Thanksgiving Tradition: Vietnamese-Inspired Side Dishes

Thanksgiving Tradition: Vietnamese-Inspired Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, reflecting on our blessings, and indulging in a feast celebrating the harvest. This American holiday is traditionally synonymous with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. However, as culinary tastes evolve and cultures blend, Thanksgiving menus become more diverse, reflecting the rich tapestry of influences that make up modern American cuisine. One exciting trend is incorporating Vietnamese-inspired side dishes into the Thanksgiving meal, adding a fresh and vibrant twist to the traditional spread.

The Harmony of Flavors in Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its balance of flavours: sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, all harmonizing to create dishes that are both complex and refreshing. Fresh herbs, tangy lime, fish sauce, and various vegetables are staples in Vietnamese cooking, contributing to its distinctive taste profile. Incorporating these elements into Thanksgiving side dishes enhances the flavour and brings a sense of lightness to what is often a heavy meal.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

Vietnamese spring rolls, known as gỏi cuốn, are a refreshing and healthy addition to the Thanksgiving table. Unlike the fried version, these rolls are made with fresh ingredients wrapped in rice paper, offering a light and crisp contrast to the rich and hearty Thanksgiving fare.

Ingredients:

• Rice paper wrappers
• Cooked shrimp or pork slices
• Rice vermicelli noodles
• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, Thai basil
• Lettuce leaves
• Cucumber and carrot julienne

Instructions:

1. Prepare all the filling ingredients by cooking the shrimp or pork and cutting the vegetables into thin strips.
2. Soak the rice vermicelli in hot water until soft, then drain.
3. Dip each rice paper wrapper in warm water for a few seconds until pliable.
4. Place the fillings on the bottom third of the wrapper, fold the sides inward, and roll tightly.
5. Serve with a dipping sauce made from hoisin sauce mixed with peanut butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lime.

Why It Works: Gỏi cuốn adds a refreshing, crunchy element to the Thanksgiving spread. The fresh herbs and vegetables cleanse the palate, making it an excellent starter or light side dish to complement heavier items like turkey and stuffing.

Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes (Bánh Xèo)

Bánh xèo are savory Vietnamese pancakes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. They are filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Their crispy texture and flavorful filling make them an exciting alternative to traditional Thanksgiving rolls or breads.

Ingredients:

• Rice flour
• Coconut milk
• Turmeric powder
• Shrimp and pork slices
• Bean sprouts
• Green onions
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping
• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter by mixing rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and water until smooth.
2. Cook the shrimp and pork slices in a hot pan, then remove and set aside.
3. Pour a thin layer of batter into the pan, swirling to cover the surface.
4. Add the shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts on one side of the pancake.
5. Fold the pancake in half and cook until crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve with lettuce leaves and fresh herbs, allowing guests to wrap their pancakes before dipping them in fish sauce.

Why It Works: Bánh xèo offers a fun, interactive eating experience. The pancakes are light yet satisfying, and the turmeric adds a vibrant color that complements the Thanksgiving table’s autumnal hues. The combination of crispy pancakes and fresh herbs adds a delightful textural contrast to the meal.

Vietnamese-Style Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a staple of Thanksgiving dinners, but adding Vietnamese-inspired flavours elevates this dish to a new level. By incorporating fish sauce, garlic, and chilli, you can create a roasted vegetable side dish that is familiar and exotic.

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes
• Fish sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Red chilli flakes
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, minced garlic, and a generous splash of fish sauce.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Once cooked, drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with red chilli flakes and fresh cilantro.

Why It Works: The fish sauce adds a savory umami depth to the vegetables, while the lime juice brightens the flavors. The roasted vegetables provide a perfect balance to the richer Thanksgiving dishes, offering a hearty and vibrant side dish.

Vietnamese Noodle Salad (Bún)

A cold noodle salad, or bún, brings a refreshing element to the Thanksgiving meal. This dish combines rice vermicelli noodles with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing, making it a light, flavorful side that pairs well with turkey.

Ingredients:

• Rice vermicelli noodles
• Grated carrots, sliced cucumbers, and bean sprouts
• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, Thai basil
• Crushed peanuts for garnish
• Nuoc cham dressing: fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chilli

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain.
2. Prepare the vegetables by slicing them into thin strips.
3. Toss the noodles with the vegetables and fresh herbs.
4. Drizzle with nuoc cham dressing and toss to combine.
5. Garnish with crushed peanuts and serve chilled.

