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vietnamese-rice-bowls-with-avocado-sesame-topping-and-shredded-carrots

Vietnamese Rice Bowls Recipe

These Vietnamese rice bowls are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, featuring crispy caramelized meat, fragrant herb salad, pickled carrots, and spicy mayo over fluffy rice. Every bite bursts with fresh textures and bold umami richness, making this dish both satisfying and incredibly flavorful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course main
Cuisine asian
Servings 6 people
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

Meat Preparation

  • 1½ lb ground chicken or ground pork
  • spicy mayo, for serving
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 4 cups cooked rice, for serving
  • 1 cup shredded or pickled carrots
  • 3 tbsp chili paste
  • ⅓ cup pickled ginger
  • 2 tbsp sesame or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • ½ cup tamari

Cucumber Herb Salad

  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 cup mixed fresh herbs, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 Serrano or jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • 3 tbsp mixed sesame seeds and peanuts

Instructions
 

  • To prepare the salad, mix all the ingredients in a bowl, tossing gently, and season with salt.
    This image shows a bowl of thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with fresh herbs, being tossed together to create a crisp and refreshing salad for Vietnamese rice bowls.
  • For the meat, combine tamari, fish sauce, chili paste, maple syrup, and 1/3 cup water in a bowl, reserving a few tablespoons of sauce for serving if desired.
    This image shows a small bowl of sauce ingredients being whisked together, creating a rich and flavorful dressing for the Vietnamese rice bowls.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the meat, shallots, and garlic, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour in the sauce and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the meat turns crispy.
    This image shows tender pieces of meat in a pan, coated in a flavorful sauce, sizzling and caramelizing to enhance their rich, deep flavor for Vietnamese rice bowls.
  • Then stir in pickled ginger and cook for another minute before removing from heat.
    This image shows a vibrant addition of pickled ginger being placed on top of a Vietnamese rice bowl, adding a tangy and slightly spicy contrast to the dish.
  • To assemble, spoon the crispy meat over bowls of rice, topping with the herb salad.
    This image shows a beautifully assembled Vietnamese rice bowl with rice, caramelized meat, fresh cucumber herb salad, shredded carrots, avocado, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger, creating a visually stunning and delicious meal.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add crushed peanuts or crispy shallots before serving.
  • Use ground chicken, turkey, or tofu as a substitute for the meat.
  • Pickled ginger adds a subtle sweetness and zing, but you can replace it with fresh ginger for a sharper bite.