Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes are a perfect way to enjoy fresh, flavorful, and quick-to-make meals. Whether you love grilled, stir-fried, or soupy shrimp dishes, Vietnamese cuisine offers a variety of mouthwatering options packed with savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
From lemongrass-infused shrimp to garlic butter shrimp banh mi, these dishes bring the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami-rich goodness. They are easy to prepare and make for a nutrient-rich, high-protein dinner that fits any diet.
In this roundup, you’ll discover 10 delicious Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Each recipe uses fresh herbs, zesty sauces, and traditional Vietnamese seasonings to elevate your seafood game.
Get ready to explore authentic and fusion-style Vietnamese shrimp dishes that will transform your dinner routine. Try these recipes today and enjoy a fresh, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Prawn Banh Mi
One of the most flavorful Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, Prawn Banh Mi is a delicious fusion of crispy bread, marinated shrimp, and fresh herbs. This popular street food dish brings together sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a must-try for shrimp lovers. The secret lies in the well-marinated shrimp, infused with fish sauce, garlic, lemongrass, and a hint of sugar to create a rich, umami-packed taste. As the shrimp cooks, the caramelized glaze forms, giving each bite a perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness.
The bread is just as important in Prawn Banh Mi, with a light, airy interior and a crackly crust that holds all the flavors together. Traditionally, the sandwich is filled with pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and spicy chili peppers. These fresh ingredients provide a tangy crunch, balancing the richness of the shrimp. A smear of spicy mayo or pâté adds an extra creamy layer, making this sandwich a textural masterpiece.
For a more authentic touch, many variations of Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes use homemade baguettes or gluten-free bread alternatives to suit dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Prawn Banh Mi is a flavorful and nutrient-rich meal that’s easy to prepare. Pair it with a refreshing iced coffee or a bowl of pho, and you have a truly authentic Vietnamese dining experience.
Saigon Noodle Salad
Among the most refreshing Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, Saigon Noodle Salad is a vibrant dish that combines tender shrimp, vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Known for its light yet bold flavors, this salad is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, offering the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet elements. The shrimp is typically grilled or pan-seared after being marinated in garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey, giving it a beautifully caramelized exterior.
The foundation of Saigon Noodle Salad is vermicelli rice noodles, which provide a soft and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the crispness of shredded carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and bean sprouts. Fresh herbs like mint, Thai basil, and cilantro add an extra layer of aroma and freshness, while crushed peanuts and fried shallots bring a satisfying crunch. The dressing—often a mix of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce), lime juice, and a hint of chili—ties everything together with a burst of tangy umami flavor.
What makes this dish stand out in the world of Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes is its versatility and health benefits. It’s a low-calorie, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for warm weather or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, Saigon Noodle Salad is an excellent way to enjoy the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine without feeling too heavy.
Vietnamese Salad Rolls
When it comes to light and healthy Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, Vietnamese Salad Rolls are a go-to option for a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful meal. These rolls, also known as Gỏi Cuốn, are made with rice paper wrappers filled with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and fresh herbs. Unlike fried spring rolls, these are served fresh, making them a low-calorie and nutritious choice packed with protein and fiber.
The key to the perfect Vietnamese Salad Roll is properly cooked shrimp that’s poached until tender and slightly sweet. The shrimp is then sliced in half lengthwise and placed inside a soft, delicate rice paper wrapper along with other ingredients. Fresh herbs like Thai basil, mint, and cilantro enhance the overall flavor, while vermicelli noodles provide a satisfying chewiness. Each roll is carefully wrapped to create a beautifully layered, bite-sized bundle of goodness.
To complete this classic dish, Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes like this one are best enjoyed with a rich peanut dipping sauce or a tangy nuoc cham. The peanut sauce, made from hoisin, peanut butter, garlic, and lime juice, adds a creamy contrast to the fresh and crisp texture of the rolls. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch, Vietnamese Salad Rolls are a delicious and guilt-free way to indulge in authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Vermicelli Noodle Bowl
A staple in Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, the Vermicelli Noodle Bowl (Bún Tôm Nướng) is a flavorful dish that brings together grilled shrimp, vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet dressing. It’s a perfect one-bowl meal that offers the ideal mix of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among those who love light yet satisfying Vietnamese dishes.
The shrimp is marinated in a blend of fish sauce, garlic, honey, and lemongrass before being grilled to perfection, giving it a slightly smoky and caramelized exterior. The vermicelli noodles, soft and slightly chewy, act as the perfect base, soaking up the flavors of the shrimp and nuoc cham dressing. A variety of crisp vegetables, such as shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, and pickled carrots, add freshness, while roasted peanuts and fried shallots provide a crunchy contrast.
What makes this dish stand out in Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes is its customizability. You can easily adjust the level of spice, add extra protein like grilled pork or tofu, or experiment with different herbs. Served warm or at room temperature, the Vermicelli Noodle Bowl is a great option for a quick yet nourishing meal that embodies the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes)
A crispy and savory delight, Banh Xeo is one of the most unique Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, known for its thin, golden turmeric crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The batter, made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, creates a light yet crispy texture that perfectly complements the juicy shrimp and crunchy vegetables inside. When cooked in a hot pan, the batter sizzles, giving the dish its signature crispy edges.
