Living in the US, many Vietnamese people still hope to keep the full flavor of their homeland in every meal. Fortunately, many American ingredients can completely replace local ingredients to create delicious and authentic Vietnamese recipes. With just a little finesse in selecting ingredients and a few small tips, you can recreate dishes rich in Vietnamese cuisine right in your own kitchen.

Here are the ways you can 'transform' American ingredients into authentic, simple, yet hearty Vietnamese dishes.

1. Choosing Suitable American Ingredients for Vietnamese Cooking

Many people think that cooking Vietnamese food in the US is difficult due to a lack of ingredients, but in fact, most ingredients in the US can harmonize with Vietnamese dishes if you know how to choose and adjust them.

Here are some ingredient suggestions for authentic Vietnamese recipes:

1.1 American Pork – Perfect for Braising, Simmering, and Grilling

Pork in the US often has a higher fat content, making it ideal for:

• Thịt kho tàu (Caramelized Pork and Eggs)

• Thịt ram mặn (Salty Simmered Pork)

• Thịt nướng sả (Lemongrass Grilled Pork)

Simply marinate thoroughly with Vietnamese spices, and the dish will have the familiar, authentic flavor.

1.2 American Vegetables – Diverse and Easy to Adapt

Vegetables such as carrots, celery, pumpkin (squash), and potatoes can all be used to cook:

• Canh hầm xương (Bone and Vegetable Soup)

• Bò kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

• Canh gà hầm rau củ (Chicken and Vegetable Stew)

Add a little green onion and Vietnamese fish sauce, and the dish immediately captures the 'essence' of Vietnam.

1.3 Frozen Seafood – Suitable for Soups and Stir-fries

Shrimp, basa fish (catfish), salmon, etc., are all ingredients that are easy to purchase in the US and are perfect for authentic Vietnamese recipes such as:

• Canh chua (Sweet and Sour Fish Soup)

• Cá kho (Caramelized Fish)

• Tôm rim (Simmered Shrimp)

Preparing American Ingredients for Vietnamese Dishes

2. 3 Easy Vietnamese Recipes Using American Ingredients

Here are some dishes that can be cooked quickly, use easily found ingredients, and are perfect for Vietnamese families in the US.

2.1. Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Fish Soup (Canh Chua) – US Edition

Easily Sourced Ingredients: Basa fish fillets (or catfish/tilapia), tomatoes, celery, pineapple, Vietnamese coriander (rau răm), Vietnamese fish sauce (nước mắm).

Cooking Method:

1. Sauté aromatics (shallots/onions) until fragrant, then add tomatoes and stir-fry briefly.

2. Add water and the basa fish to cook through.

3. Add pineapple, celery, seasoning, and Vietnamese fish sauce to enhance the flavor.

4. Before turning off the heat, add Vietnamese coriander (rau răm) or saw-leaf herb (ngò gai).

This version works perfectly with American ingredients while still retaining the complete flavor of the homeland.

Canh Chua Cá Basa (Sweet and Sour Fish Soup) with Authentic Vietnamese Flavor

2.2. Ginger Chicken (Gà Kho Gừng) using American Chicken

American chicken meat is slightly firm, fatty, and perfect for braising (kh) dishes.

Cooking Method:

1. Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces, and marinate with fish sauce, pepper, and ginger.

2. Sauté aromatics (shallots/onions), add the chicken, and stir until the meat firms up.

3. Add coconut water or filtered water and braise until the sauce thickens.

Product Suggestions:

• Foco Coconut Water 350ml

• CT Choice Ly Son Fried Garlic 360g x3

The aroma of ginger blended with Vietnamese fish sauce makes the dish taste exactly like 'Mom's cooking'

Ginger Chicken Braise (Gà Kho Gừng) – Authentic Vietnamese Recipe, Tastes Like Mom's Cooking

2.3. Vietnamese-Style Mixed Vegetable Stir-fry (Rau Củ Xào Thập Cẩm)

Use common and easy-to-buy American vegetables: broccoli, carrots, green beans, and mushrooms.

Cooking Method:

1. Blanch the vegetables briefly to keep them crisp and green.

2. Sauté garlic, then quickly stir-fry the vegetables.

3. Season with Vietnamese fish sauce (nước mắm) and pepper to give the dish the authentic flavor of the homeland.

Buy Now: Anvies Freeze-Dried Green Peppercorns 50g

It looks simple, but this is the true style of a Vietnamese stir-fry: fresh, crisp, and fragrant.

Vietnamese Recipe for Mixed Vegetable Stir-fry, Good for Health

3. Tips for Authentic Vietnamese Flavor Using American Ingredients

To give your dishes a strong Vietnamese flavor, you can apply these small secrets:

• Prioritize Vietnamese Spices: Vietnamese fish sauce (Nước mắm), brown sugar, ground pepper, and shallots are the elements that create the soul of the dish.

• Adjust Saltiness and Sweetness: Vietnamese cuisine favors a gentle sweetness and mild saltiness. When using American ingredients, you only need to reduce the salt slightly and add a little brown sugar to better suit the palate.

• Don't Forget Green Onions and Herbs: Just a small pinch can immediately make the dish "truly Vietnamese."

Turning American Ingredients into Authentic Vietnamese Dishes, "Just Like Mom's Cooking"

4. VeeFood – The Place to Buy Vietnamese Ingredients Quickly, Completely, and Conveniently in the US

The busy life in the US means many people don't have time to go to the market. Therefore, VeeFood is the optimal solution to find enough ingredients for every Vietnamese recipe – from meat, vegetables, seafood, to specific spices like fish sauce (nước mắm), palm sugar, tapioca flour, rice vermicelli (bún gạo), etc.

All ingredients are easy to buy, clearly sourced, of good quality, and delivered right to your home. With just a few clicks, you can prepare everything needed to cook a cozy Vietnamese meal right here in the US.

Even halfway across the world, you can still preserve the full flavor of your homeland in every meal by flexibly combining American ingredients with familiar Vietnamese recipes. With just a little finesse and the right ingredients, your dish will taste delicious, "just like Mom's cooking."

And to make everything even simpler, VeeFood is always ready to accompany you, providing fresh, convenient, and suitable Vietnamese ingredients for every Vietnamese family in the US.