Heat Your Vietnamese Cuisine with Spicy Peanut Sprinkles

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrancy and exotic flavor, where each bite is full of tastes that relish the senses. 

While traditional recipes balance sweet, savory, and umami, there is always room for a twist to elevate your culinary journey. 

Choosing to add spicy Peanut Sprinkles to your Vietnamese cuisines like Pho, Banh mi, Goi Cuon, Bun Thit Nuong, Com Ga Xoi Mo, and Bo Kho will zest up their flavor by infusing a creamy, crunchy and spicy punch.

Read on if you want to elevate the taste of your regular Vietnamese meal.

Peanut and Vietnamese Cuisine

Did you know peanuts are integral to Vietnamese cuisine, weaving a rich history of centuries, where it first arrived via tradesmen?

Nonetheless, peanuts have enhanced the nation’s culinary tapestry for over 300 years. 

Meanwhile, 80% of Vietnamese households add peanuts to daily meals. Some of the Vietnamese iconic peanut-infused dishes are “banh dau xanh” (peanut sticky rice cake) and “goi cuon” (spring rolls). 

This nutty bond adds crunch and symbolizes a flavorful union with Vietnamese heritage.

While peanuts play a versatile role in Vietnamese cuisine, the idea of adding a spicy twist to them is evolving. 

Moreover, they are also becoming popular in dishes ranging from traditional classics to modern interpretations. 

List of Vietnamese Cuisines 

Vietnamese appreciate the balance of flavors and nuttiness in their cuisines. If you are new to it, here are the top popular Vietnamese cuisines to add peanut sprinkles.

• Pho

Pho (pronounced fha) is a beloved Vietnamese soupy rice noodle with aromatic broth topped with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga), herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chilies.

Pho is a year-round favorite but particularly cherished during cooler months. Its warmth and nourishing qualities make it ideal for cold weather.

Moreover, it is a popular choice for family gatherings, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a bowl of heartwarming comfort.

Just throw some peanut sprinkle of your choice over it and gulp to find a unique flavor.

• Banh mi

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich showcasing a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. It is famously eaten at picnics, outdoor events, and casual gatherings.

Traditional banh mi consists of a French baguette with various ingredients, including proteins such as grilled pork, pate, Vietnamese sausage, and fresh vegetables like cilantro, cucumber, pickled daikon, and carrots. 

Sprinkling spicy peanuts at last helps to crunch each bite, whether classic pork Banh Mi or vegetarian.

• Goi Cuon

Goi Cuon is a popular and refreshing dish known as Vietnamese or fresh spring rolls.

It is made with rice paper and contains various fresh ingredients. The typical fillings include shrimp, herbs like mint and cilantro, rice vermicelli, and sometimes pork or other proteins. 

They are served with a dipping sauce, commonly a hoisin-peanut sauce or a nuoc cham dipping sauce.

Vietnamese people love Goi Cuon for its lightness, freshness, and the burst of flavors from the crisp vegetables and herbs. 

You can add spicy peanut sprinkles to the filling to spark enjoyment. 

• Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Noodles)

Bun Thit Nuong is a Vietnamese dish featuring grilled pork (thit nuong) served with vermicelli noodles (bun). 

The dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. 

Grilled pork, marinated with ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, is served over a bed of rice vermicelli. 

Moreover, the garnish with fresh herbs, spicy peanut sprinkles, and a nuoc cham sauce offers a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. 

The heat from the sprinkles complements the grilled pork and the freshness of the vegetables.

• Com Ga Xoi Mo (Sticky Rice with Chicken)

Com Ga Xoi Mo is a Vietnamese comfort dish. 

This flavorful and aromatic dish includes steamed sticky rice and tender shredded chicken. It mainly pairs with crispy fried shallots, scallion oil, and a soy sauce or fish sauce.

The combination of succulent chicken, fragrant sticky rice, and the added richness of the condiments creates a delicious and fulfilling meal.

In addition to that, incorporating Spicy Peanut Sprinkles will be best to elevate the taste of your Com Ga Xoi Mo.

The spicy and savory peanut sprinkles will add depth and flavor.

• Bo Kho (With complete recipe)

Bo Kho is a Vietnamese beef stew known for its rich and flavorful broth, typically consisting of tender beef chunks, carrots, onions, lemongrass, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

The dish is mainly served with crusty French bread or rice noodles, allowing the flavors to meld.

Vietnamese people love Bo Kho for its hearty and aromatic nature. 

The slow cooking process softens the beef, and the combination of spices imparts a depth of flavor to the broth. 

The dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a favorite among many.

Bo Kho Recipe with Spicy Peanut Twist

Incorporating Spicy Peanut Sprinkles into Bo Kho creates a fusion of traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern and exciting twist.

Here are the Primary Ingredients

• Beef (brisket or stew meat) 
• Carrots
• Onions
• Lemongrass
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Star anise
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Sugar
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Beef broth
• Spicy Peanut Sprinkles

Cooking Steps of Bo Kho

1. Marinate the Beef: Season the beef with salt, sugar, ginger, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

1. Sear the Beef: Sear the marinated beef in a pot until it develops a golden crust. This step magnifies the flavor of the meat.
2. Add Aromatics and Broth: Add lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves to the pot. Pour in beef broth, and allow the aromatics to infuse into the broth.
3. Vegetables: Add carrots and onions to the simmering broth. These vegetables will absorb the rich flavors of the stew.
4. Cook Slowly: Let the stew simmer on low heat so the meat can be tender, and the flavors meld together.
5. Adjusting Flavors: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, using fish and soy sauce according to your preference. The broth should balance savory, salty, and slightly sweet.
6. Spicy Peanut Sprinkle Touch-Up: Just before serving, sprinkle Spicy Peanuts over the individual servings. The peanuts will add a delightful crunch, and the spices will introduce an irresistible kick to each bite.

Conclusion

The evolution of adding a spicy kick to this nutty bond signifies a culinary journey that embraces both tradition and innovation. 

From the traditional to the modern, peanuts play a versatile role, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Get Spicy Peanut Sprinkles from FlavorUpSprinkles to brighten the delicacy of your Vietnamese palette.