Vietnamese Spaghetti Recipe: A Flavorful Fusion of Italian Pasta and Vietnamese Cuisine

Who doesn’t love a fusion dish that brings the best of two worlds together? Vietnamese spaghetti is exactly that—a delightful blend of Italian-inspired pasta and bold Vietnamese flavors. It’s a dish that surprises you with its unique twist while still feeling familiar and comforting.

Vietnamese Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound of ground pork
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of water
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook Spaghetti

Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set it aside. Reserve a small amount of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.

1. Prepare the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring frequently until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

1. Brown the Pork

Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains and the pork is browned, about 5-6 minutes.

1. Build the Sauce

Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Mix well to coat the pork in the flavorful seasonings. Add the diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. Ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.

1. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Vietnamese spaghetti to serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful mix of Italian pasta and bold Vietnamese flavors.

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Ingredients

Here is everything we need to create the flavorful Vietnamese Spaghetti. Gather these ingredients to bring the perfect mix of Italian and Vietnamese tastes to your table.

For The Sauce

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or use half ground pork and half ground beef)
• 1 yellow onion or shallots, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced (or more, based on your preference)
• 28 oz jar of marinara sauce
• 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon to 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon to ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 2-3 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery

For The Spaghetti

• 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Water for boiling
• Salt for boiling water (about 1 tablespoon)

Optional Toppings

• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Crushed peanuts for added crunch
• Lime wedges for squeezing over the dish

Tools And Equipment

To prepare Vietnamese spaghetti, having the right tools and equipment on hand ensures efficiency and ease in the cooking process. Here’s what we’ll need:

Cooking Utensils

• Saucepan: We’ll use this for sautéing garlic, onions, and browning the ground pork. It’s also crucial for simmering the flavorful sauce.
• Skillet or Pan: If a saucepan isn’t available, a large skillet or pan can serve as a versatile alternative for cooking the sauce.
• Colander: Perfect for draining the cooked spaghetti noodles easily without losing any pasta.

Preparation Utensils

• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping vegetables like garlic, onions, or any toppings we’re preparing.
• Chef’s Knife or Paring Knife: These will help us slice, dice, or mince ingredients precisely for the recipe. A sharp knife makes all the difference here.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring tools help us get the ratios just right, particularly for ingredients like fish sauce, olive oil, and seasonings.

By organizing our equipment before we start, we’ll breeze through the preparation and cooking, keeping everything seamless and enjoyable.

Directions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this vibrant Vietnamese spaghetti. Follow along to craft a dish bursting with flavor.

Prep The Ingredients

1. Dice 1 whole white onion, or thinly slice 3 tablespoons of yellow onion.
2. Mince or mash 5 cloves of garlic.
3. Dice 3 shallots and 1½ cups of celery.
4. Chop 1 cup of Thai basil leaves finely.
5. Clean and slice 8 oz of brown button mushrooms, or use straw/Shimeji mushrooms for variety.

Make The Sauce

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions, garlic, and shallots to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 lb of ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) and brown it evenly, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
5. Pour in 25 oz of marinara sauce and stir well.
6. Season with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce, 2-3 teaspoons of Sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix thoroughly.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook The Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add spaghetti (about 12 oz) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti using a colander and toss lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Combine Spaghetti And Sauce

1. Transfer the cooked spaghetti into the saucepan with the simmering sauce.
2. Toss well to coat each strand evenly with the rich, flavorful sauce.
3. Let the spaghetti absorb the sauce for 2-3 minutes over low heat.

Add Toppings

1. Scoop the spaghetti into serving bowls.
2. Top with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
3. Serve with lime wedges on the side to add a zesty kick.

Make-Ahead And Storage Tips

Refrigeration

For those looking to prepare ahead, the meat sauce for our Vietnamese spaghetti can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply cook the meat sauce as described in the recipe, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. If preparing a casserole-style Vietnamese spaghetti, assemble the unbaked casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remember to add around 15 minutes to the baking time if starting from a chilled state.

Freezing

To extend the shelf life or have an easy meal ready for busy days, freezing is an excellent option. For freezing individual servings, divide the cooked pasta and sauce into portion-sized airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Store them flat for efficient storage in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, if you’re freezing the casserole-style dish, assemble it in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover it with two layers of foil for extra protection, and freeze. When it’s time to serve, let the casserole thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

By incorporating these make-ahead and storage tips, we can enjoy the hearty flavors of Vietnamese spaghetti with minimal effort whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

Vietnamese spaghetti brings together the best of two culinary worlds, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. It’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even impressing guests with something a little different.

With its bold flavors, simple preparation, and versatile serving options, this fusion recipe is bound to become a favorite in our kitchens. Let’s grab our forks and enjoy every bite of this delicious twist on tradition!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vietnamese spaghetti?

Vietnamese spaghetti is a fusion dish combining Italian pasta, such as spaghetti, with bold Vietnamese-inspired flavors. It typically features a savory sauce made with ingredients like ground pork, fish sauce, and marinara, garnished with fresh herbs and optional toppings like lime wedges and crushed peanuts for a flavorful twist.

Can I substitute the meat in Vietnamese spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork with other proteins like ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasonings slightly to complement the new protein for best results.

What are the essential ingredients for Vietnamese spaghetti?

Key ingredients include spaghetti, ground pork (or alternative protein), marinara sauce, fish sauce, garlic, onions, chicken stock, and seasonings like black pepper and sugar. Optional toppings like cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and crushed peanuts enhance the dish.

What tools do I need to make Vietnamese spaghetti?

You’ll need a saucepan, skillet, colander, cutting board, knife, and measuring cups/spoons. These tools help with cooking the pasta, preparing the aromatics, and creating the sauce efficiently.

Can I make Vietnamese spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, assemble a casserole-style version of the dish and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I store leftovers of Vietnamese spaghetti?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also freeze individual portions or a casserole-style dish for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven as needed.

Can I customize the flavor of Vietnamese spaghetti?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spices and seasonings, swap marinara for other sauces, or add toppings like chili flakes, lime juice, or extra herbs to suit your taste preferences.

How do I cook spaghetti to pair with the sauce?

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce immediately to coat the pasta evenly and prevent sticking.

Are there vegetarian options for Vietnamese spaghetti?

Yes, you can replace the meat with tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat. Swap fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative to maintain the dish’s savory umami flavor.

What are some serving suggestions for Vietnamese spaghetti?

Serve Vietnamese spaghetti with fresh lime wedges for added zest. You can also garnish with cilantro, green onions, and crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture. Pair it with a simple side salad or French bread for a complete meal.

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