Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and aromatic spices. While traditional dishes are delicious, they can sometimes be heavy on carbs and calories. Fortunately, with a few simple tweaks, you can give these classic recipes a healthy twist without compromising on taste. Here are six traditional Vietnamese dishes with a healthy spin that your family will love.
Pho with Zoodles: A Lighter Take on a Classic
Pho is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup known for its complex broth and tender meat. To lighten up this dish, replace traditional rice noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles. The zoodles add a refreshing crunch and are lower in carbs and calories than rice noodles. Serve the flavorful broth with lean protein such as chicken or tofu, plenty of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps: Fresh and Flavorful
Banh Mi sandwiches are a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, typically made with a crusty baguette filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. For a healthier alternative, skip the bread and use large lettuce leaves as wraps for your banh mi fillings. Fill the lettuce wraps with grilled or roasted pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber slices, cilantro, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp and Quinoa: Nutrient-Packed Snack
Fresh spring rolls are a popular Vietnamese appetizer made with rice paper wrappers filled with a variety of fresh ingredients. To boost the protein and fiber content of these rolls, swap out the rice vermicelli noodles for cooked quinoa. Fill the rice paper wrappers with cooked shrimp, quinoa, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, lettuce, cucumber, and bean sprouts for a nutrient-packed snack or light meal.
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Cauliflower Rice: Low-Carb Delight
Lemongrass chicken skewers are a flavorful Vietnamese dish typically made with marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Instead of serving them with traditional rice, pair the grilled chicken skewers with cauliflower rice seasoned with garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and calories, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing flavor.
Goi Cuon with Tofu and Avocado: Refreshing and Satisfying
Goi Cuon, or Vietnamese summer rolls, are light and refreshing appetizers made with rice paper wrappers filled with a variety of fresh ingredients. For a healthy twist, make goi cuon using marinated tofu, avocado slices, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and fresh herbs. These rolls are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack or light meal.
Vietnamese Beef Pho Salad Bowls: A Wholesome Twist
Beef pho is a comforting Vietnamese soup made with aromatic broth, tender beef, and rice noodles. Give this classic dish a healthy makeover by turning it into a salad bowl. Top a bed of mixed greens with thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil, bean sprouts, thinly sliced onions, and a squeeze of lime. Drizzle with a light dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey for a wholesome and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Conclusion
With a few simple substitutions and tweaks, you can transform traditional Vietnamese dishes into healthy and nutritious meals that your family will love. By incorporating fresh ingredients, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables, you can enjoy the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while nourishing your body and satisfying your taste buds.