The filling in Banh Xeo is just as flavorful as its exterior. Marinated shrimp, often seasoned with garlic, fish sauce, and black pepper, adds a juicy, umami-packed taste to the dish. The addition of thinly sliced pork and bean sprouts creates a satisfying mix of textures, while fresh herbs like Thai basil, mint, and cilantro bring brightness to every bite. Unlike Western-style crepes, Vietnamese crepes are folded rather than rolled, allowing the crispy edges to remain intact.
To enjoy this dish traditionally, Banh Xeo is served with large lettuce leaves for wrapping and a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce. The contrast between the crispy crepe, soft shrimp, and crunchy vegetables makes it a favorite in Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, offering a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and tangy flavors.
Vietnamese-Style Shrimp Soup
Among the most comforting Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, Vietnamese-style shrimp Soup is a warm, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, fragrant broth, and fresh vegetables. The broth, typically made from shrimp shells, lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, has a rich yet delicate taste that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The addition of tamarind paste or lime juice provides a slightly tangy contrast, making the soup both refreshing and satisfying.
The shrimp in this soup is often lightly poached, allowing it to remain tender and juicy. Shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, and bok choy are commonly added alongside, creating a variety of textures in each spoonful. Some variations include rice noodles or thin vermicelli, turning this into a hearty meal rather than just a starter. A garnish of fresh cilantro, green onions, and fried shallots brings even more layers of flavor.
One reason why this dish stands out among Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes is its versatility. You can make it spicy by adding chili paste, or keep it mild for a comforting, soothing broth-based dish. Whether enjoyed on a cold evening or as a light meal, Vietnamese-style shrimp Soup is an easy, nutrient-rich way to enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Vietnamese Kabocha Squash Soup
A lesser-known yet incredibly delicious option in Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, Vietnamese Kabocha Squash Soup (Canh Bi Do Tom) is a comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp and the velvety texture of kabocha squash. This soup is a favorite in Vietnamese households, offering a perfect balance of creamy and savory elements without being overly heavy.
The broth is made by simmering shrimp shells with onions, garlic, and fish sauce, creating a rich umami base. The kabocha squash, known for its sweet and nutty flavor, is then added and cooked until soft and creamy. The shrimp, which is typically marinated in garlic, black pepper, and a touch of sugar, is gently poached to retain its juicy texture. Some variations of this dish include tofu or glass noodles, adding extra depth to the soup.
What makes this dish stand out among other Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes is its nutrient-dense profile. Kabocha squash is packed with vitamins A and C, making this soup not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Whether served as a light appetizer or a main dish, Vietnamese Kabocha Squash Soup is a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy shrimp in Vietnamese cuisine.
Easy Crispy Vietnamese Shrimp Balls
A fun and flavorful snack, Easy Crispy Vietnamese Shrimp Balls (Bánh Tôm Chiên) are one of the most popular Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes for appetizers or party foods. These bite-sized delights are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory shrimp flavor.
To create the perfect shrimp balls, ground shrimp is mixed with garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and a bit of cornstarch to form a smooth paste. This mixture is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown. The key to getting them extra crispy is the light, airy batter made from rice flour and club soda, which forms a crunchy coating that locks in the juiciness of the shrimp.
Served with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce or a spicy chili mayo, these shrimp balls are a must-try in Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes. They pair well with cold beer and fresh salads or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a more refreshing bite. Their addictive crunch and bold flavor make them a hit at gatherings or as a snack any time of the day.
Vietnamese Coconut-Caramel Shrimp (Tom Rim)
One of the most flavorful Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, Tom Rim is a rich, sweet, and savory dish made with shrimp caramelized in a coconut-sugar glaze. The combination of fish sauce, coconut milk, garlic, and chili creates a deep, umami-packed sauce that clings to the shrimp, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
The shrimp is first pan-seared to develop a slight crispiness and then simmered in a coconut caramel sauce until it absorbs the sweet and savory flavors. The thick, glossy glaze coats the shrimp, giving it a mouthwatering appearance and intensely rich taste. Some variations include black pepper, scallions, or fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Served with steamed jasmine rice, Tom Rim is a comforting and indulgent dish that stands out among Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes. The combination of caramelized sweetness and savory depth makes it a favorite in Vietnamese home cooking, offering a truly authentic taste of Vietnam.
Authentic Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Nem Ran Hay Cha Gio)
When it comes to crispy and delicious Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes, Cha Gio (Vietnamese Spring Rolls) is a top contender. These deep-fried spring rolls are filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, ground pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles, all wrapped in delicate rice paper wrappers and fried until golden brown and crispy.
The key to perfect crispiness is using thin rice paper wrappers and frying at the right temperature. The filling is seasoned with fish sauce, garlic, and black pepper, creating a flavorful contrast to the crunchy exterior. Each roll is served with fresh lettuce leaves, herbs, and a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce, allowing for a fresh and balanced bite every time.
One of the best things about Vietnamese Shrimp Recipes like Cha Gio is their versatility. They can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even part of a party platter. Their crispy texture, bold flavors, and satisfying crunch make them a favorite for any occasion.