Why It Works: Bún is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to include any vegetables you have on hand. The cold noodles and fresh herbs provide a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm and hearty Thanksgiving dishes. The tangy nuoc cham dressing ties the dish together, making it a perfect side to balance the meal’s richness.

Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables (Đồ Chua)

Pickles are an often-overlooked component of Thanksgiving, but they can play a crucial role in balancing the meal’s flavours. Vietnamese pickled vegetables, or đồ chua, are made from carrots and daikon radish, offering a crunchy and tangy side that cuts through the richness of the turkey and gravy.

Ingredients:

• Carrots and daikon radish julienned
• White vinegar
• Sugar
• Water
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Combine equal parts white vinegar, sugar, and water in a saucepan, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool.
2. Place the julienned carrots and daikon in a jar and pour the pickling liquid over them.
3. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Why It Works: Đồ Chua adds a bright, tangy element to the Thanksgiving spread, which helps to refresh the palate between bites of rich and savoury dishes. The pickles are easy to prepare in advance and provide a vibrant colour that looks beautiful on the table.

Vietnamese Eggplant with Scallions (Cà Tím Nướng Mỡ Hành)

For a unique vegetable side dish, try Vietnamese eggplant with scallions or cà tím nướng mỡ hành. This dish features grilled eggplant topped with a flavorful scallion oil and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.

Ingredients:

• Eggplants, halved lengthwise
• Scallions, finely chopped
• Fish sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Vegetable oil
• Crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill or broiler to high heat.
2. Brush the eggplants with vegetable oil and grill until tender and slightly charred.
3. In a small saucepan, heat oil and add the minced garlic and scallions, cooking until fragrant.
4. Drizzle the scallion oil over the grilled eggplants and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
5. Serve warm as a side dish.

Why It Works: This dish brings a smoky, savoury element to the Thanksgiving meal, with the scallion oil adding richness and depth of flavour. The tender eggplant contrasts nicely with the crunchy peanuts, creating a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavour.

Vietnamese-Style Mashed Potatoes with Lemongrass

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic, but you can twist them in Vietnamese by adding lemongrass and coconut milk. This variation offers a fragrant, creamy side dish that pairs wonderfully with turkey.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes peeled and chopped
• Coconut milk
• Lemongrass, finely minced
• Butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash.
2. In a saucepan, sauté the minced lemongrass in butter until fragrant.
3. Add the lemongrass and coconut milk to the mashed potatoes and stir until creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why It Works: Adding lemongrass and coconut milk gives the mashed potatoes a subtle yet distinctive flavour that complements the other Vietnamese-inspired dishes. This side dish is creamy, aromatic, and comforting, making it perfect for Thanksgiving.

Vietnamese Sweet Corn Pudding (Chè Bắp)

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a dessert, and Vietnamese sweet corn pudding, or chè bắp, offers a delightful way to end the feast. This creamy, sweet dish is made with fresh corn, coconut milk, and a touch of sugar, creating a comforting dessert at home on the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn kernels
• Coconut milk
• Sugar
• Tapioca pearls
• Pandan leaves (optional for fragrance)

Instructions:

1. Cook the tapioca pearls until translucent, then drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, combine the corn kernels, coconut milk, and sugar, cooking until the corn is tender.
3. Add the cooked tapioca pearls and pandan leaves, if using, and simmer for a few more minutes.
4. Remove the pandan leaves and serve the pudding warm or chilled.

Why It Works: Chè bắp is a sweet, creamy dessert that provides a satisfying conclusion to the Thanksgiving meal. The natural sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the coconut milk’s richness, creating a comforting and unique dessert.

Conclusion: A Fusion of Traditions

Incorporating Vietnamese-inspired side dishes into your Thanksgiving celebration offers a fresh take on the holiday, blending the rich flavours of Vietnam with the comforting classics of Thanksgiving. These dishes bring new flavours to the table and represent the fusion of cultures and traditions at the heart of modern American cuisine. Whether you want to add a twist to your traditional menu or explore new culinary horizons, these Vietnamese-inspired sides will make your Thanksgiving feast memorable and delicious.

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