Vietnamese-style Tapas

Ingredients

While Spanish tapas are typically served with ingredients like chorizo, olives, and cheese, this Vietnamese adaptation incorporates ingredients such as lemongrass, fish sauce, and fresh herbs to create a unique flavor profile. The use of traditional Vietnamese spices and condiments adds a refreshing twist to the concept of tapas. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) pork belly, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) pork belly, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, lemongrass, and red chili. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the pork belly slices to the pan and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pan, add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. 5.
   Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. 6.
   Return the pork belly and shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce.
7. 7.
   Transfer the tapas to a serving plate and garnish with fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork belly — For extra crispy texture, pat the pork belly slices dry with a paper towel before cooking.
• Lemongrass — Use only the tender inner part of the lemongrass stalk for the best flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to mix and match different herbs based on your preference. Vietnamese coriander and perilla leaves are also great options.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a tangy kick, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the tapas before serving.
• For a spicier version, add more red chili or sprinkle some chili flakes on top.
• Serve the tapas with a side of steamed rice or rice noodles for a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a spicy peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce, to enhance the flavors.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the pork belly and shrimp with tofu or mushrooms.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style tapas as an appetizer or as part of a shared meal. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an eye-catching presentation. Encourage your guests to mix and match the tapas with different herbs and dipping sauces to create their own unique flavor combinations.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, use a combination of vibrant herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil to garnish the tapas. Arrange them in an artful manner on the serving plate, creating a colorful and inviting display. Consider using small bamboo skewers to make it easier for guests to pick up the tapas.