions and sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.
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Korean Vietnamese spring rolls
Main Ingredients: Spring Roll Skins, Rice, Mung Bean Noodles, Tofu
A fusion of two cuisines, Korean Vietnamese spring rolls are a unique and delicious dish. The spring rolls are filled with grilled beef, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and rice noodles, then served with a spicy Korean dipping sauce. These spring rolls are perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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Spanish Rice
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, White Onion, Jalapeno Chiles, Rice, Canola
A popular side dish in Spanish cuisine, Spanish rice is a flavorful mixture of rice, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices. The rice is cooked in a tomato-based sauce until it is tender and infused with all the flavors. Serve as a side to any Mexican-inspired dish for a complete and tasty meal.
A staple in Mexican cuisine, authentic Mexican rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs well with any Mexican main course. The rice is cooked with onion, garlic, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, then seasoned with cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Serve with your favorite Mexican dishes for a complete and delicious meal.
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Honey Garlic Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Cornstarch, Salt, Pepper, Vegetable
A sweet and savory dish, honey garlic chicken is a must-try for any chicken lover. The chicken is marinated in a honey, soy sauce, and garlic mixture, then grilled or baked until tender and juicy. Serve with steamed vegetables and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cream Of Chicken Soup, Cream Of Mushroom Soup
This easy and delicious casserole is a perfect option for busy weeknights. Simply mix together rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth in a baking dish, then place chicken breasts on top and sprinkle with onion soup mix. Cover and bake in the oven until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. Serve with a side of green beans for a well-rounded meal.
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Cabbage Rolls
Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Ground Pork, Ground Beef, Onions
A classic comfort food dish, cabbage rolls are a delicious blend of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, all wrapped in cabbage leaves. The rolls are then baked in the oven until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with sour cream and fresh herbs for added flavor.
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Lemongrass Beef Over Broken Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Salad Greens, Cilantro Leaves, Mint
A popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, lemongrass beef over broken rice features thinly sliced beef marinated in a lemongrass and soy sauce mixture, then stir-fried until cooked through. Serve over broken rice and top with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
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Winter Squash with Broken Rice
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Rice, Unsalted Butter
A hearty and nutritious dish, winter squash with broken rice is a perfect option for colder months. The squash is roasted until tender, then mixed with broken rice, chicken broth, and spices. Serve as a side dish or add in some chicken or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Simple Veggie Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Zucchini, Carrot, Olive Oil, Broth, Salt, Pepper
A quick and easy side dish, simple veggie rice is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. The vegetables are sautéed in a pan with some garlic and olive oil, then mixed with cooked rice and seasoned with salt and pepper. Serve as a side to any main dish for added flavor and nutrition.
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Best Ever Chicken Fajitas
Main Ingredients: Lime Juice, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic, Ground Cumin
A Tex-Mex favorite, chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled or sautéed until cooked through. Serve with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings for a customizable and delicious meal.
The Origins of Com Tam
Com tam translates to "broken rice" in Vietnamese, and it originated in Southern Vietnam, specifically in the city of Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City). It was initially a dish made by street vendors who would use the leftover grains of broken rice, which were considered inferior and cheaper. They would mix it with various grilled meats, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, creating a simple yet satisfying meal for the working class. Over time, com tam evolved into a more sophisticated and diverse dish, with different regions of Vietnam adding their own unique twists to it. Today, com tam is enjoyed all over the country and is a staple dish in Vietnamese restaurants worldwide.
The Key Ingredients
The main ingredient of com tam is, of course, broken rice, which is shorter and plump compared to regular rice. It is usually served with a variety of toppings, including grilled pork, beef, chicken, or seafood. The proteins are marinated with a blend of fish sauce, garlic, lemongrass, and sugar, giving them a sweet and savory flavor. The dish is also accompanied by a side of vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, pickled carrots and daikon, and fresh herbs like mint, basil, and coriander. But what truly elevates the dish is the iconic sauce, made with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili, giving it a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors.
The Cooking Process
The key to a delicious com tam lies in the preparation and cooking process. The rice is first washed, soaked, and steamed to perfection, giving it a soft and fluffy texture. The meats are grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky aroma and charred flavor. The vegetables are sliced and arranged beautifully on top of the rice, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish. And finally, the sauce is drizzled over everything, tying all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
In Conclusion
Com tam is not just a dish, but a representation of Vietnamese culinary culture. Its unique blend of flavors and textures symbolizes the diversity and richness of the country. And now, with our easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this traditional dish in the comfort of your own home. So why not add a touch of Vietnam to your dinner table and indulge in the deliciousness of com tam.